Question 1

What is Stereospermum colais used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

Stereospermum colais, known in Sanskrit as Patala, is one of the ten plants in the classical Ayurvedic Dashamoola group. Its root bark is used in decoctions and compound formulations traditionally associated with inflammation, rheumatic pain, fever, and respiratory conditions. It appears in widely used preparations such as Dashamoolarishta and Yogaraja Guggulu.

Question 2

What is Stereospermum colais called in Sinhala?

Accepted Answer

In Sinhala, Stereospermum colais is commonly referred to as Padaluka or Patala. The Sanskrit name Patala is shared across Ayurvedic traditions in Sri Lanka and India, reflecting its role in the classical pharmacopoeia rather than a single vernacular identity.

Question 3

Where does Stereospermum colais grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The tree grows primarily in the dry and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka, including forests in the North Central Province and areas bordering ancient archaeological sites. It favours well-drained soils and dry monsoon forest conditions, and is also found across the Indian subcontinent and parts of mainland Southeast Asia.

Question 4

What is Dashamoola and which plants are in it?

Accepted Answer

Dashamoola is a classical Ayurvedic combination of roots from ten specific trees and shrubs, used in a wide range of formulations for conditions involving inflammation, pain, and nervous system imbalance. Stereospermum colais is one of the Brihat Panchamoola (five larger roots) within the group. The other major plants include Oroxylum indicum, Gmelina arborea, Aegle marmelos, and Premna integrifolia, among others.

Question 5

Is Stereospermum colais an endangered species?

Accepted Answer

Stereospermum colais is not currently classified as endangered or threatened at a global level. However, its dry-zone forest habitat in Sri Lanka faces pressure from land conversion. Conservation authorities and Ayurvedic bodies have encouraged cultivation rather than sole reliance on wild harvesting, particularly for root-based preparations.

Question 6

Can I see Stereospermum colais when visiting Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though it requires some intention to seek out. Dry-zone forests in areas near Wilpattu National Park and the ancient cities of the North Central Province support natural populations. Botanical gardens such as the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya also maintain labelled medicinal plant collections that may include this species.

Question 7

Are there scientific studies on Stereospermum colais?

Accepted Answer

Research into Stereospermum colais has identified iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and terpenoids in the plant. Laboratory studies have found anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in extracts, aligning with its traditional applications. However, large-scale human clinical trials are limited, and use should be guided by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

Stereospermum colais

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