Question 1

What is Soymida febrifuga used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

Soymida febrifuga bark is primarily used in Ayurvedic medicine as an antipyretic — a remedy to reduce fever. It is also employed in traditional formulations targeting liver and spleen complaints, inflammatory conditions, and certain skin disorders. The bark is typically prepared as a decoction or dried powder for internal use.

Question 2

What does 'febrifuga' mean in the plant's scientific name?

Accepted Answer

The species epithet febrifuga comes from the Latin words for fever (febris) and to drive away (fugare), directly reflecting the tree's most recognised traditional medicinal application. Botanists assigned this name to acknowledge its longstanding use as a fever remedy in indigenous South Asian medical systems.

Question 3

Where does Soymida febrifuga grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka, Soymida febrifuga is found mainly in the dry zone and intermediate zone forests, particularly in lowland areas that experience a long dry season. It is associated with dry deciduous and dry mixed evergreen forest habitats. The species also occurs naturally across parts of peninsular India.

Question 4

Is Soymida febrifuga the only species in its genus?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Soymida is a monotypic genus, meaning Soymida febrifuga is the sole recognised species within it. This makes it botanically distinctive within the Meliaceae family, which otherwise contains a number of genera with multiple species.

Question 5

What bioactive compounds are found in Soymida febrifuga?

Accepted Answer

Phytochemical studies have identified limonoids and triterpenoids as key bioactive constituents in the bark of Soymida febrifuga. These compound classes are associated with antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities, offering a scientific basis for some of the plant's traditional therapeutic applications. Research into its full chemical profile is ongoing.

Question 6

Is Soymida febrifuga included in Sri Lanka's official Ayurvedic catalogue?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Soymida febrifuga is documented in Sri Lanka's national catalogue of Ayurvedic medicinal plants, maintained by the country's Department of Ayurveda. This listing authenticates its identity, records approved uses, and supports quality standards for Ayurvedic practitioners and manufacturers who use the bark.

Question 7

How can the bark of Soymida febrifuga be harvested sustainably?

Accepted Answer

Sustainable harvesting involves removing bark from mature trees without ring-barking, which would kill the tree, and allowing sufficient time between harvests for the bark to regenerate. Conservation guidance recommends selective collection from healthy populations and avoiding over-extraction from already-stressed dry zone forest remnants, where the species faces ongoing habitat pressure.