The roots contains a coumarin, scopoletin.
The leaves afforded flavonol glycosides, quercetin and kaempferol derivatives; beta-amyrin, its acetyl derivative, beta-sitosterol and an ester of terephthalic acid. Stercurensin, a Cmethylchalcone, has been isolated from the leaves.
The gum of Sterculia villosa Roxb. (Udall Wood) resembles with that of S. urens. Diometin and chrysoeriol and their 7-0-glucosides were isolated from the wood.
Stereospermum personatum
(Hassk.) D. Chatterjee.
Synonym S. Chelonoides (Linn. f.) DC. (now S. Colais).
S. tetragonum A. DC.
Family Bignoniaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, especially in the moist regions.
English Trumpet Flower, Yellow Snake tree.
Ayurvedic Paatalaa, Paatali, Paatalai, Krishna-vrantaa, Madhu- duuti,
Kaama-duuti, Ativallabhaa, Taamrapushpi, Kuberaakshi. Amoghaa, Kumbhipushpi, Ambuvaasini.
Copper-red-flowered var., known as Taamrapushpi, is equated with S. suaveolens (Paatalaa) and the white- flowered one with S. chelenoides.
(Paatalai).
Siddha/Tamil Paadiri.
Action The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the root of Paatalaa in lipid disorders; the stem bark in oedema and
retention of urine.
The white-flowered var. purifies blood, increases appetite and is prescribed for vomiting, hiccough, thirst, oedema and inflammatory chest diseases.
The copper-red-flowered var. is prescribed in difficult breathing, vomiting, oedema, flatus and high fever.
Ethanolic extract of the plant showed hypoglycaemic and anticancer activity experimentally.
A decoction of S. personatum root is prescribed for asthma and cough; of the leaves in chronic dyspepsia. A decoction of the root and leaves is cred ited with antipyretic properties. The bark exhibited antibacterial and anti- tubercular properties.
A decoction of S. suaveolens roots is prescribed for intermittent and puerperal fevers, inflammatory affections of the chest. Extracts of the plant contain lapachol.
