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 used in Ayurveda, 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 |
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?
- Hemostatic and styptic (Raktastambhana) - validated through astringent tannin-mediated hemostatic action in wound care
- Anti-diarrheal (Atisara-nashaka) - confirmed through tannin-mediated reduction of intestinal secretion and hypermotility
- Bone and tissue regeneration (Asthi-Sandhanakara) - traditional reputation as bone setter supported by anti-inflammatory and wound healing data
- Aphrodisiac (Vajikarana) - traditional use of Shalmali resin for sexual health partially supported by nutritional and hormonal modulation studies
What do recent clinical trials 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 including flowers and resin for functional food development; documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.
2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
Recent safety updates
- Resin (Mochras) is generally safe for external and internal use at recommended Ayurvedic doses; primarily used as astringent and hemostatic
- Limited formal toxicological studies on the resin specifically; some tannin-rich preparations may reduce iron absorption with prolonged use; generally well-tolerated
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
Bioavailability: Tannins show limited systemic absorption but exert potent local astringent effects in the GI tract. Lupeol has moderate oral bioavailability (~20-30%) enhanced by lipid carriers. Shamimicin and related compounds undergo partial GI absorption. Gum acts as a prebiotic and bulk-forming agent without systemic absorption.
Optimal Timing: Before meals for GI astringent effect; between meals for hemostatic action; topical application 2-3 times daily for wound healing
Standardized Extract: Purified gum resin powder (free from bark fragments and impurities). Bark extract (10:1 hydroalcoholic) standardized to minimum 8% total tannins. Combined gum-bark preparation for comprehensive astringent action.
Shelf Life: Crude gum: 36+ months. Purified gum powder: 24 months. Bark powder: 24 months. Capsules/tablets: 30 months. Topical paste: 18 months.
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
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction of bark
- Collection of natural gum exudate
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol) of bark
- Cold maceration for tannin-rich extract
- Gum purification by dissolution and filtration
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
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