Balanites aegyptiaca (Linn.) Delile.
Synonym B. roxburghii Planch.
Family Simaroubaceae; Balanitaceae.
Habitat Drier parts of India, particularly in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Deccan.
English Desert Date.
Ayurvedic Ingudi, Angaar Vrksha,
Taapasa vrksha,
Dirghkantaka.
Unani Hingan, Hanguul.
Siddha/Tamil Nanjunda.
Folk Hingol, Hingota, Hingothaa.
Action Seed—expectorant, bechic. Oil antibacterial, antifungal.
Fruit—used in whooping cough; also in leucoderma and other skin diseases. Bark—spasmolytic.
The plant is reported to be a potential source of diosgenin (used in oral contraceptives). The fruit pulp contains steroidal saponins. The diosgenin content of the fruit varies from 0.3 to 3.8%. Aqueous extract of fruits showed spermicidal activity without local vaginal irritation in human up to 4%; sperms became sluggish on contact with the plant extract and then became immobile within 30 s; the effect was concentration-related.
Protracted administration of the fruit pulp extract produced hyperglycaemia-induced testicular dysfunction in dogs. An aqueous extract of mesocarp exhibited antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice.
The seed contains balanitins, which exhibit cytostatic activity.
Dosage Leaf, seed, bark, fruit— 50—100 ml decoction.