Soymida febrifuga is a medicinal plant native to Africa and India, commonly known as "Neem Karanja" in India. The pronunciation of this word can be a bit tricky. The first word, "Soymida," is pronounced as /sɔɪmɪdə/, with the stress on the first syllable. The second word, "febrifuga," is pronounced as /fɛbrɪˈfuːɡə/ with the stress on the second syllable. This herb is commonly used in traditional medicine for treating fever and other ailments. It's an essential source of limonoid compounds, which have antioxidant and antiviral properties.
Soymida febrifuga, commonly known as Indian Redwood or Indian Neem, is a deciduous tree species native to the Indian subcontinent. It belongs to the family Meliaceae and is known for its medicinal properties.
Standing tall at an average height of 10-20 meters, Soymida febrifuga has an erect and straight stem with greyish-brown bark that exfoliates in small flakes. The leaves are pinnate, alternate, and contain elliptical leaflets. The tree blooms with small, white, fragrant flowers that develop into capsule-like fruits containing three to four seeds.
The bark and stem of Soymida febrifuga hold immense value in traditional medicine due to their febrifugal (fever-reducing) and antimalarial properties. Extracts from these parts are known to possess potent antipyretic and antimalarial activities. Additionally, various other parts of the tree, such as the leaves, fruits, and roots, have been found to possess antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
Apart from its medicinal uses, Soymida febrifuga is also valued for its timber, which is versatile and durable. The heartwood of the tree is reddish-brown in color, making it a popular choice for construction, furniture-making, and decorative purposes.
In conclusion, Soymida febrifuga is a deciduous tree species native to the Indian subcontinent known for its medicinal properties. With its febrifugal and antimalarial qualities, it has been widely used in traditional medicine. Additionally, its timber is highly valued for its versatility and durability.
The only species of the genus Soymida, a tree of the East Indies, the bark of which is astringent and antiperiodic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Soymida febrifuga" is a combination of the genus name "Soymida" and the species name "febrifuga".
The etymology of "Soymida" can be traced back to the surname of a French botanist, Pierre Poivre, who was also known by his French-ified name "Pierre Sonnerat". Sonnerat visited India in the 18th century and discovered a tree which he named "Sonneratia". Following this, another French botanist, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, honored Sonnerat by renaming the tree "Soymida" in 1789. The specific reason behind the choice of this name is unknown, but it was likely a tribute to Pierre Sonnerat.
The word "febrifuga" is derived from Latin roots.