Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. ex G.Don
Vernacular name: Rudraksha, Rudraksh Tree (Hindi: रुद्राक्ष)
Species Name: Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. ex G.Don
Family: Elaeocarpaceae
Habit: Evergreen tree.
Stem: Straight trunk 15–30 m tall; bark grey to brown, rough, with shallow fissures; crown dense and spreading.
Leaf: Alternate, elliptic to oblong-lanceolate, 8–18 × 3–6 cm, serrulate, glossy, shortly acuminate, petiolate; leaves often turn red before falling.
Flowering: Spring–early summer (April–June).
Flowers: Fragrant, white to creamy-white, pendulous, borne in axillary racemes; petals 5, deeply fimbriate; stamens numerous; ovary superior, 5-locular.
Fruit: Globose to ellipsoid blue drupe, 2–3 cm diameter, with a hard, deeply grooved stone (“Rudraksha bead”) containing 1–5 locules.
Uses:
- Fruits have properties such as sedative, hypnotic, tranquillizing, antioxidant, anti-convulsive, anti-epileptic and anti-hypertensive and used in the treatment of epilepsy, hypertension, fever, anxiety, mental stress, depression, lack of concentration, neurological complaints and heart problems in Ayurvedic and Unani practices. Fruits also show significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic activities, protection against bronchospasm and inflammatory disorders.
- In folklore remedies, fruit is soaked overnight in copper vessel to help manage blood pressure and heart rate.
- In traditional medicine, different parts (seeds, bark, leaves) are used for ailments such as headaches, fever, asthma and nerve pain.
- Plant also helps to extend shelf life of perishable foods as its extracts contains flavonoids and phenols that acts as natural preservatives.
- The dried hard and multi-locular endocarp (Rudraksha bead) is widely used as sacred prayer beads for making malas, bracelets, and religious ornaments for meditation, and religious purposes in Sanatan and Buddhism.
- Tree planted as an ornamental and avenue tree for its attractive foliage, blue fruits and ecological restoration in tropical and subtropical regions.
- The Blue outer fruits are crafted into decorative items and keepsakes.
- It is mentioned in ancient literature that the beads of Rudraksh have amazing powers to relieve people from stress, pain, sufferings and provide tranquillity.
