Flame Tree

The Flame Tree, botanically Delonix regia, is a tropical tree from the legume family (Fabaceae). It originally comes from Madagascar but is now widespread in almost all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is known above all for its magnificent bloom: from spring to summer, countless bright scarlet to orange flowers appear, which have earned the tree its common name. With its expansive, umbrella-shaped crown, it reaches a height of up to 15 meters and is planted in many places as an ornamental tree and shade provider. In addition to its cultural and aesthetic significance, the Flame Tree is also traditionally used in some regions, whether medicinally or as a source of raw materials.

What benefits does the Flame Tree offer for health?

In folk medicine, various properties are attributed to the Flame Tree, which are increasingly also being investigated scientifically. More studies are necessary to draw definitive conclusions about its effects. Nevertheless, investigations have shown that various positive effects can originate from the plant. Here are some of the results to date:

  • Anti-inflammatory: Leaves, bark, and flowers contain secondary plant compounds such as flavonoids and phenols, which can have anti-inflammatory effects (1,2).
  • Antioxidant effects: Various components of the plant have strong antioxidant effects, which can contribute to protection against oxidative stress and is of significance in conditions such as atherosclerosis and liver diseases (2,3,4).
  • Effect against diarrhea: Studies suggest a positive effect on digestive complaints in the form of diarrhea (2,5)
  • Antimicrobial: Studies indicate an inhibitory effect of the constituents against bacteria and fungi (3,6).
  • Hypoglycemic effect (antidiabetic): Studies have shown that extracts of the plant can lower blood sugar levels in hyperglycemic models, which supports its traditional use as an antidiabetic (7).

How does the Flame Tree work in the body?

The effect is based on the active compounds contained in various parts of the plant. Four of them are particularly worth mentioning here: β-sitosterol, lupeol, flavonoids, and phenolic acid (2).

Are there any risks or side effects?

  • Limited research: To date, only a few clinical investigations exist that confirm traditional uses.
  • Not in high doses: As with many medicinal plants, excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal complaints.
  • No known serious side effects: In traditionally customary amounts, the Flame Tree is considered safe in naturopathy.
  • Medical supervision advised: Due to the insufficient research, use without medical supervision is not advised.

Conclusion

The Flame Tree (Delonix regia) is not only an impressive ornamental tree with a spectacular bloom but also a plant with traditionally diverse medicinal uses. Even though scientific research is still in its early stages here, the Flame Tree combines cultural, ecological, and health significance in a special way.

Sources:

  1. Shewale VD, Deshmukh TA, Patil LS, Patil VR. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Delonix regia (Boj. Ex. Hook). Adv Pharmacol Sci. 2012;5(Suppl 3):1–4. PubMed Central PMCID: PMCPMC3206388.
  2. Wang, L. S., Lee, C. T., Su, W. L., Huang, S. C., & Wang, S. C. (2016). Delonix regia Leaf Extract (DRLE): A Potential Therapeutic Agent for Cardioprotection. PloS one, 11(12), e0167768. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0167768
  3. Shabir G, Anwar F, Sultana B, Khalid ZM, Afzal M, Khan QM, et al. Antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes and phenolics of different solvent extracts from leaves, flowers and bark of Gold Mohar [Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf]. Molecules. 2011;16(9):7302–19. 10.3390/molecules16097302
  4. Shanmukha I, Patel H, Patel J, Riyazunnisa. Quantification of total phenol and flavonoid content of Delonix regia flowers. Int J Chem Tech Res. 2011;3:280–3.
  5. Shiramane RS, Biradar KV, Chivde BV, Shambhulingayya H, Goud V. In-vivo antidiarrhoeal activity of ethanolic extract of Delonix regia flowers in experimental induced diarrhoea in wistar albino rats. International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Chemistry. 2011;1(3):2231–781.
  6. Ragasa CY, Hofilena JG. Antimicrobial coumarin derivative from Delonix regia. Manila J Sci. 2011;7(1):7–11.
  7. Rahman M, Hasan N, Das AK, Hossain T, Jahan R, Khatun A, et al. Effect of Delonix regia leaf extract on glucose tolerance in glucose-induced hyperglycemic mice. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(1):34–6. PubMed Central PMCID: PMCPMC3218438.