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.Sal Tree — Plant Snapshot
Shorea robusta, commonly known as Sal tree, is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of 30 to 50 meters, exhibiting a straight trunk that can grow up to 1.5 meters in diameter. The leaves are simple and elliptical to oblong, measuring 10 to 20 centimeters in length and 5 to 8 centimeters in width, with a dark green color that turns yellow in the autumn. The tree flowers in clusters, producing fragrant, yellowish-white flowers approximately 2.5 centimeters in diameter, which bloom between March and May.
These flowers have five petals and are an important source of nectar for various pollinators. The bark of Shorea robusta is thick, rough, and greyish-brown in color, with deep fissures, making it visually distinct. Native to tropical South Asia, particularly in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, it thrives in moist deciduous forests and can often be found growing on hill slopes.
Taxonomically, Shorea robusta belongs to the family Dipterocarpaceae and is closely related to other valuable hardwood species, often used for timber. The tree plays a vital role in local ecosystems, providing habitat and food for wildlife, while its economically valuable timber is used in construction and furniture making. Additionally, Shorea robusta is known for its role in traditional medicine, contributing to its cultural and economic significance in the regions it inhabits.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Shorea robusta
1.1 Wikipedia — Shorea robusta
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
1.6Shorea 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.Sal Tree — Key Features
- ✓Height — Reaches up to 30 to 50 meters.
- ✓Leaves — Dark green, elliptical to oblong, 10-20 cm long, 5-8 cm wide.
- ✓Flowers — Yellowish-white, fragrant, bloom in clusters of 2.5 cm.
- ✓Bark — Thick, rough, greyish-brown, with deep fissures.
- ✓Habitat — Endemic to tropical South Asia, prefers moist deciduous forests.
- ✓Taxonomy — Member of the Dipterocarpaceae family, related to other hardwoods.
- ✓Timber — Highly durable and valued for construction and furniture.
- ✓Oil — Rich in fatty acids, extracted for skin health applications.
- ✓Resin — Antiseptic properties, used in wound healing.
- ✓Growth — Requires well-drained soils and full sunlight.
1.2.Sal Tree — Quick Summary
- ✓Shorea robusta, or Sal tree, is a towering hardwood species in the Dipterocarpaceae family, endemic to the moist deciduous forests of South Asia.
- ✓This tree features distinctive dark green elliptical leaves, fragrant yellowish-white flowers, and thick greyish-brown bark, reaching heights up to 50 meters.
- ✓Traditionally, Shorea robusta is valued for its various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, utilized in Ayurvedic practices.
- ✓It thrives in tropical climates with well-drained soils and requires ample sunlight.
- ✓Besides its medicinal uses, it is commercially important for durable timber and locally supports the ecosystem.
2.Sal Tree — Scientific Identity
3.Sal Tree — Botanical Stats
4.Sal Tree — Structural Profile
5.Sal Tree — Where It Grows
6.Sal Tree — Historical Applications
7.Sal Tree — Bioactive Constituents
- ✓Shorea robusta contains several key phytochemicals that contribute to its medicinal properties. Notable compounds include: 1) Triterpenes (e.g., betulinic acid, ursolic acid), which exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities
- ✓2) Flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol), known for their antioxidant properties
- ✓3) Essential fatty acids (e.g., oleic acid, linoleic acid), which have a role in skin health
- ✓4) Saponins, which are believed to exhibit antimicrobial effects. These compounds belong primarily to the chemical classes of triterpenes and flavonoids, providing a robust pharmacological profile for Shorea robusta.
8.Sal Tree — Research Insights
- ✓Shorea robusta has been traditionally used in a variety of medicinal applications in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicinal systems.
- ✓The oil extracted from the seeds, known as Sal seed oil or Shorea oil, is rich in fatty acids and has been utilized for its emollient properties in treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
- ✓The bark contains tannins and flavonoids, which impart anti-inflammatory benefits and have been used to alleviate pain and reduce swelling in traditional remedies.
- ✓In Ayurveda, an infusion made from the leaves is employed for its analgesic properties and is often used to treat fevers and dysentery.
- ✓Furthermore, the powdered bark is traditionally utilized in treating respiratory issues, and the tree’s resin is believed to have antiseptic properties, making it beneficial for healing wounds.
- ✓Recent studies have highlighted the presence of various bioactive compounds in Shorea robusta, including terpenoids and phenolic compounds, which may contribute to its pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
- ✓However, caution should be exercised when using any part of this plant, and it is advisable to seek guidance from qualified healthcare practitioners before usage.
8.1.Sal Tree — Health Applications
9.Sal Tree — Risk Profile
9.1.Sal Tree — Side Effects & Warnings
- ✓Consult healthcare professional.
9.2.Sal Tree — Clinical Safety Notes
- ✓Generally safe when used as directed.
10.Sal Tree — Preparation & Dosage
- ✓Prepared as decoction, powder, or capsule.
11.Sal Tree — Growth Requirements
- ✓Seed propagation is common, with seeds sown in nurseries or directly in the field.
- ✓Grafting techniques can be used to improve desirable traits and accelerate fruiting.
- ✓Plantation establishment involves site preparation, pitting, and planting seedlings.
- ✓Spacing is crucial, typically ranging from 4x4 meters to 6x6 meters depending on site conditions.
- ✓Weeding and mulching are important in the early years to reduce competition.
- ✓Irrigation may be necessary in drier regions or during prolonged dry spells, especially for young trees.
- ✓Pruning is generally minimal, focusing on removing dead or crossing branches to maintain tree health and form.
- ✓Protection against pests and diseases, as well as browsing by animals, is often required.
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.
Last reviewed:
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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