Plumeria obtusa L
• Scientific Name: Plumeria obtusa L.
• Family: Apocynaceae
• Common Name: Frangipani, White Plumeria, Temple Tree
• Malayalam Name: Kaattu chempakam
• Tamil Name: புளுமேரியா (Plumeria), அருங்குழி (Arungulzi)
Synonyms:
• Plumeria obtusa has been referred to by several names in different contexts:
o Plumeria acutifolia Poir.
o Plumeria peruviana Mill.
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Description:
Plumeria obtusa is a small deciduous tree or shrub known for its fragrant, waxy flowers that are typically white, sometimes tinged with yellow or pink. It has thick, leathery, oblong leaves that are arranged in a spiral. The tree typically grows to a height of 3 to 6 meters, and its flowers are often found in clusters at the ends of branches. The flowers are particularly fragrant and are commonly used in religious and cultural ceremonies in tropical regions. The tree is native to the Caribbean and Central America but is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions across the world, especially in Asia.
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Medicinal Uses:
1. Anti-inflammatory:
o Plumeria obtusa is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties, often applied to reduce swelling and pain associated with joint conditions and inflammatory diseases.
2. Analgesic:
o The bark, leaves, and flowers are used in folk medicine as pain relievers, particularly for headaches and muscle pain.
3. Antioxidant:
o Extracts from the plant have been shown to possess antioxidant properties, which help to combat oxidative stress and prevent cell damage.
4. Antimicrobial:
o The leaves and bark of the plant are used to treat wounds and cuts because of their antibacterial and antifungal properties.
5. Skin Care:
o Plumeria obtusa is used in the treatment of skin conditions such as rashes, eczema, and boils. The flowers and leaves are applied topically to heal minor cuts and improve skin health.
6. Respiratory Problems:
o The flowers and leaves are sometimes used to treat respiratory problems like asthma and coughs. They are known to have mild expectorant effects.
7. Fever and Malaria:
o In some traditional practices, the plant is used to treat fevers and is considered helpful in managing symptoms associated with malaria.
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