Saptaparni benefits and side effects

Alstonia plant is known to be highly effective in the treatment of wounds. A study done on animal models showed that methanol extracts of Alstonia leaf promote healing of open wounds. 

In another study done on animal models, treatment with Alstonia extracts was shown to improve skin healing and promote skin regeneration in wounds. 

According to a research published in the journal Der Pharmacia Lettre, a polyherbal formulation containing methanol extracts of Alstonia leaves and bark along with the leaves of some other plants contains potent wound healing activity.      

However, since there is no clinical study to prove the wound-healing effects and safety of Alstonia on open wounds, it is best to consult an experienced healthcare practitioner before using Alstonia on any kind of wound.

Alstonia or Saptaparni is rich in biologically active compounds that impart it potent antimicrobial properties. Various parts of the Saptaparni plant have been shown to be beneficial against a wide range of bacteria—both gram-positive (those that stain blue with gram stain) and gram-negative (those that stain red with gram staining) bacteria. These include E coli (causes diarrhoea and dysentery), Klebsiella pneumoniae (causes pneumonia and wound infections), and Methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). 

In a study done in India, natural dye obtained from Alstonia scholaris bark was found to be effective against a wide range of bacteria including Psuedomonas aeruginosa (causes infections of the skin, lungs and urinary tract) and Bacillus cereus (causes food poisoning). It was also found to be effective against the fungus Aspergillus flavus (causes skin and wound infections) and the common infectious yeast Candida albicans. 

According to a study published in the International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research, root and bark extracts of A. scholaris are more effective antimicrobials than stem and bark extract, which is stronger than the fruit, flower and leaf extracts of this plant. 

The bark of Alstonia plant is said to be an effective substitute of the antimalarial drug quinine. Several studies indicate the antiplasmodial activity of Alstonia against the malarial parasite Plasmodium. 

In an in vivo study done on mice, Alstonia bark was found to be effective in reducing parasitic load, and increasing survival time as compared to controls. 

A study done in Tamil Nadu, India, indicated that the leaf and bark extracts of Alstonia plant possess antiparasitic activity against Plasmodium falciparum (the deadliest malaria parasite to infect humans). 

However, the antimalarial activity of Alstonia plant is a bit controversial. For example, a study done in Chandigarh, India, found no effect of Alstonia against Plasmodium.

Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology indicated that the active compounds present in Alstonia plant were found to be ineffective against Plasmodium spp.

Read more: Home remedies for malaria

Alstonia is traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. A study done on animal models found that the methanolic extract of Alstonia plant not only helps to relieve diarrhoea but also it has antinociceptive (reduced awareness of pain) effects on the body. 

In another study, ethanolic extract of Alstonia bark was found to be effective in reducing the defecation frequency in mice models with diarrhoea. Compounds like saponins, tannins and some alkaloids were said to be responsible for these effects.

According to a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, the anti-diarrhoeal effects of Alstonia extracts are mediated by calcium channel blockade.

However, more studies are needed to better understand the effects and benefits of Alstonia plant in diarrhoea.

Alstonia is known as a strong immunomodulatory herb. In a study done on mice, aqueous extracts of Alstonia plant were shown to improve immune function and reduce allergic reactions at various doses. (Read more: Allergy symptoms)

In a study done in Madhya Pradesh, India, the stem bark of Alstonia plant was indicated to be effective in stimulating both the humoral and cell-mediated immune system. These are two arms of the acquired immune system, the immunity we develop slowly as we face new pathogens.

Animal studies indicate that Alstonia has hepatoprotective properties. In one such study done in India, it was found that the ethanolic extract of Alstonia plant is effective in reducing liver damage and restoring liver architecture. 

Another study done in Taiwan indicated that the hepatoprotective effects of Alstonia are comparable to that of Bupleurum chinense, a herb well known for its beneficial effects on liver health.

In a study published in the World Journal of Pharmacological Research, aqueous extracts of Alstonia bark were found to be effective against both ethanol and paracetamol-induced liver damage in mice.

However, no clinical studies have been done so far on the effects of Alstonia on liver function and liver health in humans.

Read more: Foods to improve liver health

Several studies indicate the anticancer effects of Alstonia extracts. A study done in Karnataka, India, suggested that Alstonia extracts, when given along with a drug called berberine hydrochloride, can suppress tumorigenesis (development of tumours) in early stages. However, it does not have a significant effect in the later stages of tumour development.

In another study done in India, the alkaloid fraction of Alstonia plant was indicated to have a stronger anticancer effect than the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide. 

Both in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that Alstonia extracts reduce the number of mutations and hence prevent cancer development. 

According to a study published in the journal Molecules, the alkaloids and triterpenes present in Alstonia plant possess both apoptotic and immunoregulatory properties which together aid in the prevention and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.