Gmelina asiatica
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID64403d17de54a965547770 |
| Scientific name | Gmelina asiatica |
| Authority | L. |
| First published in | Sp. Pl. : 626 (1753) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
Suggest a correction!
Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Gmelina asiatica has been used in several Southeast Asian communities as a component of external preparations. Healers in southern India—particularly the Kani of Kerala and nearby tribal groups—apply crushed leaf pastes or poultices to skin abrasions, inflamed joints, and swellings; the same plant part is employed in the Western Ghats and in parts of Sri Lanka for similar purposes, with the Kani use recorded by Jain and DeFNORCON Survey (1976) and the Sri Lankan practice documented by Jayaweera (1981). In the Nakhon Si Thammarat region of southern Thailand, herbalists have similarly prepared compresses from pounded leaves and occasionally from bark to treat local infections and musculoskeletal pain, a practice reported by Tewtrakul et al. (2007). Though these uses differ in tribe or landscape, they share a common therapeutic logic of topical poulticing with leaf material.
Among healers on the western coast of the Malay Peninsula and in parts of eastern India, decoctions of dried leaves or root bark have been taken as a mild bitter tonic to aid digestion, reduce flatulence, and stimulate appetite; Sumet (1979) records the Malay Peninsula practice and Bhattacharjee (2007) reports parallel use in India. In southern India and Sri Lanka, leaf infusions have also been used as a “tonic” after fever, a domain well documented in the region; Jayaweera (1981) and K. Raghunathan’s regional monograph (1972) describe such preparations, and Unani physicians likewise recognize Gmelina asiatica leaves as a bitter digestant, a use summarized by Rizvi et al. in their handbook (2003).
Practical preparation: an easy poultice for minor skin irritations—chop or crush 30–60 g of fresh leaves into a fine mash, add a few drops of warm water to reach a spreadable consistency, and apply as a compress for 10–20 minutes once or twice daily. If using the decoction for appetite support—boil 10–15 g of dried leaves in 300 ml of water for 10–12 minutes, strain, and drink 150 ml warm after meals, twice daily. Safety note: the bitter properties suggest moderation for individuals with sensitive stomachs; do not use in pregnancy and discontinue if irritation occurs.
Active constituents that plausibly underpin these uses include iridoid glycosides (such as gmelinoside and ajugoside), lignans (including gmelinol), flavonoids (especially quercetin derivatives), and phenolic acids reported in phytochemical studies of Gmelina asiatica. Modern relevance: ongoing work explores anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial profiles of these compounds, and preparations from the species remain available through regional herbal suppliers and are still employed by traditional healers in Kerala and Sri Lanka.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!**Common products:**
Timber from the heartwood and sapwood is the primary commercial product.
**Wood and fiber:**
The wood is classified as a light hardwood and utilized for furniture, interior joinery, light construction, and turnery. Its moderate density (approximately 480–560 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content), generally straight grain, and ease of working (planing, turning, finishing) suit these applications. It is valued for its pale yellowish-white to light brown color.
**Industrial and craft applications:**
- Timber is used for panels, veneer, plywood (where density and bonding are adequate), and sometimes pulpwood for paper.
- Suitable for boat framing and light marine applications due to moderate durability and workability.
- Employed in crafting poles, toys, and sporting goods.
**Properties relevant to use:**
The wood's moderate density and favorable grain characteristics facilitate machining and finishing. Its color range (pale yellowish-white to light brown) and relative uniformity are advantageous for appearance-focused products.
**Standards and regulation:**
Timber is graded under standard wood classification systems (e.g., BIS/ISI grades in India). International standards for structural timber (e.g., ISO 8974, EN 338 for strength classes) may apply for construction uses.
