“Chongla,” scientifically known as Oroxylum indicum, is a distinctive tree with various common names like Indian Trumpet Tree, Midnight Horror Tree, or Broken Bones Tree, reflecting its unique appearance. This plant holds significant cultural and traditional importance, particularly in Asian traditional medicine systems.
Identifying Chongla
Oroxylum indicum has a striking appearance. The tree reaches 10 to 20 meters, with soft, light brown or grayish-brown bark often marked with corky lenticels. Its most notable feature is exceptionally large, bipinnate leaves, 0.5 to 2.2 meters long and wide, among the largest of all dicot tree leaves. When these substantial leaf stalks wither and fall, they accumulate at the trunk’s base, resembling a pile of broken limb bones, hence one common name.
The flowers are equally distinctive, growing in long, erect racemes up to 1.5 meters. These large, trumpet-shaped blooms are typically purplish-brown or reddish-purple outside and pale, pinkish-yellow internally. They are nocturnal, opening at night and emitting a strong, somewhat foul odor that attracts bats, their primary pollinators. After pollination, the tree develops extraordinarily long, flat, sword-shaped seed pods, 0.33 to 1.5 meters long. These woody capsules hang conspicuously from bare branches, resembling dangling swords or sickles, containing numerous flat, winged seeds dispersed by wind.
Habitat and Distribution
Oroxylum indicum is native to a wide geographical area of South and Southeast Asia. Its natural range extends across the Indian subcontinent, including the Himalayan foothills, southern China, Indochina, and Malesia. Countries where it is commonly found include India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
This adaptable tree thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, preferring humid forests. It is frequently observed along riverbanks, on mountain slopes, and in disturbed areas like clearings and roadsides. While it tolerates various soil types, it generally prefers well-drained, fertile, and moist soil, often found mostly below 1000 meters altitude.
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
Various parts of Oroxylum indicum have been utilized for centuries in traditional medical systems, including Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and folk remedies across Asia. All parts—bark, roots, leaves, fruits, and seeds—are traditionally employed. It is a notable ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations like Dasamula and Chyawanprash.
The root bark is traditionally considered to have astringent, tonic, and digestive properties. It has been used for conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery, fevers, and inflammation. A paste from the root bark is applied externally for skin issues like scabies. The stem bark also finds traditional use as an anti-rheumatic agent and for stomach disorders.
Leaves are traditionally used externally for conditions like enlarged spleen, headaches, and ulcers; their decoction may be consumed for rheumatic pain. Fruits are traditionally regarded as stomachic and anthelmintic, used for throat infections, heart-related issues, piles, and bronchitis. Seeds are traditionally known for their purgative qualities, used for throat infections and hypertension. These are traditional uses based on historical practices and beliefs, not medical advice or proven efficacy.
Important Considerations and Cautions
Oroxylum indicum has a long history of traditional use, but caution is advised. Scientific research into the plant’s efficacy and safety is ongoing; traditional uses do not equate to scientifically proven medical treatments. Extracts have shown biological activities in laboratory and preclinical studies, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Direct human studies are often limited, and the full spectrum of potential side effects or interactions with medications is not completely understood. Some sources indicate potential for allergic reactions or individual intolerance. Traditional guidelines suggest caution for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals with hypersensitivity.
Before considering any herbal remedies, including those from Oroxylum indicum, consult a qualified healthcare professional. This is especially true for individuals taking other medications, children, or those with underlying health conditions.