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Safety Overview
1.Walsura — Introduction & Highlights
Walsura piscidia, a distinguished member of the Meliaceae family, is a captivating medicinal tree that can ascend to impressive heights of up to 15 meters, forming a prominent part of its native tropical and subtropical ecosystems. Its botanical allure is characterized by alternate, pinnately compound leaves, typically spanning 20 to 40 cm in length. Each leaf is adorned with 5 to 11 ovate to elliptic leaflets, individually measuring approximately 5 to 10 cm.
These leaflets exhibit a lustrous, dark green adaxial surface that undergoes a striking transformation to a reddish hue during the arid periods, adding seasonal dynamism to its appearance. The tree's reproductive phase is marked by the emergence of unique, small, and exquisitely fragrant flowers, ranging in color from pristine white to creamy yellow. These delicate blossoms are meticulously arranged in axillary or terminal panicles, creating a visually appealing display.
The bark of Walsura piscidia is smooth to the touch, presenting a greyish-brown coloration often punctuated by shallow, longitudinal fissures. This resilient species thrives predominantly across South Asia, with significant populations found in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, where it has historically been interwoven into the fabric of traditional medicinal practices.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Walsura piscidia
1.1 Wikipedia — Walsura piscidia
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
1.6Walsura 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.Walsura — Defining Traits
- ✓Mature Height — This impressive tree can reach a mature height of up to 15 meters, forming a significant canopy.
- ✓Leaf Morphology — Features alternate, pinnate leaves, typically 20-40 cm long, with 5-11 ovate to elliptic leaflets.
- ✓Seasonal Leaf Color — Its glossy, dark green leaves transition to a distinctive reddish hue during the drier seasons.
- ✓Floral Characteristics — Produces small, fragrant flowers that are white to cream-colored, arranged in axillary or terminal panicles.
- ✓Bark Texture — The bark is smooth with a greyish-brown color, often displaying shallow fissures as it matures.
- ✓Native Habitat — Indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
- ✓Botanical Family — Belongs to the Meliaceae family, renowned for its diverse array of medicinally valuable species.
- ✓Phytochemical Richness — Contains a spectrum of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and saponins.
- ✓Traditional Medicinal Use — Has a long history of use in traditional systems like Ayurveda and Unani for various therapeutic applications.
1.2.Walsura — At-a-Glance Summary
- ✓Walsura piscidia is a tropical medicinal tree from the Meliaceae family, native to South Asia.
- ✓It is characterized by pinnate leaves that turn reddish seasonally and small, fragrant white flowers.
- ✓Traditionally utilized in Ayurveda and Unani for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiarrheal properties.
- ✓Key medicinal parts include bark, leaves, and seeds, used in decoctions, powders, and other preparations.
- ✓Rich in phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, contributing to its therapeutic efficacy.
- ✓Requires partial shade, medium water, and well-drained soil for cultivation, making it suitable for specific medicinal gardens.
2.Walsura — Systematic Position
3.Walsura — Botanical Stats
4.Walsura — Structural Profile
5.Walsura — Habitat & Distribution
6.Walsura — Ethnobotanical Uses
7.Walsura — Secondary Metabolites
- ✓Alkaloids — Key alkaloids identified include piscidic acid and Walsuraine, which are compounds often associated with various pharmacological activities, including potential neuroactive properties.
- ✓Flavonoids — Prominent flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol are present, recognized for their robust antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects.
- ✓Terpenoids — The plant contains significant terpenoids like β-sitosterol and ursolic acid. β-sitosterol is known for its cholesterol-lowering and immune-modulating properties, while ursolic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential.
- ✓Tannins — These astringent polyphenolic compounds contribute to the plant's antidiarrheal and antimicrobial properties, often forming complexes with proteins and metal ions.
- ✓Saponins — Walsura piscidia also contains saponins, which are glycosides known for their surfactant properties and potential to possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
- ✓Phenolic Acids — Various phenolic acids contribute to the overall antioxidant capacity of the plant, scavenging free radicals and protecting cellular structures.
- ✓Glycosides — A range of glycosidic compounds, beyond saponins, are present, contributing to diverse biological activities that warrant further investigation.
- ✓Fatty Acids — The seeds are rich in beneficial fatty acids, which can offer nutritional support and contribute to overall health and cellular integrity.
8.Walsura — Modern Studies
- ✓Analgesic Properties — Walsura piscidia bark is traditionally esteemed for its capacity to alleviate pain, acting through mechanisms that may modulate nociceptive pathways.
- ✓Anti-inflammatory Effects — Extracts derived from the leaves of Walsura piscidia have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities, potentially mitigating swelling and discomfort by influencing inflammatory mediators.
- ✓Antipyretic Action — In Ayurvedic medicine, a decoction of the leaves is utilized to reduce fevers, helping to normalize body temperature during febrile conditions.
- ✓Respiratory Support — Traditional practices employ Walsura leaf preparations to soothe coughs and address various respiratory ailments, possibly due to expectorant or bronchodilatory effects.
