Botanical Overview
Celastrus paniculatus, commonly known as Intellect tree, Malkangani, Jyotishmati, or Oil plant, belongs to the Celastraceae family. Native to India and Southeast Asia, the primary parts used medicinally are the seeds and their oil.
Energetics
This herb is traditionally considered warming and drying with bitter and pungent tastes. It has an ascending and outward directionality and is tonifying to the qi (vital energy).
Primary Actions
- Nervine
- Cognitive enhancer
- Anti-inflammatory
Indications
Western
- Memory loss
- Cognitive decline
- Mild anxiety
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Neurodegenerative conditions
- Cognitive impairment
TCM
Syndromes
Ayurveda
- Poor memory
- Fatigue
- Nervous exhaustion
Syndromes
- Medhya (intellect enhancing)
- Vata disorders
- Nervine tonic
Unani
Syndromes
Constituents & Mechanisms
This plant contains alkaloids including celastrine and celapanine, essential oils, and sesquiterpenes which contribute to its cognitive and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Seed oil 1-3 mL daily orally or applied topically
- Seed powder 1-3 g daily
- Tincture 1:5 in 40% ethanol 2-5 mL 1-3 times/day
Safety & Contraindications
Generally considered safe in traditional doses. Avoid use during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Potential additive effects with CNS depressants warrant caution.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-supported planetary or elemental rulers established.
Selected References
- Celastrus paniculatus: The Intellect Tree, Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, Avinash Kumar, 2011
- Neuropharmacological effects of Celastrus paniculatus seed oil, Sharma P et al., Phytotherapy Research, 2008
- Celastrus paniculatus – Malkangani, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, Andrew Chevallier, 1996