Schleichera oleosa, commonly known as the Macassar tree, Ceylon oak, or Koshamra, is a beautiful deciduous tree native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including Nepal. In Nepal, it is known as Kusum Tree.
Belonging to the Sapindaceae family, which also features trees like lychee, longan, and maple, the Macassar tree can reach heights of 20-30 meters with a straight trunk and spreading canopy. The plant produces small greenish-yellow flowers clustered together. The fruit is a vibrant red when ripe.
The Macassar tree thrives in warm, humid climates and can handle some drought but struggles in colder environments. This tree can be found in various habitats such as forests, woodlands, and plantations, often near bodies of water. It is occasionally cultivated throughout the tropics and grows best at low elevations up to 1,200 meters above sea level in well-drained deep rich acid soils abundant in organic matter.
This versatile plant has been used for centuries in a variety of ways. Its leaves, twigs, and seed cake are commonly fed to cattle, while its wood makes for great firewood and charcoal. Kusum oil, extracted from the plant's seeds, serves a variety of purposes, from culinary and lighting to aiding with skin problems and rheumatism. Additionally, the heartwood of the plant is known for its durability and hardness, making it ideal for everything from pestles to tool handles.
Schleichera oleosa has been reported to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties and is known for its numerous medicinal benefits, as mentioned below:
- Powdered seeds are known to be helpful in healing wounds and ulcers in cattle by removing maggots.
- The bark, having astringent properties, is utilized for treating leprotic ruptures, skin inflammations, and ulcers.
- The bark of the plant can be used in making medicine for malaria treatment.
- The oil derived from its seed helps to alleviate itching, acne, and various skin issues. Similarly, massaging this oil into the scalp helps with hair growth and combating baldness.
- The pulp of its fruit helps in appetite-stimulating.
- It can be used as an analgesic, antibiotic, and treatment for dysentery.
- It can also be used to address menorrhea issues.
Apart from its medicinal properties, the Macassar tree boasts a variety of other applications. Among them are:
- Being a source of robust and long-lasting wood, the Macassar tree is perfect for crafting furniture, flooring, and additional wood items.
- Serving as home to lac insects, the Macassar tree enables these creatures to generate lac—a resin utilized in creating products like shellac, varnish, and dyes.
- Cooking young leaves and raw shoots in soups or steaming them with rice makes for a tasty meal
- People relish the ripe fruit in its raw form
- After undergoing certain chemical alterations, its oil can be harnessed for cooking purposes
- The oil is useful in the batik industry and even serves as a refreshing bath oil in some regions
- As an alternative feed source, it can also be used to feed livestock.
To conclude, Schleichera oleosa offers a variety of benefits that people can take advantage of through its numerous products available on the market, such as seed oil, capsules, and powder. In addition, those who have expertise in traditional herbal practices can also create various medicines for home remedies on their own.
Ultimately, Schleichera oleosa serves as a valuable element in the realm of traditional herbal medicine, providing both direct and indirect assistance to our well-being.
However, as with any herbal treatment, it's wise to consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional before using any related products.