Acacia concinna (Willd.) DC.

DeFilipps, Robert A. & Krupnick, Gary A., 2018, The medicinal plants of Myanmar, PhytoKeys 102, pp. 1-341 : 75-76

Acacia concinna (Willd.) DC.

Names.

Myanmar: hpah-ha (Kachin), hing-hang (Chin), hla pruckkha (Mon), sot lapoot (Mon), janah lapoot (Mon), hpak ha (Shan), sum-hkawn (Shan), kin-pun chin, kinmun-gyin. English: soap pod.

Range.

Tropical and temperate Asia. Grows naturally throughout Myanmar, but most commonly in tropical evergreen forests; also cultivated.

Uses.

Leaf: Sour, with heating properties. Used to treat symptoms of heat stroke and to relieve diarrhea. The liquid from lightly boiling the leaves in water is used to treat malaria, as well as constipation and bloating. A mixture made with salt, tamarind ( Tamarindus indica ) fruit, and chili pepper, crushed together with the young leaves that have soaked in black pepper water, is taken to alleviate symptoms of jaundice and gall bladder disease. The young leaves are also soaked in water overnight and taken to cure maladies that cause fatigue and bloating. Additionally, they are crushed and applied externally to alleviate symptoms caused by a swollen liver. Flower: With cooling properties, the sweet flowers are used to reduce phlegm. Fruit: Bitter and with cooling properties, used to treat skin infections and promote digestion as well as to alleviate constipation, gastric disease, stomachaches caused by gas, and circulatory problems. The ripe fruit is used as detergent for washing hair. Leaf and Fruit: A decoction of leaves and fruits is taken for constipation. A decoction of fruit is used in shampoo to strengthen the hair. Crushed fruit, applied topically as a remedy for skin problems, is also an ingredient in preparations used to neutralize venomous snakebites. One cup of liquid from the fruit decoction is used to induce vomiting to save those who have attempted suicide by ingesting arsenic and lime juice.

Notes.

The medicinal uses of this species in India are discussed in Jain and DeFilipps (1991). The medicinal uses of the species in China, Indo-China, the Malay Peninsula, and Indonesia are discussed in Perry (1980).

References.

Agricultural Corporation (1980), Perry (1980).