Review

A Review on Tectona grandis.linn: Chemistry and Medicinal uses

(FAMILY: VERBENACEAE)
*Rajuri Aradhana, K.N.V.Rao, David Banji and R.K. Chaithanya

Abstract
The plant Tectona grandis.Linn (TG) commonly known as 'Teak' (English) is a large to very large deciduous tree, 20-35m in
height with light brown bark which belongs to the Family “Verbenaceae”. The whole plant is medicinally important and many
reports on claims to cure several diseases in Indian traditional system of medicine particularly in Ayurveda and in folklore. In
the present study an attempt has been made to provide maximum information about the plant Tectona grandis.linn which helps
in its identity.

Keywords: Tectona grandis.Linn (F: Verbenaceae), Phytochemistry, Traditional uses, Tectoionols.

Introduction Species : grandis L. f. – teak

Botanical Name: Tectona grandis.linn (www.plants.usda.gov/
Teak is large to very large deciduous tree, 25-35 m in height with light java/profile?symbol=TEGR)
brown bark having shallow longitudinal furrows, fluted base and
characteristically quadrangular channeled branchlets. Leaves are 30- Botanical Description
60by 15-30cm, simple, opposite, broadly elliptical or obovate, acute or
acuminate, coriaceous, upper surface is rough but usually glabrous, Tectona grandis.linn is a large deciduous tree which, under favourable
stellately-grey tomentose beneath, entire base, base usually cuneate, conditions, may reach a height of 30-40 m. In dry habitats growth
Possessing minute glandular dots, main nerves 8-10 pairs with 2 or 3 becomes more stunted and branching more widespread and bushy. On
large branches near the edge of the leaf, joined by numerous parallel good sites, clear boles of 15-20 m or more can usually be obtained, as
transverse veins. Flowers are many, white, small, sweet scented, in large lower branches are shaded out. Fluting and buttresses are often found at
erect terminal branched tomentose cymose panicles, 0.3-0.9m long, with the base of older trees. The bark is thick, grey or light greyish-brown. The
lanceolate bracts which are present beneath the calyx 2.5mm. Calyx in leaves are large, 25-50 cm long and 15-35 cm wide, opposite, elliptic or
flower is 3mm long. Fruits are enlarged to 2.5 cm long, hard, bony, obovate, the underside grey and densely covered with red glandulous
irregular globose drupes enveloped by light brown bladder-like calyx. hairs. The flowers are small (6-8 mm in diameter), whitishand bisexual.
Seeds are usually 1-3, ovate, marble white. T. grandis is occasionally They appear in large panicles containing up to a few thousand flower
cultivated in tropical countries as an ornamental for its large leaves and buds, which open only a few at a time during the flowering period of 2-4
spreading flower clusters. (Dr Arun Bhatt MDJ et.al, 2004) (G S Goraya weeks (www.sl.kvl.dk.com).
et.al, 2008) (www.worldagroforestrycentre.org). Ecology And Distribution
Plant Taxonomy History Of Cultivation
Kingdom : Plantae – Plants Its natural distribution is in Southeast Asia, from the Indian subcontinent
Subkingdom : Tracheobionta – Vascular plants through Myanmar and Thailand to Laos. Its early cultivation is by Hindu
Super division : Spermatophyta – Seed plants settlers, possibly in the 7th century, is not clearly established. It is
believed teak was introduced to Java 400-600 years from India. At the
Division : Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
beginning of this century, T. grandis was introduced to both East and
Class : Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons West Africa and 'Trinidad teak' has become particularly well known in
Subclass : Asteridae the Caribbean region. It is planted for timber or ornament and in
Order : Lamiales botanical gardens. T. grandis was by far the most important export timber
in Thailand until all logging in natural forests was banned in 1989
Family : Verbenaceae – Verbena family
(www.worldagroforestrycentre.org).
Genus : Tectona L. f. – tectona

Department of pharmacognosy, Nalanda College of Pharmacy, cherlapally, Nalgonda A.P, India, Pin code: 508001.
*Corresponding Author: aradhana.rajuri@gmail.com

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S.No Language Vernacular Name Propagation

