# Sala

> Sala (Shorea robusta Gaertn.f.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Dipterocarpaceae family. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. coli 3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Shorea robusta Gaertn.f.
- **Family:** Dipterocarpaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Resin (Rala/Sarjarasa) is an official drug in Ayurvedic formulary. No WHO monograph. Commercially important timber and resin species.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Sala |
| Latin/Botanical | *Shorea robusta Gaertn.f.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Bergenin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#bergenin)
- Ursolic acid
- [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/)
- Beta-caryophyllene
- Alpha-amyrin
- Beta-amyrin
- Caryophyllene oxide
- Amyrins (pentacyclic [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids))
- Ashoresinol
- Hopeaphenol ([resveratrol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#resveratrolresveratrol) tetramer)
- Shoreaphenol
- [Stearic acid](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#stearic-acidstearic-acid) (seed oil)

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory action via triterpenoid-mediated inhibition of NF-kB and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6)
- Wound healing through bergenin-mediated stimulation of collagen synthesis, fibroblast proliferation and angiogenesis
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) activity via alpha-amylase/alpha-glucosidase inhibition and enhancement of GLUT4 translocation by ursolic acid
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) effects through modulation of macrophage activation and cytokine balance

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Wound healing use validated through excision wound models with significantly accelerated closure and improved histological markers
- Anti-inflammatory activity confirmed in carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma models
- [Antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) activity confirmed in Brewer's yeast-induced fever model in rodents
- Antibacterial properties validated against common wound pathogens including S. aureus and E. coli

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 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 (sal dammar) is generally regarded as safe for external and internal use at traditional doses; used widely in food grade applications
- Seed oil is considered safe for consumption as an edible oil substitute; no reports of significant adverse effects. Formal clinical safety trials in humans remain limited.

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Taila (medicated oil), Lepa (paste for external use), Ghana vati (solid extract tablet), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g bark/resin powder per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; external application of resin paste as needed

**Bioavailability:** Triterpenoid and flavonoid constituents show moderate oral bioavailability (20-35%). Resinous compounds are lipophilic and benefit from lipid-based formulations. Amyrins undergo extensive hepatic metabolism. Polyphenolic fraction shows improved bioavailability with self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS).

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for GI-protective effects; externally as needed for wound healing applications

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract (6:1 DER in 60% ethanol), standardized to NLT 3% total triterpenoids (as alpha-amyrin equivalents); purified Sal resin standardized to NLT 40% resin acids

**Shelf Life:** 36 months for resin in sealed containers; 24 months for bark churna; 30 months for extract capsules

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C. Resin should be kept in airtight containers to prevent oxidation. Protect from direct sunlight. RH <55%.

**Marker Compounds:** Alpha-amyrin, Beta-amyrin, Oleanolic acid, Ursolic acid, Asiatic acid, Shorea-phenol

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Aqueous decoction of bark
- Resin collection by tapping (Sal resin/Ral)
- Soxhlet extraction with ethyl acetate for triterpenoid enrichment
- Cold maceration in [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila)

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) (astringent synergy for gynecological conditions)
- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) (uterine tonic formulations)
- [Arjuna](/herb/arjuna/) (wound healing combinations)
- [Shallaki](/herb/shallaki/) (anti-inflammatory and bone-support formulations)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/sala/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.