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Safety Overview
1.Bastard Teak — Introduction & Highlights
Butea monosperma, commonly known as Bastard Teak or Flame of the Forest, is a striking medium-sized deciduous tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. This resilient species typically attains heights of up to 15 meters and flourishes in the dry seasons and arid to semi-arid regions of its native range. Its bark is characteristically fibrous, often crooked and tortuous, displaying a bluish-grey to dark brown exterior that frequently exudes a reddish, medicinal gum known as Bengal Kino. The foliage is distinctly trifoliate, comprising three leathery, ovoid leaflets, each featuring prominent lateral veins.
The tree's most iconic feature is its profusion of vibrant, flame-like orange-red flowers, approximately 2.5 cm long, which are borne in racemes up to 15 cm in length. These blossoms appear profusely from February to April, transforming landscapes and giving the tree its fiery moniker. Following this spectacular flowering, indehiscent pods, measuring about 15-20 cm long and 4-5 cm broad, develop from May to July. These pods are externally covered with small, brown hairs and contain ellipsoid, flattened seeds, each approximately 3 cm long.
Native to the tropical and subtropical Indian subcontinent, Butea monosperma is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In India, it is frequently encountered in drier areas, open grasslands, and other uncultivated lands, playing a significant ecological and cultural role.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Butea monosperma:
Bastard Teak should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed medicinal plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Bastard Teak — Standout Qualities
- ✓Striking Orange — Red Flowers — Earns its 'Flame of the Forest' moniker.
- ✓Deciduous Tree — Sheds leaves seasonally, common in dry tropical regions.
- ✓Trifoliate Leaves — Distinctive three-leaflet structure, source of 'dhak ke teen paat' idiom.
- ✓Medicinal Gum Exudate — Yields Bengal Kino, used for its astringent properties.
- ✓Versatile Traditional Uses — Every part (bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, gum) is utilized.
- ✓Rich Phytochemistry — Contains beneficial flavonoids, triterpenes, and tannins.
- ✓Drought — Tolerant — Thrives in arid and semi-arid climates.
- ✓Cultural Significance — State flower of Jharkhand, used for traditional Holi colors and leaf plates.
- ✓Anthelmintic Properties — Seeds are notably effective against intestinal worms.
- ✓Ayurvedic Cornerstone — Highly valued in traditional Indian medicine for centuries.
1.2.Bastard Teak — At-a-Glance Summary
- ✓Flame of the Forest, Butea monosperma, is a vibrant deciduous tree from the Fabaceae family.
- ✓Revered in Ayurveda as Palasha for its anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties.
- ✓Rich in flavonoids, tannins, and triterpenes, contributing to its diverse medicinal actions.
- ✓Traditionally used for digestive health, skin conditions, wound healing, and reproductive support.
- ✓All parts, including flowers, bark, leaves, seeds, and gum, possess therapeutic value.
- ✓Caution advised for pregnant/lactating women, children, and individuals on specific medications.
2.Bastard Teak — Scientific Identity
3.Bastard Teak — Categories & Tags
4.Bastard Teak — Morphological Account
5.Bastard Teak — Cultural & Traditional Roles
6.Bastard Teak — Secondary Metabolites
- ✓Flavonoids — Key compounds like butein, butin, isobutrin, coreopsin, isocoreopsin, and sulphurein are found in the flowers, exhibiting potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
- ✓Triterpenes — Present in various parts, including the flowers, these compounds contribute to the plant's anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties.
- ✓Tannins — Abundant in the gum and bark, tannins provide significant astringent effects, useful for gastrointestinal issues and wound healing.
- ✓Glycosides — The leaves contain various glucosides, including linoleic acid, oleic acid, and lignoceric acid, which contribute to its diverse pharmacological actions.
- ✓Alkaloids — While not dominant, certain alkaloid-like compounds contribute to its medicinal profile, influencing biological activities.
- ✓Gallic Acid — Found in the bark, gallic acid is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, supporting overall cellular health.
- ✓Cyanidin — A pigment found in the flowers, cyanidin possesses strong antioxidant capabilities and may contribute to the plant's therapeutic effects.
- ✓Lupenone — A triterpenoid found in the bark, known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- ✓Palasitrin — A specific compound isolated from the seeds, recognized for its anthelmintic and laxative actions.
- ✓Mucilaginous Materials — Present in the gum, these provide soothing and protective effects on mucous membranes.
7.Bastard Teak — Research Insights
- ✓Anthelmintic Properties — Seeds and bark are traditionally used to expel intestinal worms and parasites, attributed to compounds like palasitrin and butein.
- ✓Anti-inflammatory Action — Extracts from flowers, bark, and leaves demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory effects, potentially useful in conditions like arthritis and sprains by modulating inflammatory pathways.
- ✓Hepatoprotective Effects — The plant's constituents, particularly from the bark, have shown protective effects on liver cells, aiding in detoxification and liver health.
