Question 1

What is Excoecaria agallocha used for in ayurvedic medicine?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka's ayurvedic tradition, Excoecaria agallocha is used primarily for chronic skin conditions, rheumatic complaints, and as an external treatment for ulcers. The bark and latex are the most commonly used parts, carefully processed to reduce toxicity before therapeutic application. Its use is documented in classical Sinhala medical texts and continues under the supervision of registered practitioners.

Question 2

Why is Excoecaria agallocha called the blind-your-eye mangrove?

Accepted Answer

The common name refers to the caustic milky latex the tree produces when its bark or leaves are cut. Contact with the eyes can cause severe irritation and temporary blindness. This property is caused by diterpenoid compounds in the sap and is well documented across its range in South and South-East Asia.

Question 3

Where can I see Excoecaria agallocha in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The species grows in mangrove forests along Sri Lanka's south-western, north-western, and northern coastlines. The Madu Ganga estuary near Balapitiya is a well-preserved site where mangrove biodiversity, including this species, can be observed on a boat excursion through a protected wetland.

Question 4

Is Excoecaria agallocha toxic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the latex is toxic and a skin and eye irritant. Direct contact with the sap should be avoided, and the plant should not be used for self-medication. In traditional medicine, the plant is processed using specific preparation methods that qualified ayurvedic practitioners apply to reduce its harmful compounds before any therapeutic use.

Question 5

What family does Excoecaria agallocha belong to?

Accepted Answer

It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, a large plant family that includes several species known for producing irritant or toxic latex. Within this family, Excoecaria agallocha is one of the relatively few species adapted to mangrove and estuarine environments.

Question 6

Does Excoecaria agallocha have any scientific research supporting its medicinal use?

Accepted Answer

Phytochemical studies have identified diterpenes, flavonoids, and terpenoids in the plant, some of which show antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity in laboratory settings. Research is ongoing, and while these findings provide a biochemical basis for traditional use, clinical applications remain within the domain of ayurvedic practice rather than mainstream pharmaceutical medicine.

Question 7

What is the Sinhala name for Excoecaria agallocha?

Accepted Answer

The plant is known in Sinhala as Thel-katu or Telmakada. These names appear in classical ayurvedic texts and are still used by practitioners and collectors who work with mangrove medicinal plants in Sri Lanka.