Abstract

A TAXONOMICAL REVIEW OF BUTEA MONOSPERMA (LAM.) KUNTZE- A DYE YIELDING PLANT

*Rakesh Kumar Verma

Abstract

Butea monosperma (Lam.) kuntze [Family: leguminosae] is a mediumsized deciduous tree popularly known as Flame of forest, Dhak or palas in Hindi, Bastard Teak in English, Parasa in Tamil which is widely distributed throughout India, Burma and Ceylon The family fabaceae compromises of 630 genera and 18000 species. It is adaptable tree for sub-tropical regions which requires alkaline, swampy badly drained soils and a sunny location. It grows easily from seed. It finds use both medicinally and commercially with each part of the plant having utility. Extract of the plant possess significant astringent, aphrodiasiac, anti-helmintic, anti-inflammatory anti- bacterial, antifungal, anti-diabetic and anti -asthmatic properties. This article briefly reviews the botany, distribution, ecology, uses of the plant, chemical composition, pharmacological activites of the plant and its constituents. This is an attempt to compile and document information on different aspect of Butea monosperma (Lam) Kuntze and its potential uses.

Keywords: Butea monosperma, aphrodiasiac, anti-helmintic.