Mochras
Salmalia malabarica (DC.) Schott & Endl. (syn. Bombax ceiba L.) - resin exudate
Mochras (Salmalia malabarica (DC.) Schott & Endl. (syn. Bombax ceiba L.) - resin exudate) is a plant drug, from the Malvaceae (formerly Bombacaceae) family. Not in WHO monographs; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Bombax ceiba is recognized in traditional medicine systems of India, China (TCM), and Southeast Asia.
| Botanical name | Salmalia malabarica (DC.) Schott & Endl. (syn. Bombax ceiba L.) - resin exudate |
|---|---|
| Currently accepted name | Bombax ceiba L., the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Malvaceae (formerly Bombacaceae) · other entries in this family |
| Order | Malvales |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Not in WHO monographs; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Bombax ceiba is recognized in traditional medicine systems of India, China (TCM), and Southeast Asia |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3152228 · NCBI Taxonomy 45325 |
The evidence at a glance
7papers on this site for this drug, published 1972 to 2025, 6 with a DOI.
- 2Other clinical studies and reviews
- 5Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Mochras |
| Latin/Botanical | Salmalia malabarica (DC.) Schott & Endl. (syn. Bombax ceiba L.) - resin exudate |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Shamimicin (unique compound)
- Bombasin and bombamalone
- Bombamaloside (glycoside)
- Tannins (gallic acid, ellagic acid derivatives)
- Flavonoids
- Lupeol and beta-sitosterol (terpenoids/sterols)
How does it work?
- Styptic and hemostatic action through tannin-mediated protein precipitation and vasoconstriction at wound sites
- Anti-inflammatory activity via flavonoid-mediated inhibition of COX and LOX pathways
- Antioxidant mechanism through gallic acid and ellagic acid-mediated free radical scavenging
- Anti-diarrheal effect through astringent tannins reducing intestinal secretion and motility
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Hemostatic and styptic (Raktastambhana): traditionally used to stop bleeding in wound care. This action is attributed to its astringent tannins.
- Anti-diarrheal (Atisara-nashaka): traditionally used for diarrhea. This action is attributed to its tannins, which are described as reducing intestinal secretion and hypermotility.
- Bone and tissue regeneration (Asthi-Sandhanakara): traditionally known as a bone setter. Studies have reported anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity.
- Aphrodisiac (Vajikarana): Shalmali resin is traditionally used for sexual health. Studies have looked at its nutritional value and reported hormonal modulation.
What do recent studies show?
- Kumari N, Radha, Puri S and others 2025. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Bombax ceiba L. Flowers as Source of Functional Food Development: A Review. Chemistry & biodiversity. PMID 40825150 · doi:10.1002/cbdv.202500247
Reviewed therapeutic potential of Bombax ceiba flowers for functional food development; documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.
Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
Recent safety updates
- Resin (Mochras) is traditionally used externally and internally at Ayurvedic doses, primarily as an astringent and hemostatic
- Limited formal toxicological studies on the resin specifically; some tannin-rich preparations may reduce iron absorption with prolonged use
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (gum resin powder), Capsules, Tablets, Kwatha (decoction of bark), Lepa (topical paste), Avaleha (confection)
Standard Dosage: 3-6 g gum resin powder per day; 50-100 mL bark decoction twice daily; 500 mg extract capsules twice daily; topical paste as directed
Optimal Timing: Before meals for GI astringent effect; between meals for hemostatic action; topical application 2-3 times daily as traditionally used on wounds
Storage: Gum resin in airtight containers at room temperature; hygroscopic, protect from moisture. Bark powder below 25 deg C. Capsules in blister packs with desiccant. Topical preparations at 15-25 deg C.
Marker Compounds: Lupeol, Shamimicin, Gallic acid, Mangiferin, Bombax ceiba tannins, Beta-sitosterol, Hentriacontane, Kaempferol
Synergistic Combinations
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews2
- 2025. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Bombax ceiba L. Flowers as Source of Functional Food Development: A ReviewChemistry & biodiversity. PMID 40825150 · doi:10.1002/cbdv.202500247
- 2015. Anti-Ulcerogenic Effects of Salmalia Malabarica in Gastric Ulceration--Pilot StudyAdvances in clinical and experimental medicine : official organ Wroclaw Medical University. PMID 26469103 · doi:10.17219/acem/28115
Laboratory and animal studies5
- 2020. Characterization of natural gums via elemental and chemometric analyses, synthesis of silver nanoparticles, and biological and catalytic applicationsInternational journal of biological macromolecules. PMID 31739066 · doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.245
- 2012. Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of n-hexane fraction from the hydro-methanolic extract of sepals of Salmalia malabarica in streptozotocin-induced diabetic ratsJournal of complementary & integrative medicine. PMID 22732718 · doi:10.1515/1553-3840.1565
- 2004. Antimicrobial evaluation of some medicinal plants for their anti-enteric potential against multi-drug resistant Salmonella typhiPhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 15476301 · doi:10.1002/ptr.1522
- 1974. New glycosides, terpenoids, colouring matters, sugars and fatty compounds from the flowers of Salmalia malabaricaArzneimittel-Forschung. PMID 4407419
- 1972. Chemical constituents of Salmalia malabarica Schott and Endl. flowersJournal of pharmaceutical sciences. PMID 5035797 · doi:10.1002/jps.2600610534
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.