Botanical Overview
Schrebera swietenioides belongs to the Oleaceae family. While not among the most extensively documented medicinal plants, this species has recorded uses that warrant attention from researchers and practitioners. The olive family (Oleaceae) includes trees and shrubs with opposite leaves and small, four-petaled flowers that are often fragrant. The fruits are drupes, capsules, or samaras. This family includes olive, ash, jasmine, and lilac, many with medicinal and aromatic uses.
General Description
It prefers dry forests. It is commonly known as weaver’s beam tree. Other names are mala plasu, muskkakavrksam, maggamaram’, manimaram, mushkakavriksham, malamplasu and malamblasu. Flowering season is from February to April.
Family Context
The Oleaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Lian-Jiao — 43 documented uses
- Jasmine — 29 documented uses
- Jasminum sambac — 27 documented uses
- Chinese Privet — 25 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Schrebera swietenioides has been recorded in 6 countries and territories worldwide, including India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and others.
Traditional Uses
Schrebera swietenioides has been traditionally used for digestive health and skin and wound care.
Digestive health.
- Stomachic
For digestive complaints, the herb is typically prepared as a tea or decoction taken before meals. The bitter compounds stimulate digestive secretions and improve nutrient absorption. Some traditions use the powdered root or leaves in small doses as a stomachic tonic.
Skin and wound care.
- Boil
- Burn
For skin conditions, the fresh or dried plant is applied topically as a poultice, wash, or compress. A strong decoction can be used to clean wounds and sores. The antimicrobial properties help prevent infection while promoting tissue repair.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 1 compound in this species: betulinic-acid.