Shakotaka (Streblus asper) – Uses, Remedies, Research, Side Effects

By Dr Renita D’souza
Shakotaka (Streblus asper) is a traditional medicinal plant known by the name shakhota in Ayurveda. It is used traditionally in the treatment of bleeding disorder, diarrhea, filariasis, fever etc. Its branches are used as toothbrushes.

Introduction

The leaf extract has insecticidal activity toward mosquito larvae. Milky latex possesses antiseptic and astringent properties. It is said that the milky juice of the plant when mixed in goat milk condenses the milk.

Botanical Name – Streblus asper
Family – Moraceae (Vata kula)

Medicinal Qualities
Taste – Bitter (tiktha)
Virya (potency) – hot (ushna)

Traditional Uses of Shakothaka
Rakthapitta – bleeding diseases
Arsha – piles
Atisara – diarrhoea

Effects on Tridosha
It balances Vata and Kapha dosha
Increases pitta dosha

Morphology

Streblus asper is a tree growing up to 6 to 10 meters in height. Leaves are simple, elliptic-obovate, denticulate. Flowers are yellowish green. Fruits are globose drupe, yellow colour possessing a small seed.

Traditional Remedies of Sihor

• Decoction of the bark is used to treat fever, diarrhea and dysentery.
• Decoction of bark along with cow urine is used in filariasis.
• Its roots are used for external application in the treatment of chronic wounds and fistula.
• Its latex is used locally to heal cracked heels and palms.
• Branch of shakotaka is used as a toothbrush. It strengthens gums and teeth.
• Roots are applied locally over ulcers and sinuses. It is also used as an antidote to snakebite.

Part Used
Bark, Milky latex, Roots

Distribution, synonyms, medicines, side effects

Distribution of Streblus asper
It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand.

Sanskrit Synonyms
Shakhota, Pitaphalaka, Bhutavasa
Kharachadah, Bhuvriksha
Gavakshi, Yukavasi, Bhurjapatra

Names in different languages
English Name – Siamese rough bush, SandPaper Tree, Serut, Toothbrush tree
Hindi Name – Sahora, Sihod, Sihor, Siora, Karchanna, Rusa, Daheya
Bengali Name – Sheoda, Sheora
Marathi Name – sahoda, karvathi, poi, karera, kharoli, kharota, sahor
Gujarati Name – Sahoda
Telugu Name – Bharinike chettu, baranika, baranki, barinika
Tamil Name – Pire, kurripila, kuttippirai, parayan, pasuna
Kannada Name – Aakhoda, Ponnolige, Mittle Mara, Punje
Malayalam Name – Pirayan, Pirai, Paravamaram, Paruva
Punjabi Name – Shebda, Jindi, Dahya

Ayurvedic medicine with Shakothaka as ingredient
Mishraka Sneha – It is an Ayurvedic herbal ghee form medicine used for preparatory procedure for Panchakarma and also as medicine in the treatment of abscess, Vata diseases etc.
Maha Manjishtadi Kashayam – It is used in the treatment of skin diseases, gout, syphilis, non healing wounds etc.

Side Effects of Sihoda
There are no recorded side effects.
However, high oral dosage can cause constipation due to its astringent property. Due to its pungent and hot potency it can cause stomach irritation and better to avoid in pregnancy and lactation period.

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Research

A review article about chemical, pharmacological and ethnomedicinal properties of shakotaka plant. (read here)

Anti-inflammatory Activity – A research study done to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Streblusasper leaf ethanolic extract (SAE) have proved the molecular effects of Stre-blus asper as a potential anti-inflammatory agent.

Classical categorisation
Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Vatadi Varga
Raja Nighantu – Prabhadradi Varga
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Sthanika Karma (Systemic Action)

 External Application: Bark is Anti inflammatory and has wound healing property, its powder is applied on wounds. Seed has styptic action and is also indicated in leucoderma. Along with milk it is used to prevent bleeding.

Internal administration-
Nervous system – Root powder is indicated in Epilepsy.
Digestive System – Absorbent, facilitates normal movement of doshas. Bark decoction is indicated in Hemorrhoids, Diarrhea, and dysentery
Circulatory System – Bark decoction is indicated in Elephantiasis
Satmikarana – Ant poisonous, indicated in obesity.
Tapakrama – Indicated in fever