ENCYCLOPEDIC SCANNING OF GAMBHARI (GMELINA ARBOREA LINN.)

Abstract

Gambhari (Gmelina arborea Linn.) is one of the most useful classical medicinal plants. It is a fast growing deciduous tree
occurring naturally throughout greater part of India at altitudes up to 1,500 meters. It is a drug of potential importance
predominantly used for Shayvathuhar karma and also Rasayana therapy. It is a part of many important formulations like
Chayawanprash, Brahmrasayana etc. It is also included in Agraya dravyas of Charaka. Root bark of Gambhari is one of
the ten ingredients of Dashmula and in particular Brihatpanchmula. Dashmulrishta is one of those Ayurvedic formulations
which is most commonly used in India. Not only root bark other useful parts of Gambhari are fruits, leaves, flowers and
stem bark, seeds and petioles. It has been indicated for external as well internal use in Shyavathu, Pravahika, Masurika,
Vrana, Sarpa visha, Parikartika, Raktapitta etc. in Ayurvedic clasics. Gambhari is a drug of high ethno-medicinal
importance and had been in use by tribal people in piles, hair problems, decreased sperm count, stomach disorders, septic
wounds, vomiting, diarrhea, gonorrhea, snakebite etc. Modern researches prove it to be Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant,
Anti-pyretic, Anti-microbial, cardioprotective, Anti-helminthic, immunity enhancer, Anti-diabetic and gastroprotective. All
Ayurvedic classics have elaborately described Gambhari in terms of its synonyms, properties, therapeutic actions etc.
which are of immense importance to research community. Hence, an effort has been made to bring down literature related
to Gambhari under one roof to help researchers in their work.