Botanical Overview
Yellow Elder (Tecoma stans) is a flowering plant in the Bignoniaceae family. Traditional medicine systems have documented several valuable applications for this species, supported by its observed therapeutic effects. This species belongs to the Bignoniaceae family, a group of flowering plants.
General Description
Common names include yellow trumpetbush, yellow bells, yellow elder, ginger Thomas. Tecoma stans is the official flower of the United States Virgin Islands and the floral emblem of The Bahamas.
Family Context
The Bignoniaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Jicaro — 15 documented uses
- Indian bean — 7 documented uses
- Spanish oak — 3 documented uses
- Hsin-Pa-Pi — 2 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Yellow Elder has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and others.
Traditional Uses
Yellow Elder has been traditionally used for digestive health, urinary tract health, and pain and inflammation, among other applications.
Digestive health.
- Vermifuge
- Dysentery
- Stomachic
- Ache(Stomach)
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.
Urinary tract health.
- Diuretic
Urinary tract applications typically involve drinking the herb as a mild tea, which increases urine production and helps flush the urinary system. It may be combined with other demulcent herbs to soothe irritated tissues.
Pain and inflammation.
- Pain
For pain and inflammation, preparations are applied both topically as compresses and taken internally. A warm poultice draws blood to the area and promotes healing, while internal preparations address systemic inflammation.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 30 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Flavonoid: antioxidant compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage
- Coumarin: aromatic compounds with anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects
- Sterol: cholesterol-like compounds with anti-inflammatory properties