Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.
Safety Overview
1.Devil's Cotton — Overview
Abroma augusta, commonly known as Cotton Abroma or Devil's Cotton, is a resilient perennial shrub or small tree belonging to the Malvaceae family, a diverse group recognized for economically significant species like cotton and hibiscus. This adaptable plant typically grows to heights of 1 to 3 meters, thriving in the warm, humid tropical and subtropical climates of its native range.
It is widely distributed across regions such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, and parts of China, frequently colonizing forest clearings, riverbanks, and disturbed ecological niches. Its robust nature allows it to flourish in varied environmental conditions, making it a prominent feature in its indigenous habitats.
Morphologically, Abroma augusta is distinguished by its large, simple leaves, arranged alternately along the stem. These leaves possess a characteristic heart-shaped base and irregularly toothed margins, often reaching 15 to 30 centimeters in both length and width. Their soft, velvety texture, imparted by fine stellate hairs, contributes to the plant's lush appearance.
The plant produces striking bell-shaped flowers, borne in terminal or axillary cymes, which display a vibrant spectrum of colors from deep reddish-purple to warm yellowish-orange, often accented with darker centers that effectively attract pollinators. A distinctive whorl of bracts beneath the calyx further enhances their visual appeal and provides protection to the developing buds.
Following successful pollination, Abroma augusta develops woody, five-winged capsules that encapsulate black, kidney-shaped seeds. The bark of the plant is particularly rich in strong bast fibers, which have been historically prized by indigenous communities for crafting durable ropes and textiles, a utility that lends itself to its common name, Cotton Abroma.
Its historical significance is further underscored by its long-standing use in traditional medicine systems, notably in Ayurveda, where it is revered as Ulat Kambal. Its esteemed reputation as a natural regulator for menstrual disorders highlights its profound cultural and medicinal importance, particularly in women's health throughout South and Southeast Asia.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Abroma augusta
1.1 Wikipedia — Abroma augusta
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.1.Devil's Cotton — Defining Traits
- ✓Ayurvedic Name — Ulatkambal, revered in traditional Indian medicine.
- ✓Primary Use — Renowned for its efficacy in managing various menstrual disorders.
- ✓Botanical Family — Belongs to the Malvaceae family, sharing traits with cotton.
- ✓Active Alkaloid — Contains abromine, a key compound for its therapeutic actions.
- ✓Habitat — Native to warm, humid tropical and subtropical regions.
- ✓Distinctive Flowers — Features striking bell-shaped, reddish-purple to orange flowers.
- ✓Fibrous Bark — Historically used for making ropes and textiles due to strong bast fibers.
- ✓Velvety Leaves — Characterized by large, heart-shaped leaves with a soft, velvety texture.
- ✓Hormone Modulation — Known to influence hormonal balance, particularly estrogenic pathways.
- ✓Traditional Regulator — Often referred to as a natural regulator of menstrual cycles.
1.2.Devil's Cotton — Quick Summary
- ✓Ulatkambal is an Ayurvedic herb known for women's health.
- ✓Primarily used for menstrual disorders like amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
- ✓Contains active compounds such as abromine, β-sitosterol, and taraxerol.
- ✓Acts as a uterine tonic, anti-inflammatory, and hormone balancer.
- ✓Found in tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia.
- ✓Caution advised for pregnant women and those with hormone-sensitive conditions.
2.Devil's Cotton — Scientific Identity
3.Devil's Cotton — Quick Facts
4.Devil's Cotton — Morphological Account
5.Devil's Cotton — Where It Grows
6.Devil's Cotton — Ethnobotanical Uses
Revered in traditional Asian medicine for female reproductive health. Often found in home gardens for medicinal use.
7.Devil's Cotton — Secondary Metabolites
- ✓Other constituents include stigmasterol, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides. Among the bioactive constituents identified so far,
- ✓Abromine — a unique alkaloid—gets the most attention, primarily for its estrogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. Next comes β-sitosterol, a phytosterol known for its role in reducing systemic inflammation and supporting hormone balance, particularly in estrogen-dominant profiles. Then there’s taraxerol, a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound with promising antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity—perhaps explaining why some tribal groups use it for “blood purification” or liver sluggishness.
8.Devil's Cotton — Research Insights
- ✓Abroma augusta, commonly known as Abroma or Devil's Cotton, has a rich history of traditional medicinal use across various cultures, particularly in Ayurvedic and folk medicine.
- ✓Its primary therapeutic applications revolve around its potent effects on the reproductive system and metabolic disorders.
- ✓It is widely recognized for its efficacy in treating diabetes mellitus, where it is believed to stimulate insulin secretion and improve glucose utilization, thereby helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
- ✓This hypoglycemic effect makes it a valuable herb in managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- ✓Furthermore, Abroma augusta is a significant remedy for sexual dysfunction in men, including impotence and premature ejaculation, attributed to its aphrodisiac properties and its potential to improve sperm count and motility.
- ✓It is also used to address menstrual irregularities in women, such as amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), by promoting regular cycles and alleviating associated pain.
- ✓The plant exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it useful for managing inflammatory conditions and pain.
- ✓Additionally, it has been employed as a laxative, aiding in the relief of constipation, and as a tonic to improve overall vitality and strength.
- ✓Its wound-healing capabilities have also been noted, with topical applications used to accelerate the repair of skin lesions and injuries.
- ✓Research also suggests potential antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, contributing to its broad spectrum of therapeutic potential.
8.1.Devil's Cotton — Conditions Traditionally Used For
9.Devil's Cotton — Risk Profile
9.1.Devil's Cotton — Caution Notes
- ✓Abroma augusta can cause several side effects, particularly when used in high doses or for prolonged periods.
- ✓Common adverse reactions include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
- ✓Some individuals may experience dizziness, headache, or fatigue.
- ✓Due to its potent effects on blood sugar, it can lead to hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar levels), especially when taken concurrently with other antidiabetic medications.
- ✓This can manifest as sweating, tremors, confusion, and palpitations.
- ✓There is also a potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- ✓It is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women due to the lack of sufficient safety data and potential risks to the fetus or infant.
- ✓Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, especially those involving the heart or kidneys, should use this herb with extreme caution and under strict medical supervision.
- ✓Its use may also interact with certain medications, particularly those for diabetes, blood pressure, and anticoagulants.
9.2.Devil's Cotton — Clinical Safety Notes
- ✓The safety profile of Abroma augusta is not fully established for general or long-term use.
- ✓While it has a history of traditional use, scientific evidence supporting its safety is limited.
- ✓It is generally considered unsafe for pregnant and lactating women.
- ✓Individuals with diabetes must monitor their blood glucose levels closely when using this herb, as it can potentiate the effects of antidiabetic drugs and lead to hypoglycemia.
- ✓Caution is advised for individuals with cardiovascular issues, kidney problems, or those on anticoagulant therapy.
- ✓Due to potential gastrointestinal side effects, it should be used with care.
- ✓It is recommended to consult a qualified healthcare professional or an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner before using Abroma augusta to determine appropriate dosage, duration of use, and to assess potential risks based on individual health status and concurrent medications.
10.Devil's Cotton — Preparation & Dosage
- ✓Root Bark Decoction (Kwatha) — The most common traditional method involves boiling 10-15 grams of dried root bark in 200 ml of water, reducing it to half, and consuming once or twice daily.
- ✓Powdered Root — Dried root bark can be finely powdered and taken with honey or jaggery, typically 1-3 grams, for conditions like amenorrhea.
- ✓Capsules/Tablets — Standardized extracts of Abroma augusta are available in capsule or tablet form, offering a convenient and precise dosage.
- ✓Syrups — Commercial Ayurvedic formulations often include Abroma augusta in herbal syrups, particularly those targeting women's health issues.
- ✓Leaf Poultices — Fresh leaves are traditionally crushed and applied topically as poultices for joint pain, skin eruptions, or localized inflammation.
- ✓Infusions — A warm infusion of fresh or dried leaves can be prepared for mild sedative or mood-balancing effects, though less common than root bark preparations.
- ✓Combination Formulas — Often blended with other synergistic herbs like Ashoka (Saraca asoca) or Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) to enhance its effects in menstrual disorders.
- ✓Expert Guidance — Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional for appropriate dosage and preparation methods tailored to individual needs.
11.Devil's Cotton — Growth Requirements
- ✓Climate — Thrives in warm, humid tropical and subtropical climates, ideally with consistent moisture.
- ✓Soil Requirements — Prefers well-drained, fertile loamy soils rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
- ✓Light Exposure — Grows best in full sun to partial shade, tolerating a range of light conditions but flowering more profusely in brighter spots.
- ✓Propagation — Can be propagated effectively from seeds, which should be sown in a nursery bed during the warm season, or from stem cuttings.
- ✓Watering — Requires regular and ample watering, especially during dry periods, to maintain soil moisture without waterlogging.
- ✓Fertilization — Benefits from periodic application of organic compost or balanced slow-release fertilizers to support vigorous growth.
- ✓Pests & Diseases — Generally hardy, but monitor for common tropical pests like aphids or scale insects, and fungal issues in overly humid, poorly ventilated conditions.
- ✓Pruning — Light pruning can help maintain shape, promote bushier growth, and improve air circulation, especially after flowering.
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.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
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.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
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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 19, 2026
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