- ✓Antidiabetic Potential — Studies suggest that Butea monosperma may help regulate blood glucose levels, potentially through enhancing insulin sensitivity or reducing glucose absorption.
- ✓Astringent Qualities — The gum and bark are rich in tannins, providing astringent properties useful in managing diarrhea, dysentery, and excessive bleeding.
- ✓Wound Healing — External application of bark paste or decoction promotes faster healing of wounds, ulcers, and skin lesions due due to its antimicrobial and regenerative properties.
- ✓Skin Health Support — Flowers and leaves are used to address various skin conditions, including boils, pimples, and rashes, owing to their antiseptic and soothing effects.
- ✓Reproductive Health Benefits — Traditionally used to support male reproductive vitality and address certain female reproductive issues, such as irregular bleeding and leucorrhoea.
- ✓Antioxidant Activity — Rich in flavonoids and other phenolics, Butea monosperma helps neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage and promoting overall cellular health.
- ✓Digestive Aid — The bark and seeds can act as a mild laxative and stimulate appetite, improving overall digestive function.
7.1.Bastard Teak — Conditions Traditionally Used For
8.Bastard Teak — Adverse Effects
8.1.Bastard Teak — Caution Notes
- ✓Gastrointestinal Upset — High doses of seed powder may cause nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort due to its strong purgative action.
- ✓Allergic Reactions — Sensitive individuals may experience skin rashes or respiratory issues upon contact with pollen or consumption of extracts.
- ✓Antifertility Effects — Traditional and some animal studies suggest potential antifertility properties, cautioning against use in individuals planning conception.
- ✓Drug Interactions — May interact with anticoagulant medications due to potential effects on blood clotting or with antidiabetic drugs, requiring careful monitoring.
- ✓Photosensitivity — Some individuals might experience increased sensitivity to sunlight with prolonged or high-dose internal use.
- ✓Liver Toxicity (High Doses) — While generally hepatoprotective, excessive doses of certain extracts could theoretically strain liver function.
- ✓Constipation Rebound — Overuse of astringent gum might lead to rebound constipation in some cases.
8.2.Bastard Teak — Risk Assessment
- ✓Pregnancy and Lactation — Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to potential abortifacient and antifertility effects, and lack of safety data.
- ✓Children — Use in young children should be avoided or administered under strict medical supervision due to potent effects and potential for adverse reactions.
- ✓Pre-existing Conditions — Individuals with chronic liver disease, kidney disorders, or bleeding disorders should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional.
- ✓Surgical Patients — Discontinue use at least two weeks prior to any scheduled surgery due to potential effects on blood clotting.
- ✓Dosage Adherence — Strictly adhere to recommended dosages; excessive intake can lead to adverse effects.
- ✓Allergic History — Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Fabaceae family should avoid Butea monosperma.
- ✓Professional Guidance — Always consult a qualified medical herbalist or healthcare provider before initiating therapeutic use, especially for chronic conditions.
9.Bastard Teak — Preparation & Dosage
- ✓Bark Decoction — The bark is boiled in water to prepare a decoction, used internally for digestive issues, liver support, and as an anthelmintic.
- ✓Seed Powder — Dried seeds are powdered and taken with honey or water as an anti-parasitic agent or mild laxative.
- ✓Flower Infusion — Fresh or dried flowers are steeped in hot water to make an infusion, traditionally used for skin conditions and as a blood purifier.
- ✓Leaf Poultice — Fresh leaves are crushed and applied topically as a poultice to reduce inflammation, treat boils, and promote wound healing.
- ✓Gum Resin (Kino) — The reddish gum exudate is dissolved in water or consumed directly for its astringent properties, beneficial for diarrhea and dysentery.
- ✓Root Paste — Roots are ground into a paste for external application to alleviate pain and swelling, and sometimes used in traditional eye preparations.
- ✓Juice Extraction — Fresh leaf juice can be extracted and consumed in small doses for certain internal ailments or applied topically for skin issues.
10.Bastard Teak — Growing Guide
- ✓Seed Propagation — Butea monosperma is primarily propagated through seeds, which should be sown in well-drained soil during the monsoon season.
- ✓Soil Requirements — Thrives in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils, but prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
- ✓Climate — Best suited for tropical and subtropical climates, it tolerates drought and can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for arid regions.
- ✓Watering — Requires minimal watering once established, especially during dry periods, due to its drought-resistant nature.
- ✓Sunlight — Prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth and flowering, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- ✓Pruning — Light pruning may be necessary to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased branches, promoting healthy growth.
- ✓Fertilization — Generally does not require extensive fertilization; however, organic compost can be added during planting to enrich soil fertility.
- ✓Pest and Disease Control — Relatively resistant to most pests and diseases, but occasional monitoring for common sap-sucking insects or fungal spots is advisable.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
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Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
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Important medical disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Do not use any herb to self-treat a medical condition without professional guidance.
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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