Dahiman / Dahipalash
Cordia macleodii (Griff.) Hook.f. Thomson
Cordia macleodii (commonly known as Dahiman or Dahipalash) is a medium-sized, rare, and ethnomedicinally valuable deciduous tree endemic to the dry tropical biomes and deciduous forests of Central and Peninsular India. Belonging to the Boraginaceae family, it features broadly ovate leaves with dense, velvety woolly undersides, white fragrant flowers, and small ovoid drupes.
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1. Botanical Identity & Taxonomy
A medium-sized deciduous tree reaching 10–15 m in height with a rounded, spreading crown. Bark is grey to dark brown and becomes rough and fissured with age. Leaves are simple, alternate, broadly ovate to cordate, 8–20 cm long, with entire margins and a velvety texture on young growth. Small creamy white to pale yellow fragrant flowers appear in loose terminal or axillary cymes during late winter and spring. Fruits are globose drupes that mature from green to yellowish-brown and contain a single hard seed. The species develops a strong taproot and is adapted to dry deciduous forest ecosystems.
2. Traditional Ayurvedic Profile (Dravyaguna)
Ayurvedic & Ethnomedicinal Narrative:
Dahiman (Dahipalash) is traditionally used in tribal and folk medicine of Central and Peninsular India. The bark is valued for wound healing and management of skin disorders, while leaves are applied externally on cuts, boils, swellings, and inflammatory conditions. Bark decoctions have been used in indigenous medicine for diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and general weakness. Rural communities also use various plant parts in veterinary medicine. Unlike many Ayurvedic herbs, Dahiman has very limited documentation in the major classical Ayurvedic Samhitas and is primarily recognized through regional ethnomedicinal traditions.
3. Modern Phytochemistry & Phytotherapy Classification
4. Horticultural & Propagation Guide
5. Toxicology, Precautions & Safety Parameters
Pharmacovigilance Profile🎥 Botanical Video Documentary
8. Scientific Literature Citations
Cordia macleodii (Griff.) Hook. f. & Thomson (Boraginaceae) – A Comprehensive Review
JournalComprehensive review covering taxonomy, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, pharmacological activities, conservation status, and traditional applications of Cordia macleodii.