Mimusops elengi L.

DeFilipps, Robert A. & Krupnick, Gary A., 2018, The medicinal plants of Myanmar, PhytoKeys 102, pp. 1-341 : 156

Mimusops elengi L.

Names.

Myanmar: thitcho-khaya, khayay pin, chayar pin, sot-keen (Mon). English: Spanish cherry, star flower tree.

Range.

Tropical. India, Malay Peninsula and Archipelago. Grows naturally around Myanmar; also cultivated.

Uses.

Bark: Liquid from boiling the bark together with the bark of zee-hpyu ( Phyllanthus emblica ) and shah (or A. chundra ) is held in the mouth to treat thrush, inflamed gums, burns within the mouth, gingivitis, and other gum disorders. Liquid from boiling the bark is also used to clean cuts and wounds. Bark, Flower and Fruit: Used for heart problems, a decoction of the bark is taken, the flowers are inhaled, and the fruit is eaten. Flower: Fresh flowers are used for treating white vaginal discharge and dental diseases. Water from soaking them overnight is given to children for coughs. Dried flowers, ground together with thanakha (paste of bark of Chloranthus erectus , especially useful for its astringent properties), are applied to cure heat rashes and prickly heat. Fruit and Seed: Paste of seeds is made with cold water or the ripe fruits are ingested for persistent diarrhea.

Note.

The medicinal uses of this species in India are discussed in Jain and DeFilipps (1991).

Reference.

Agricultural Corporation (1980).