- ✓Antidiarrheal Properties — The plant has been recognized for its ability to combat diarrhea, likely by reducing gut motility or possessing antimicrobial properties against gastrointestinal pathogens.
- ✓Digestive Aid — Crushed seeds of Walsura piscidia are sometimes used to support digestion, potentially by stimulating digestive enzymes or improving gut transit.
- ✓Purgative Potential — The root bark is known for its purgative effects, which can aid in detoxification and bowel cleansing when used judiciously.
- ✓Antioxidant Activity — The presence of flavonoids, tannins, and other polyphenolic compounds confers significant antioxidant properties, protecting cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
- ✓Antimicrobial Action — Certain compounds within Walsura piscidia may exhibit inhibitory effects against various microbes, contributing to its traditional use in treating infections.
- ✓Hepatoprotective Effects — Emerging research suggests potential protective effects on liver function, aiding in detoxification and supporting liver health.
8.1.Walsura — Conditions Traditionally Used For
9.Walsura — Adverse Effects
9.1.Walsura — Side Effects & Warnings
- ✓Gastrointestinal Discomfort — Overdosing, particularly with the root bark, can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
- ✓Purgative Effects — Excessive consumption of the root bark may induce severe laxative effects, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
- ✓Allergic Reactions — Sensitive individuals may experience allergic responses, including skin rashes, itching, or respiratory distress.
- ✓Drug Interactions — Potential interactions with conventional medications, especially those affecting blood clotting, blood pressure, or liver metabolism, are possible.
- ✓Pregnancy and Lactation — Due to insufficient safety data, Walsura piscidia should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- ✓Children — Use in children is not recommended without expert medical supervision due to potential adverse effects and lack of specific pediatric dosing guidelines.
- ✓Hepatotoxicity — While some research suggests hepatoprotective effects, very high doses or prolonged use of certain plant extracts could theoretically lead to liver strain.
9.2.Walsura — Toxicity Assessment
- ✓Professional Consultation — Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or medical herbalist before using Walsura piscidia, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
- ✓Dosage Adherence — Strictly follow recommended dosages from traditional practices or expert guidance to prevent adverse effects, particularly with potent parts like the root bark.
- ✓Quality Sourcing — Ensure the plant material is sourced from reputable suppliers to guarantee purity and absence of contaminants like heavy metals or pesticides.
- ✓Avoid During Pregnancy/Lactation — Walsura piscidia is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals due to a lack of comprehensive safety studies.
- ✓Monitor for Allergic Reactions — Discontinue use immediately if any signs of allergic reactions, such as skin irritation or difficulty breathing, occur.
- ✓Not for Prolonged Use — Avoid continuous, long-term use without professional supervision, as the long-term effects of certain compounds are not fully established.
- ✓Children and Infants — Exercise extreme caution or avoid use in pediatric populations, as safety and appropriate dosages have not been adequately determined.
10.Walsura — Preparation & Dosage
- ✓Decoction — The bark and leaves can be prepared as a decoction by boiling in water, commonly used for fevers, coughs, and anti-inflammatory purposes.
- ✓Powder — Dried leaves or bark can be ground into a fine powder, which can then be encapsulated or mixed with honey for internal consumption, especially for digestive issues.
- ✓Topical Paste — Crushed leaves or bark can be mixed with a small amount of water to form a paste, applied externally to soothe skin inflammations or minor pains.
- ✓Infusion — Fresh or dried leaves can be steeped in hot water to create an infusion, used as a milder preparation for respiratory support.
- ✓Seed Oil — The seeds can be pressed to extract an oil, which may be used internally for digestive aid or externally for skin conditions.
- ✓Tincture — An alcoholic extract (tincture) can be prepared from the bark or leaves, providing a concentrated form for convenient dosing and extended shelf life.
- ✓Capsules — Standardized extracts or powdered plant material can be encapsulated for precise dosage and ease of administration, particularly for systemic benefits.
- ✓Gargle/Mouthwash — A diluted decoction of the leaves can be used as a gargle to alleviate throat irritation or as a mouthwash for oral hygiene.
11.Walsura — Growing Guide
- ✓Climate Preference — Walsura piscidia thrives best in tropical and subtropical climates, requiring consistent warmth and humidity for optimal growth.
- ✓Soil Requirements — It prefers well-drained, fertile loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0), enriched with organic matter.
- ✓Light Exposure — The tree performs well in partial shade, especially when young, but can tolerate full sun once established in moist conditions.
- ✓Water Needs — Requires medium to high water, particularly during dry seasons and early growth stages; consistent moisture is crucial but avoid waterlogging.
- ✓Propagation — Can be propagated effectively from seeds, which should be sown in a well-draining potting mix, or via stem cuttings for faster establishment.
- ✓Fertilization — Benefits from periodic application of balanced organic fertilizers, especially during active growth periods, to support its rapid development.
- ✓Pruning — Light pruning is recommended to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage healthy canopy development.
- ✓Pest and Disease Management — Generally robust, but monitor for common tropical pests and fungal diseases; employ organic pest control methods if necessary.
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 15, 2026
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