**Sustainability and sourcing:**
Gmelina asiatica (syn. *G. arborea*) is plantation-grown in parts of South and Southeast Asia (e.g., India, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia) to meet demand. Its fast growth rate and adaptability make it a viable alternative to slower-growing hardwoods, though harvesting practices impact biodiversity. Supply chains follow regional forestry regulations and increasingly incorporate certification (e.g., FSC, PEFC) for sustainable sourcing.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Premna parvifolia | Roth | Nov. Pl. Sp. : 288 (1821) |
| Gmelina asiatica f. inermis | (Wight ex Wall.) Moldenke | Phytologia 55: 42 (1984) |
| Gmelina asiatica f. lobata | Moldenke | Phytologia 32: 47 (1975) |
| Gmelina asiatica f. parvifolia | (Roxb.) Moldenke | Phytologia 55: 42 (1984) |
| Gmelina attenuata | H.R.Fletcher | Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1938: 203 (1938) |
| Gmelina lobata | Gaertn. | Fruct. Sem. Pl. 1: 268 (1788) |
| Gmelina paniculata | H.R.Fletcher | Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1938: 204 (1938) |
| Gmelina parvifolia | Roxb. | Pl. Coromandel 2: 32 (1802) |
| Gmelina elliptica f. lobata | (Gaertn.) Moldenke | Phytologia 4: 178 (1953) |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| English | asian bushbeech |
| Malayalam | ചെറുകുമിഴ് |
| Tamil | குமிழ் |
| Tamil | குமிளம் |
| Tamil | குமிழம் |
| Chinese | 矮子常山 |
| Chinese | 亚洲石梓 |
| Chinese | 蛇头花 |
| Chinese | 亞洲石梓 |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!
No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Asia-tropical click to expand
-
Indian Subcontinent
- Bangladesh
- India
- Sri Lanka
-
Indo-China
- Andaman Islands
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Nicobar Nicobar
- Thailand
- Vietnam
-
Malesia
- Jawa
- Lesser Sunda Islands
- Malaya
- Philippines
-
Indian Subcontinent
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000974017 |
| USDA Plants | GMAS |
| Tropicos | 33702203 |
| INPN | 629774 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:862929-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-91181 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 3883027 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 1486856 |
| IUCN Red List | 139795429 |
| IPNI | 862929-1 |
| iNaturalist | 425647 |
| GBIF | 5341168 |
| EPPO | GMEAS |
| EOL | 481931 |
| USDA GRIN | 17828 |
| Wikipedia | Gmelina_asiatica |
| CMAUP | NPO26532 |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
Phytochemical Profile Top
Add a new one!
Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
You can also contribute to this by clicking here.
You can also contribute to this by clicking here.
| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives | |||||
| Protocatechuic Acid | 72 | Click to see | 154.12 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives / M-methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives | |||||
| Vanillic Acid | 8468 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C(=O)O)O | 168.15 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Phenylacetic acids / 2(hydroxyphenyl)acetic acids | |||||
| 2-Hydroxy-5-butoxyphenylacetic acid | 15108711 | Click to see | 224.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Phenols / Benzenediols / Hydroquinones | |||||
| Butyl 2-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)acetate | 44217017 | Click to see CCCCOC(=O)CC1=C(C=CC(=C1)O)O | 224.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Ethyl 2,5-dihydroxyphenylacetate | 297396 | Click to see CCOC(=O)CC1=C(C=CC(=C1)O)O | 196.20 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Methyl 2-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)acetate | 13790504 | Click to see | 182.17 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lignans, neolignans and related compounds / Aryltetralin lignans / 9,9p-dihydroxyaryltetralin lignans | |||||
| 4-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-7-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diol | 235241 | Click to see | 376.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(75)83052-4 |
| Isoolivil | 5316262 | Click to see COC1=C(C=C2C(C(C(CC2=C1)(CO)O)CO)C3=CC(=C(C=C3)O)OC)O | 376.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(75)83052-4 |
| > Lignans, neolignans and related compounds / Furanoid lignans | |||||
| (-)-Paulownin | 13747828 | Click to see | 370.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(75)83052-4 |
| (+)-Paulownin | 3321512 | Click to see | 370.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(75)83052-4 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty acyl glycosides / Fatty acyl glycosides of mono- and disaccharides | |||||
| Entadamide-A-beta-D-glucopyranoside | 101616680 | Click to see CSC=CC(=O)NCCOC1C(C(C(C(O1)CO)O)O)O | 323.36 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene glycosides / Triterpene glycosides / Triterpene saponins | |||||
| [(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3-[(2S,3R,4R)-4-[[(2S,3R,4R)-3,4-dihydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]oxymethyl]-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]oxy-4,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl] (4aR,5S,6R,6aR,6aS,6bR,8aR,10S,12aR,14bS)-10-[(2R,3R,4R,5S,6R)-3-acetamido-6-[[(2S,3R,4S,5S)-3,5-dihydroxy-4-[(2S,3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl]oxymethyl]-4-hydroxy-5-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-5,6-dihydroxy-2,2,6a,6b,9,9,12a-heptamethyl-1,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydropicene-4a-carboxylate | 72737016 | Click to see | 1544.60 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| [(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-6-(acetyloxymethyl)-3-[(2S,3R,4R)-4-[[(2S,3R,4R)-3,4-dihydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]oxymethyl]-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]oxy-4,5-dihydroxyoxan-2-yl] (4aR,5S,6R,6aR,6aS,6bR,8aR,10S,12aR,14bS)-10-[(2R,3R,4R,5S,6R)-3-acetamido-6-[[(2S,3R,4S,5S)-3,5-dihydroxy-4-[(2S,3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl]oxymethyl]-4-hydroxy-5-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-5,6-dihydroxy-2,2,6a,6b,9,9,12a-heptamethyl-1,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydropicene-4a-carboxylate | 72737187 | Click to see | 1586.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| phaseoloideside A | 72736851 | Click to see | 1512.60 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| phaseoloideside B | 72736852 | Click to see | 1412.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids | |||||
| Entagenic acid | 21594206 | Click to see CC1(CCC2(C(C1)C3=CCC4C5(CCC(C(C5CCC4(C3(C(C2O)O)C)C)(C)C)O)C)C(=O)O)C | 488.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic nitrogen compounds / Organonitrogen compounds / Amines / Alkanolamines / 1,2-aminoalcohols / N-acylethanolamines | |||||
| Entadamide A | 6439215 | Click to see | 161.22 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Entadamide B | 3035981 | Click to see CSC(CC(=O)NCCO)SC | 209.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / Phenolic glycosides | |||||
| 2-beta-d-Glucopyranosyloxy-5-butoxyphenylacetic acid | 15108713 | Click to see | 386.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| butyl 2-[5-hydroxy-2-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyphenyl]acetate | 102143698 | Click to see CCCCOC(=O)CC1=C(C=CC(=C1)O)OC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)O)O)O | 386.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Phaseoloidin | 14104237 | Click to see | 330.29 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Cinnamic acid esters | |||||
| 4-Methoxycinnamate methyl ester | 92841 | Click to see | 192.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(75)83052-4 |
| Methyl 4-methoxycinnamate | 641297 | Click to see | 192.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(75)83052-4 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acid esters / Coumaric acid esters | |||||
| Methyl 4-hydroxycinnamate | 5319562 | Click to see COC(=O)C=CC1=CC=C(C=C1)O | 178.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(75)83052-4 |
| Methyl p-coumarate | 92203 | Click to see | 178.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(75)83052-4 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Catechins | |||||
| (1R,8S,9R,16R,18S,27S)-9-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,8,16,21,23-pentahydroxy-2,10,17,26-tetraoxaheptacyclo[14.11.1.01,13.03,12.06,11.018,27.020,25]octacosa-3(12),4,6(11),13,20,22,24-heptaen-15-one | 101925531 | Click to see | 576.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Catechin | 9064 | Click to see | 290.27 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Epicatechin | 72276 | Click to see | 290.27 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Catechins / Epigallocatechins | |||||
| Epigallocatechin | 72277 | Click to see C1C(C(OC2=CC(=CC(=C21)O)O)C3=CC(=C(C(=C3)O)O)O)O | 306.27 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Flavanones | |||||
| Naringenin | 439246 | Click to see | 272.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Flavanones / Flavanonols | |||||
| Aromadendrin | 122850 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C2C(C(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O)O | 288.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Taxifolin | 439533 | Click to see C1=CC(=C(C=C1C2C(C(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O)O)O | 304.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones | |||||
| 4H-1-Benzopyran-4-one, 2-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy- | 5487757 | Click to see | 286.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 7,4'-Dihydroxyflavone | 5282073 | Click to see | 254.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Apigenin | 5280443 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C2=CC(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O | 270.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Luteolin | 5280445 | Click to see C1=CC(=C(C=C1C2=CC(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O)O | 286.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones / Flavonols | |||||
| Galangin | 5281616 | Click to see C1=CC=C(C=C1)C2=C(C(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O | 270.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Isorhamnetin | 5281654 | Click to see | 316.26 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Quercetin | 5280343 | Click to see | 302.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Rhamnocitrin | 5320946 | Click to see | 300.26 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-3-O-glycosides | |||||
| Rutin | 5280805 | Click to see | 610.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 7-O-methylated flavonoids | |||||
| Ayanin | 5280682 | Click to see | 344.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Kaempferol 3,7,4'-trimethyl ether | 5468749 | Click to see COC1=CC=C(C=C1)C2=C(C(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)OC)O)OC | 328.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Linear 1,3-diarylpropanoids / Cinnamylphenols | |||||
| 4,4'-Dihydroxy-2'-methoxychalcone | 5319688 | Click to see | 270.28 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |