Question 1

What is Enicosanthum acuminata used for in ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

Enicosanthum acuminata is catalogued as an ayurvedic medicinal plant in Sri Lanka, indicating traditional use within the island's indigenous medicine system. Specific applications are documented by the Department of Ayurveda, though published clinical research on this particular species is limited. It is best understood as part of a broader pharmacopoeia rather than a standalone remedy.

Question 2

What plant family does Enicosanthum acuminata belong to?

Accepted Answer

It belongs to the Annonaceae family, a large family of flowering plants distributed across tropical regions worldwide. Members of this family are often woody climbers or small trees and are known for producing alkaloids and other biologically active compounds. The genus Enicosanthum is found primarily across South and Southeast Asia.

Question 3

Is Enicosanthum acuminata endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The genus Enicosanthum has a distribution spanning South and Southeast Asia, so the species is not strictly endemic to Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka's wet-zone forests support populations that have been documented within the island's national ayurvedic plant catalog. The island's high levels of biodiversity make it a significant location for studying species in this genus.

Question 4

Where can I see ayurvedic medicinal plants in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya near Kandy maintains a well-labelled collection that includes many medicinal species. Guided walks in protected forest areas such as Sinharaja also offer opportunities to encounter plants used in traditional medicine. Dedicated ayurvedic wellness centres across the country often maintain their own herb gardens open to visitors.

Question 5

How many ayurvedic medicinal plants are documented in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's Department of Ayurveda has catalogued several hundred native plant species with documented medicinal uses, reflecting thousands of years of traditional practice. The island's biodiversity — one of the highest rates of endemism in Asia — means that a significant proportion of these plants are found nowhere else in the world. Ongoing research continues to expand and verify this catalog.

Question 6

Is it legal to collect Enicosanthum acuminata from Sri Lankan forests?

Accepted Answer

Collection of any plant material from designated protected areas in Sri Lanka is prohibited under national wildlife and forest conservation legislation. For research or commercial purposes, permits must be obtained from the relevant government authorities. Sustainable sourcing protocols are encouraged for any traditional medicine supply chains involving wild-harvested species.

Question 7

What is the significance of the Annonaceae family in traditional medicine?

Accepted Answer

Annonaceae is one of the most pharmacologically studied plant families in tropical medicine, largely due to the presence of alkaloids and annonaceous acetogenins in many of its members. These compounds have attracted research interest for a range of biological activities. Sri Lanka's wet-zone forests harbour several members of this family that feature in the island's ayurvedic tradition.