Dr. Vikram's Blog - Ayurvedic and Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Oroxylum indicum, commonly known as Tetu or the Indian trumpet tree, is a medicinally important plant belonging to the family Bignoniaceae. It is widely distributed across India and Southeast Asia. It has been traditionally used for centuries in indigenous systems of medicine to manage various health conditions, with almost all parts of the plant being therapeutically valuable. It is also known by several synonyms, such as Bignonia indica L. and Calosanthes indica Blume, and regional names including Shyonaka, Sonapatha, Bhatghila, Tona, and Bhut-vriksha. In English, it is sometimes called the Broken Bones Tree or Tree of Damocles due to the appearance of fallen dried plant parts beneath the tree, while in Malaysia it is referred to as “Midnight Horror” because its nocturnal flowers emit a strong odour that attracts bats for pollination.

Classical References Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Bhavprakash Nighantu Guduchyadi varga
Raj Nighantu Prabhadradi varga

Scientific Classification Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Bignoniaceae
Genus: Oroxylum
Species: indicum

Synonym Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Tuntuka: Refers to the bell-shaped flowers of the plant.
Prithu Shimba: Indicates the flat, long fruits or pods.
Ari Simbi: Suggests sword-like pods resembling a sharp weapon.
Katvanga: Means a long staff or club, referring to the elongated fruit shape.
Kutannata: Implies a slightly bent or curved structure of the plant parts.
Dirghavrnk: Means having long stalks or elongated pedicels.
Mandukaparna: Suggests leaves resembling a frog’s shape or spread.
Sukanasa: Indicates a beak-like structure, often referring to flower or fruit shape.
Bhalluka: Associated with roughness or sturdiness, likened to a bear.
Mayurajangha: Means peacock-leg shaped, referring to the plant’s elegant form or structure.

Vernacular Names Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

English Names: Broken Bones Tree, Indian Trumpet Flower, Midnight Horror, Oroxylum, Kampong
Hindi: Aralu, Shyonaka, Sonapatha (“Sona” = gold, referring to golden-yellow inner bark)
Bengali: Tona, Sona, Shona
Sanskrit: Bhut-vriksha, Dirghavrinta, Kutannat, Manduk (flower), Patrorna, Putivriksha, Shallaka, Shuran, Son, Vatuk
Assamese: Bhatghila
Tamil: Cori-konnai, Palai-y-utaicci, Putapuspam (flower), Addi
Telugu: Manduka-parnamu, Pampena, Dundilam, Pampini, Suka-nasamu
Kannada: Tattuna, Tiguda, Tigadu Mara, Tigda
Malayalam: Palaqapayyani, Ashrppathiri, Vellappathiri, Palagapaimani
Marathi & Gujarati: Tayitu, Tetu, Tentu
Oriya: Archangkawm, Phanphania, Tatelo
Nepalese: Tatelo
Sri Lankan: Totila, Thotil
Chinese (Hanyu Pinyin): Mù Húdié (Butterfly Tree)

Habitat Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Oroxylum indicum is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical Asian regions, including India, Bhutan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nepal, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan. It commonly grows in forested areas, open woodlands, and riverbanks, particularly in the Himalayan foothills up to an altitude of about 1000–1200 meters. The plant is also found in protected forest ecosystems such as Manas National Park in Assam, India, thriving in warm climates with well-drained soils.

Morphology Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Oroxylum indicum is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, usually growing about 8–15 m tall, with branches mainly at the top. The bark is light greyish-brown, soft, spongy, and marked with corky lenticels, often exuding greenish sap. Leaves are large, pinnately compound, typically 2–3 pinnate with opposite pinnae, and consist of 2–4 pairs of ovate or elliptic leaflets that are smooth, acuminate, and sometimes cordate at the base. The tree bears numerous large, foul-smelling flowers in erect racemes; they are reddish-purple outside and pale pinkish-yellow inside, helping attract pollinators. Fruits are long, flat, woody, sword-shaped capsules (up to 30–60 cm long) that hang from bare branches, containing many round, thin seeds with broad papery wings. Flowering generally occurs from August to February, depending on climatic conditions.

Varieties Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Although Raj Nighantu describes two varieties of this plant, it does not mention any difference in their properties. Modern research suggests that the name “Aralu” should be identified with Ailanthus excelsa Roxb., which may be considered a variety of Shyonaka as described in Raj Nighantu. Some scholars also refer to Ailanthus excelsa as Mahanimba. The synonyms Dirghavrinta and Katvanga are considered appropriate for Aralu, while Kutanata, Tintuka, and Bhalluka are regarded as synonyms of Shyonaka.

Classical Categorisation Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

According to Charaka Samhita: Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory herbs), Anuvasnopaga (Herbs used for Anuvasan Basti), Sheeta Prashamana (herbs that subsides cold and cough)
According to Vagabhata: Rodhradi, Viratavadi Varga
According to Sushruta Samhita: Rodhradi, Viratavadi, Brihat Panchmoola Varga
According to Bhavprakash Nighantu: Guduchyadi varga
According to Raj Nighantu: Prabhadradi varga
According to Dhanwantari Nighantu: Guduchyadi Varga

Ancient Verse Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

श्योनाकः शोषणश्च स्यान्नटकट्वङ्गटुण्टुकाः ।
मण्डूकपर्णपत्रोर्णशुकनासकुटन्नटाः ॥२५॥
दीर्घवृन्तोऽरलुश्चापि पृथुशिम्बः कटम्भरः ।
श्योनाको दीपनः पाके कटुकस्तुवरो हिमः ।
ग्राही तिक्तोऽनिलश्लेष्मपित्तकासप्रणाशनः ॥२६॥ (Bhavprakash Nighantu Guduchyadi varga 25-26)

According to the above shloka, the synonyms of Shyonak are Shoshana, Nata, Katvanga, Tuntuka, Mandukaparna, Patrorna, Shukanasa, Kutannata, Dirghavrinta, Aralu, Prithushimba, and Katambhara, which are Sanskrit names associated with Sonapatha. It is known for stimulating digestion (Agnideepak), having a pungent taste after digestion, and astringent as well as bitter taste overall. It possesses cooling potency (Sheet Virya) and helps in binding stools. Traditionally, it is considered beneficial in balancing Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas and is also useful in managing cough (Kasa).

टुण्डुकस्य फलं बालं रूक्षं वातकफापहम् ॥
हृद्यं कषायं मधुरं रोचनं लघु दीपनम् ।
गुल्मार्शःकृमिहृत् प्रौढं गुरु वातप्रकोपणम् ॥ (Bhavprakash Nighantu Guduchyadi varga 27-28)

According to the above shloka, the tender fruit of Sonapatha is dry in nature, helpful in reducing Vata and Kapha, beneficial for the heart, and possesses astringent and mildly sweet taste. It is light to digest, improves appetite (Agnideepak), and is traditionally used in conditions like abdominal lumps (Gulma), piles, and worm infestations. In contrast, the mature fruit is considered heavy to digest and may aggravate Vata dosha.

श्लोनाकयुगलं तिक्तं शीतलं च त्रिदोषजित् ।
पित्तश्लेष्मातिसारघ्नं सन्निपातज्वरापहम् ।। ३० ।।
टेण्टुफलं कटूष्णञ्च कफवातहरं लघु ।
दीपनं पाचनं हृद्यं रुचिकृल्लवणाम्लकम् ।। ३१।। (Raj Nighantu Prabhadradi varga 30-31)

According to the above shloka, both varieties of Shyonak are described as tikta (bitter) in taste and Sheet (cooling) in potency, and are believed to help balance the three dosha (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). They are traditionally used in managing atisara (diarrhoea) and disorders related to pitta (heat-related imbalance) and kapha (phlegm or mucus-related imbalance), and are also considered useful in sannipata jwara (fever involving imbalance of all three doshas). The fruit known as Tentuphala (fruit of Shyonak) is katu (pungent), Ushna (hot in potency), and laghu (light to digest). It is regarded as beneficial for kaphaja (kapha-related) and vataja (vata-related) conditions, supports digestion as a deepana (digestive stimulant), improves taste perception, acts as a cardiotonic (heart-supportive agent), and is also described as having lavana (saltish) and amla (sour) taste characteristics.

श्योनाकः शुकनासश्च कट्वङ्गोऽथ कटंभरः ।
मयूरजंघोऽरलुकः प्रियजीवः कुटंनटः ॥
स प्रोक्तः पृथुशिम्बश्च टिण्टुको दीर्घवृन्तकः ।
भल्लूकः शिल्लको फल्गुवृन्ताको जम्बुको मतः ॥
टिण्टुकः शिशिरस्तिक्तो वस्तिरोगहरः परः ।
पित्तश्लेष्मामवातातीसारकासारुचीर्जयेत् ॥ (Dhanwantari Nighantu Guduchyadi varga 111-113)

According to the above shloka, the plant is known by several synonyms, including Shuknasa, Katvanga, Kanibhara, Mayujangha, Arluka, Priyajiva, Kutannata, Prthusimba, Tintuka, Dirghavrintaka, Bhalluka, Shillaka, Phalguvrintaka, and Jambuka. It is traditionally described as having a cooling potency and bitter taste, and is valued for its therapeutic properties. It is commonly used to support urinary bladder health, improve digestion, manage diarrhoea, relieve cough, and stimulate appetite in cases of anorexia. Additionally, it is considered beneficial in balancing Pitta and Kapha doshas in traditional medicinal systems.

Ayurvedic Properties Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Taste (Rasa)- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
Potency (Veerya )- Cold Potency (Sheet)
Post-digestion effect (Vipaka)- Katu (Pungent)
Effect on tridosha– Balance Pitta and Kapha dosha

Therapeutic Indications Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Root

Vastiroga Hara – considered beneficial for managing urinary tract disorders.
Amavata – traditionally used in rheumatoid arthritis conditions.
Atisara – helpful in managing diarrhoea.
Aruchi Hara – supports improvement in appetite and anorexia.
Deepana – helps enhance digestive strength.
Grahi – possesses absorbent properties, useful in IBS-like conditions.
Kasa – beneficial for cold and cough.
Sannipata Jwara – traditionally used in fever involving imbalance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.

Sonapatha Fruit

Unripe Fruit – dry (Rooksha) in nature and helps balance Vata and Kapha.
Hrudya – considered supportive for heart health.
Rochana – helps improve taste perception and appetite.
Laghu – light and easy to digest.
Deepana – enhances digestive fire.
Useful for skin health and traditionally applied for wound cleansing.
Believed to help purify blood and support gynaecological health.
Also considered supportive in certain childhood psychological conditions.

Systemic Actions Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

External Uses - traditionally used to reduce fever, relieve pain, heal wounds, and ease joint pain and inflammation.

Internal Uses

Nervous System – helpful in pain associated with aggravated Vata dosha.
Digestive System – acts as a carminative, digestive, absorbent, anthelmintic, and antimicrobial; useful in loss of appetite and diarrhoea.
Circulatory System – traditionally indicated in oedema (swelling).
Excretory System – Mutrajanana (promotes urine production); useful in urinary tract inflammation.
Respiratory System – helps pacify Kapha dosha; beneficial in cough and respiratory disorders.
Skin – promotes sweating and may be applied with castor oil for skin support.
Tapakrama – traditionally used in fever (Sannipata Jwara).
Satmikarana – supports body strength, vitality, and immunity.

Chemical Composition Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Baicalein – 5,6,7-Trihydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (C15H10O5)
Chrysin – 5,7-Dihydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (C15H10O4)
Oroxylin A – 5,7-Dihydroxy-6-methoxy flavone (C16H12O5)
Scutellarein – 5,6,7,4'-Tetrahydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (C15H10O6)
Ellagic acid – 2,3,7,8-Tetrahydroxy-[1]-benzopyrano[5,4,3-cde][1]benzopyran-5,10-dione (C14H6O8)
Biochanin A – 5,7-Dihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone (C16H12O5)
Pinocembrin – 5,7-Dihydroxy-2-phenylflavanone (C15H12O4)
Pinobanksin – 3,5,7-Trihydroxyflavanone (C15H12O5)
Oroxin B – Baicalein-7-O-diglucoside (C26H28O15)
Chrysin derivatives – e.g., Chrysin-7-O-glucuronide, Chrysin-6-C-β-D-glucopyranosyl-8-C-α-L-arabinopyranoside (C22H20O10, C26H28O13)
Scutellarein derivatives – e.g., Scutellarein-7-O-glucopyranoside (C21H20O11)
Baicalein derivatives – e.g., Baicalein-7-O-glucoside, Baicalein-7-O-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1→3)[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (C21H20O9, C32H37O21)
Ursolic acid – [(3β)-3-Hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid] (C30H48O3)
Lupeol – Triterpenoid (C30H50O)
2α-Hydroxy-lupeol – (C30H50O2)
β-Sitosterol – Phytosterol (C29H50O)
Aloe-emodin – Anthraquinone derivative
Anthraquinones
Ellagic acid derivatives – Polyphenols
Tannins – Polyphenolic compounds
Sitosterol – Phytosterol
Oroxoloside methyl ester – Flavone glycoside (C23H27O11)
Echinulin – Indole alkaloid (C29H39N3O2)
Adenosine – Nucleoside (C10H13N5O4)
Dimethyl sulfone (MSM) – C2H6O2S
Tetuin – Flavonoid glycoside
Non-drying bright yellow oil – Seed constituent

Actions And Properties Of Various Chemical Constituents Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Anti-Diarrheal Activity

Oroxylum indicum, commonly known as Shona or Sonapatha, exhibits strong antidiarrheal, astringent, and stomachic effects mainly due to its rich content of flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds present in the stem bark, root bark, and fruits. The key constituents such as baicalein, chrysin, and oroxylin A provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and antimicrobial actions, which help control diarrhoea. Tannins form a protective layer over the intestinal lining, reducing irritation and fluid loss, while ellagic acid and scutellarein enhance anti-inflammatory activity. The plant’s bark extracts, especially methanolic and ethanolic preparations, act by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, decreasing intestinal motility, and limiting fluid accumulation in the gut (anti-enteropooling effect). Together, these mechanisms soothe the intestinal mucosa, reduce gut inflammation, and restore normal digestive function, making Oroxylum indicum effective in managing diarrhoea naturally.

Anti-Arthritic Activity

Oroxylum indicum (Sonapatha) shows potent anti-arthritic effects in managing Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), mainly due to its high content of flavones such as baicalein, chrysin, and oroxylin A, along with other phenolic compounds, especially in the root bark. Baicalein acts as a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, suppressing inflammatory mediators like TNF-α\alphaα, IL-1β\betaβ, IL-6, and COX-2. Oroxylin A inhibits cytokine production through the calcium–STAT pathway and blocks 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), reducing chronic joint inflammation, while chrysin contributes to alleviating joint stiffness and swelling. Ellagic acid enhances the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The root bark extracts stabilise lysosomal membranes, lowering connective tissue-degrading enzymes, and boost antioxidant defences by increasing catalase and glutathione while reducing lipid peroxidation. Additionally, prostaglandin inhibition helps decrease joint swelling and pain, collectively protecting cartilage, reducing oxidative stress, and improving joint function in RA.

For Respiratory Issues

Oroxylum indicum (Shyonaka or Sonapatha) is effective in managing respiratory issues such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic coughs due to its high content of flavonoids, particularly in the seeds, stem bark, and fruit pods. Key compounds like baicalein, chrysin, and oroxylin A exhibit strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-allergic effects by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). Scutellarein, oroxindin, and flavonoid glycosides like baicalein-7-O-gentiobioside and oroxin A/B enhance respiratory protection by reducing airway inflammation and supporting immune defence. Ellagic acid, phlobatannins, and phenols contribute antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, helping prevent lung tissue damage and infections. The fruit acts as an expectorant, clearing mucus and easing breathing, while the combined antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant mechanisms help protect the respiratory tract and alleviate symptoms naturally.

