Hijal
Barringtonia acutangula · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (16 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Hijal, scientifically known as Barringtonia acutangula, is a majestic deciduous tree native to the wetlands of South Asia. Renowned for its striking red flowers and unique architectural form, this species plays a vital role in riparian ecosystems and possesses significant medicinal properties used in traditional healing practices.
Names
Common Names
- freshwater mangrove
- itchytree
- mango-pine
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- manglar de agua dulce
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Barringtonia acutangulaSynonyms
- Caryophyllus acutangulus
- Michelia acutangula
- Butonica acutangula
- Eugenia acutangula
- Huttum acutangulum
- Stravadium acutangulum
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Barringtonia acutangula, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Ericales. Furthermore, it is a member of the Lecythidaceae family and falls under the genus Barringtonia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Lecythidaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Barringtonia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across parts of Western Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. Within the Western Asian region, it can be specifically found growing in Afghanistan. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the Indian Subcontinent, spanning multiple countries. Specifically, it inhabits various areas within India, Bangladesh, and the state of Assam. Additionally, the species extends its range into the neighboring territory of Pakistan.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western Asia | Afghanistan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Pakistan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Laos | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Barringtonia acutangula, possesses various components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The leaf of the plant is frequently employed in traditional medicine, often used in decoctions or poultices to treat skin ailments and inflammatory conditions. Additionally, the bark is highly valued for its medicinal potency, commonly prepared to address issues such as digestive disturbances, fever, or as a treatment for wound healing due to its astringent qualities.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| bark | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | International journal of Ayurveda research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Barringtonia acutangula has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Barrinic acid, Gallic acid, Glycosides, Ilexsaponin A1, Steroids.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Barrinic acid | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gallic acid | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Glycosides | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ilexsaponin A1 | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Steroids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tanginol | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tannins | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Terpenes | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pyrogallol | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Barrinic acid
- International journal of Ayurveda research
Gallic acid
- Natural product research
Glycosides
- International journal of Ayurveda research
Ilexsaponin A1
- Natural product research
Steroids
- International journal of Ayurveda research
Tanginol
- International journal of Ayurveda research
Tannins
- International journal of Ayurveda research
Terpenes
- International journal of Ayurveda research
pyrogallol
- Natural product research
Activities
Barringtonia acutangula has 3 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Nephroprotective.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | Natural product research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | Natural product research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Nephroprotective | Pharmacognosy research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| powdered leaves | International journal of Ayurveda research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| water extract of the bark of Barringtonia acutangula | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |