নাগেশ্বর (MESA FERREA)
ORIGIN
Mesua ferrea is native to South and Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. It naturally grows in tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, especially in moist regions.
TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms → Eudicots
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Calophyllaceae
Genus: Mesua
Species: Mesua ferrea L.
EVOLUTION
Mesua ferrea evolved as a slow-growing evergreen forest tree, developing hard wood and aromatic flowers. These traits improved longevity, resistance to pests, and reproductive success in dense tropical forests.
DESCRIPTION
An evergreen medium to large tree, reaching 20–30 meters in height.
Bark: Grey to reddish-brown, rough
Leaves: Lanceolate, glossy green above, silvery beneath
Flowers: Large, white, fragrant, with golden-yellow stamens
Fruit: Woody capsule containing 1–4 seeds
The flowers are highly ornamental and medicinally valuable.
ECOLOGY
Grows best in humid tropical climates
Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soil
Pollinated mainly by insects
Seeds dispersed by gravity and animals
Supports forest biodiversity
CULTIVATION
Propagation: Seeds
Climate: Warm, humid tropical
Soil: Moist loamy soil
Water: Moderate to high
Cultivation is limited due to slow growth, but encouraged for conservation.
TRADITIONAL USES
Traditionally used for:
Religious and cultural rituals
High-quality timber (very hard and durable)
Preparation of traditional medicines
Perfuming oils and incense
It is considered a sacred tree in many regions.
MEDICINAL USES
In Ayurveda, Unani, and folk medicine:
Flowers used for bleeding disorders and inflammation
Seeds used for skin diseases and wounds
Bark used for fever and digestive disorders
Oil used externally for rheumatism and pain
RESEARCH
Scientific studies report:
Phytochemicals: Xanthones, flavonoids, coumarins, essential oils
Pharmacological activities:
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Analgesic
Anticancer (preclinical studies)
Research supports many traditional medicinal claims.
BIOLOGY
Life form: Evergreen tree
Reproduction: Sexual reproduction via seeds
Flowering: Spring to early summer
Growth rate: Slow
Trees are long-lived and highly resilient.
TOXICITY
Mesua ferrea is safe in traditional therapeutic doses.
Excessive internal use may cause gastric irritation
Seed oil should be used carefully
No major toxicity reported when properly used
CONCLUSION
Mesua ferrea (Nāgeshwar / Nagkesar) is a medicinally powerful, culturally sacred, and ecologically valuable tree. Its traditional importance is increasingly supported by scientific research, but conservation and sustainable cultivation are essential due to its slow growth and overexploitation.