Narra / India Padauk

Scientific name: Pterocarpus indicus

POWO Status: Tree

Location: 17° 42′ 56.91″ N, 64° 49′ 52.07″ W

IUCN Red List threat level: Endangered

ref: Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, pg. 204

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Medicinal Uses

Pterocarpus indicus, known as Narra, is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, and analgesic properties, with applications for skin sores, wounds, sore throats, diarrhea, dysentery, cough, and even potential diabetes and immune support, utilizing its leaves, bark, and wood for various decoctions and applications. Scientific studies explore its compounds for anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant activity, liver protection, and anti-allergic properties, supporting its traditional uses. 

Traditional Uses

  • Skin & Wounds: Applied to boils, ulcers, prickly heat, and minor wounds.
  • Digestive Issues: Used for diarrhea, dysentery, and bladder problems.
  • Respiratory: Gargled for sore throats, used for coughs, and even for asthma.
  • Pain Relief: Acts as an analgesic for headaches and rheumatic pain.
  • Other: Employed as a mouthwash, diuretic (for dropsy), and to enhance immunity. 

Scientific Findings & Potential

  • Antimicrobial: Extracts show antibacterial activity against various pathogens, with promising results from bark and leaf extracts.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Compounds like angolensin show promise in combating inflammation.
  • Antidiabetic: Leaf extracts have demonstrated significant effects in diabetic mice, suggesting potential for diabetes management.
  • Antioxidant: Rich in flavonoids, providing antioxidant benefits and potentially protecting kidneys.
  • Anti-allergic: Extracts can inhibit allergic responses by reducing mast cell activation.
  • Hepatoprotective: Studies suggest potential liver-detoxifying and protective effects. 

Plant Parts Used

  • Leaves: Infusions for shampoo, anti-allergic, antidiarrheal, and general wellness.
  • Bark & Root: Used for antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting decoctions, often for asthma.
  • Wood: Used for diuretics (historically as lignum nephriticum) and heartwood extracts for anti-inflammatory properties. 

Note: While promising, many uses are traditional or in early research; consult healthcare professionals before using for serious conditions.

Observations:

Phenological Markers: Narra / India Padauk

Scientific Name: Pterocarpus indicus
Family: Fabaceae
Common Names: Narra, Philippine Mahogany, Angsana, India Padauk (Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, pg. 204)
Local Names: Narra in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian regions

Note: Kew, Plants of the World Online (https://powo.science.kew.org/), does not recognize India Padauk, but does recognize Narra as pterocarpus indicus

🌳 Description:

A large deciduous tree, reaching up to 20–30 meters in height, native to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, Indonesia, and parts of Malaysia. The tree is prized for its hard, reddish-brown wood, which is commonly used in furniture making and woodworking. The Narra tree also has ornamental value, thanks to its large, fragrant flowers and attractive foliage.

  • Notable Characteristics:
    • The tree has a wide canopy with pinnate leaves and produces striking yellow to orange flowers in clusters
    • The wood is durable and prized for its reddish-brown hue and resistance to termites

🌿 Leafing:

  • Leaf Type: Pinnate, with 7–13 leaflets
  • Phenology Notes: Deciduous, with new leaves emerging during the wet season after the flowering period
  • New Leaves: Fresh leaves are soft, light green, maturing to a glossy dark green

🌸 Flowering:

  • Blooming Season: Spring to early summer (March–June), with occasional blooming in the wet season depending on local conditions
  • Flowers: Large, fragrant, yellow to orange, pea-like flowers, borne in clusters at the branch tips
  • Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds

🍈 Fruiting:

  • Fruit Type: Flat, woody pods containing seeds
  • Fruit Season: Late summer to fall (July–October)
  • Notes: Pods are long, flattened, and turn brown as they mature. Seeds are winged and dispersed by wind, aiding in the tree’s natural spread

📍 Habitat & Range:

  • Native to: Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia
  • Common in: Coastal forests, riversides, and mixed hardwood forests
  • Found on: Tropical islands and planted in various regions for shade and ornamental purposes

🌱 Ecological Importance:

  • The Narra tree is an important part of tropical ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife, including birds and insects
  • It is also used in agroforestry systems to improve soil fertility due to its nitrogen-fixing ability
  • The tree’s wood is commercially valuable, but sustainable harvesting practices are encouraged to avoid overexploitation
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