Pithraj tree, Aphanamixis tree

HERBAL GARDEN

रोहितक भेद (Rohitaka-bhed)

Classification

Synoyms

Rohitaka-bheda, Rohita-vriksha, Pithrajah, Rohitapatra

Habit

A large evergreen tree reaching up to 25–30 meters in height, with a straight bole and spreading crown.

Habitat

Found in tropical and subtropical forests of India, particularly in the Eastern Ghats, Assam, Bengal, Odisha, and the Western Ghats. Also distributed in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Malaysia.

Morphology

Stem/Bark: Greyish-brown, rough, exuding yellowish resin when cut.
Leaves: Pinnate, alternate, 30–60 cm long with 8–14 pairs of lanceolate leaflets.
Flowers: Small, white or cream-colored, in long terminal panicles (polystachya = many spikes).
Fruits: Capsule, round or ovoid, splitting to reveal red seeds.
Seeds: Bright red, oily, enclosed in fleshy aril.

Chemical Composition

Triterpenoids: Rohitukine (key bioactive compound), amooranin, amoorastin
Limonoids: Aphanamolide, epoxyazadiradione
Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol
Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, essential oils, and fixed oils

Guna-Karma

Rasa- Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
Guna- Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
Virya- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka- Katu (Pungent)
Karma- Deepana (Appetizer), Pachana (Digestive), Raktashodhaka (Blood purifier), Krimighna (Anthelmintic), Jvaraghna (Antipyretic), Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory), Yakrituttejaka (Liver stimulant).
Doshakarma- Pacifies Kapha and Pitta doshas.

Medicinal uses

Used in liver and spleen disorders (Yakrit-Pliha Roga).
Effective in jaundice, anemia, and skin diseases.
Used in fever, worms, and loss of appetite.
Seed oil applied externally for eczema, ulcers, and rheumatism.
Bark decoction used in leucorrhea, dyspepsia, and chronic fevers.
Acts as a blood purifier and mild laxative.

Useful Part

Bark, Leaves, Seeds, Seed oil

Doses

Churna (Powder): 3–6 g
Kwatha (Decoction): 40–80 ml
Seed oil (external use): As needed for massage or application

Important Formulation

Rohitakarishta (also prepared from Rohitaka-bhed bark as a substitute)
Rohitakadi Kwatha
Pithraj Taila (used in rheumatism and skin ailments)

Shloka

रोहितकः पित्तकफहरो रक्तपित्तविनाशनः।
यकृत्प्लीहविकारघ्नो रक्तशुद्धिकरः स्मृतः॥

Hindi Name

रोहितक भेद, पीत रोहितक, अमलतास रोहितक

English Name