Anti-Diabetic Activity

Oroxylum indicum (Sonapatha or Indian Trumpet Tree) exhibits significant antidiabetic effects primarily due to its high flavonoid content, with Oroxin A (baicalein-7-O-glucoside) being the key bioactive compound in the seeds. Oroxin A helps manage diabetes by inhibiting α-glucosidase, which slows carbohydrate breakdown and reduces post-meal blood sugar spikes, while also activating PPARγ to improve insulin sensitivity. It further supports lipid metabolism by lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels through inhibition of SREBP1/SREBP2 and increasing AMPK phosphorylation, reducing hepatic lipid synthesis. Other flavonoids like baicalein and chrysin, along with tannins and polar flavonoids in the bark and fruits, provide strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, protecting against oxidative stress and diabetes-related complications such as nephropathy. Seed compounds, including oroxindin, oroxylin B, and oroxin B enhance these antidiabetic, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic activities. Overall, Oroxylum indicum lowers blood glucose, improves lipid profiles, reduces oxidative damage, and supports long-term metabolic health in diabetes.

Hepatoprotective Activity

Oroxylum indicum demonstrates strong hepatoprotective (liver-protective) effects due to its rich content of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds present in the root bark, stem bark, and seeds. Key active constituents such as baicalein, oroxylin A, oroxin B, chrysin, and ellagic acid help reduce liver toxicity by preventing lipid peroxidation, lowering malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and protecting cell membranes. Baicalein and chrysin provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support, while oroxin B specifically helps manage fatty liver by inhibiting lipid accumulation, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the intestinal barrier. These compounds restore antioxidant enzymes like SOD, catalase, and glutathione, counteracting oxidative stress, and suppress inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB, reducing TNF-α and IL-6. Collectively, these actions lower elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), prevent liver cell damage, and support overall liver health, making Oroxylum indicum effective in managing various hepatic disorders.

Practical Uses / Health Benefits Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Inflammatory & Vata Disorders (Amavata): Give 30 ml decoction of Shyonaka root with dry ginger (1:10) three times daily; can add opium to powder if needed.
Joint Swelling & Pain: Apply warm Shyonaka decoction over affected joints to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Diarrhoea (Atisara): Give juice from Puta-cooked Shyonaka bark paste with Padmakesar and honey.
Ear Disorders (Karnasrava & Karnashool): Apply medicated oil prepared from Shyonaka bark regularly for relief.
Epilepsy (Apasmara): Administer 2 gms of powdered Shyonaka bark with milk.
Ear Pain (Karnamool Shotha): Grind the seeds of Shyonaka and Irimed and apply on the base of the ear, and its juice can also be used for internal administration.

Parts Used Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Root bark
Leaves
Stem
Fruits

Dosage Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Bark Powder- 1-2 gms with Trikatu

Classical Products Of Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Amritarisht
Dashmularisht
Dhanwanthram Thailam
Rasnadi Thailam
Prabhanjanam Kuzhambu
Mahanarayan Thailam
Prabhanjanam Kuzhambu
Rasnadi Thailam

Planet Ayurveda Products With Oroxylum Indicum Vent./ Shyonak/ Sona Patha

Conclusion

Oroxylum indicum, commonly known as Shyonak or Sona Patha, is a valuable medicinal plant in Ayurveda with a wide spectrum of therapeutic applications. Its rich content of flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds contributes to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antidiarrheal, respiratory, and anti-arthritic activities. Various parts of the plant—including the root bark, stem bark, seeds, fruits, and leaves—are used in different formulations to manage conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, liver disorders, respiratory ailments, diarrhoea, epilepsy, and joint pain. Oroxylum indicum is considered effective both internally (as decoctions, powders, and extracts) and externally (as oils and pastes) due to its multi-targeted actions, including modulation of inflammatory pathways, antioxidant defence, antimicrobial activity, and metabolic regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. What are the uses of Oroxylum indicum?

It is used in Ayurveda for managing arthritis, diabetes, liver disorders, respiratory issues, diarrhoea, joint pain, and epilepsy.

2. What is the Hindi name of Oroxylum indicum?

The Hindi name is Sonapatha or Aralu.

3. What are the common names of Oroxylum indicum?

Common names include Shyonak, Sona Patha, Indian Trumpet Tree, Broken Bones Tree, and Midnight Horror.

4. What are the benefits of Oroxylum indicum?

It provides anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antidiarrheal, respiratory, and anti-arthritic benefits.

5. What is the English name of Oroxylum indicum?

The English names are Indian Trumpet Tree, Broken Bones Tree, Midnight Horror, and Oroxylum.