Bakula / Mimusops elengi / Magilampoo

The flowers are used to extract a volatile oil while the fruits and seeds are used for their phytoactive compounds such as quercitrol, ursolic acid, triterpene alcohol, di-hydroquercetin and more. Even the bark of the tree has some complex compounds that can be used for various therapeutic benefits, hence Bakula tree found in various ayurvedic books as a medicinal plant.

Bakula fruits are believed to provide relief in diarrhoea and in dental problems such as caries and gum disease.  The tender stems are used as toothbrushes and the bark powder can be used as an exfoliator for teeth. Gargling with the solution of its bark powder and Acacia catechu is very beneficial for bleeding gums and swollen gums. It is also believed to have cardiovascular benefits, but there is no scientific data to back it up.  The flowers have anti-inflammatory and healing properties.