1. Arabic Saj
2. Assamese chingjagu, segun, sagun Teak is propagated mainly from seeds. Germination of the seeds is often
sagun, segun poor and sporadic; it involves pretreatment to remove dormancy arising
3. Bengali
from the thick pericarp. Pretreatment involves alternate wetting and
4. English teak
drying of the seed. The seeds are soaked in water for 12 hours and then
5. Hindi sagaun, sagon, sagvan, sagwan, segun, spread to dry in the sun for 12 hours. This is repeated for 10–14 days .A
sagun, sakhu, saigaun, sagwan (introduced),
better method for drying is dry heat. The seeds are heated for 1-5 weeks at
hagwan, hag, nakta
50°c or at 48h at 80°c. Then the seeds are sown in shallow germination
6. Kannada jaddi, jadi, saguvani, tega, tegina, tegu, beds of coarse peat covered by sand. The seeds then germinate after 15 to
tyaga, tyagadamara, saguani, thekinamara, 30 days (www.wikipedia.com).
jaththi, sagoni, saagivaani, thega, thegina
mara, tegada mara, jaadi,sagonaro, Natural Habitat
saguvantega, sagwan, sagwana, sagwani,
tegada, tek, tekan, tekki,teku, thaigina, tyagada T. grandis will survive and grow under a wide range of climatic and
7. Malayalam jati, tekka, tekku, theka, thekku, tek, teka, teku edaphic conditions. It grows best in a warm, moist, tropical climate with
a significant difference between dry and wet seasons. T. grandis is
8. Manipuri chingsu
deciduous, while trees grown in non-seasonal climates are semi-
9. Marathi saga, sagvan, sagwan, sag, saylo deciduous. It is often a dominant member of a mixed deciduous forest,
10. Mizoram teak, tlawr where its main associates are Xylia spp., Afzelia xylocarpa, Terminalia
11. Oriya teak, tlawr, sagavan spp. and Lagerstroemia spp. The forest floor is often covered with
12. Persian saj, sal bamboo. T. grandis generally occurs scattered but can form almost pure
13. Sanskrit anila, arjunopama, arna, atipatraka, balasara, stands under favourable conditions. Young plants show a remarkable
balesara, bhumiruha, bhumisahah, capability to recover after fire (www.worldagroforestrycentre.org).
dhrubasadhana, dirghachhada, dvarada,
dvaradaru, gandhasara, grihadruma, halimaka, Geographical Distribution
kharacchada, kharachhada, kharapatra,
kolaphala, krakachapatra, mahapatra, The Tectona grandis.linn is native to the following counties India,
mahiruha, nau, sabarasara, saka, sakam, western peninsula, Konkani, Burma, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos and
shakakhya, shakataru, sharapatra, exotic to Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Barbados, Brazil, Brunei,
shreshthakashtha, sthirasara, tailapila, teka, yogi Cambodia, China, Cote d'lvoire, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic,
14. Tamil kalindi, kumidigam, sadi, sagam, Ghana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius,
sarasam, tekku, tekkumaram, cakam, cati, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, panama, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South
tekku-maram, thekku, thanagaamaram, Africa, Sri Lanka, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania,
arimakattuvam, atipattiram arimakattuvamaram, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Vietnam, United States Of
cakaccam, cakakuvancam, cakam3, cakayam, America, Virgin Islands(US) (www.worldagroforestry.org)
caki@, cakayamaram, cakuvancan, camunam,
caracakalini, caracam, caracakalinimaram, Bio-physical Limits
catam2, cati3, comavulukkam, cotimavoliccam,
ilankali2, irattapakam, kalinti1, katapalam, Northern limit is latitude 25° N in Myanmar & Southern
katpalam2, kattirini, keccam, kumitam, kumitikam, limit is 9°N in India. Teak longitudinal limits are 70°-100°E
kuvesmaram, makapattira, makattiram, palitam, (www.worldagroforestrycentre.org).
palakanamaram, palikkanam, palitamaram,
perumucuki, piracatanam1 perumucukimaram, Traditional uses of Tectona Grandis.linn
pirakirutitta1, rattapakam, rattapakamaram,
Wood: Sedative, Anthelmintic, piles, in the treatment of gravid uterus,
tirkkaccam, tuvarataru, varataru, varataru@,
vatanam@, Leucoderma, dysentery, headache, burning pain over liver region, anti-
inflammatory, anodyne, vermifuge, ophthalmic, depurative, laxative,
15. Telugu vatanamaram adaviteku, peddateku, vitiated conditions of pitta&kapha, neuralgia, arthritis, dyspepsia,
tekkoo, teku, pedda teku, peddatoku, teek, flatulence, cough, skin diseases, leprosy, hyperacidity, menorrhagia,
tek, teka, pedda taeku, taeku
leucorrhoea, abortion, hemorrhoids, antibilious and lipid disorders.
16. Tibetan sa kha pa tra (www.envis.frhlt.org)
Paste made from the wood is used as a diuretic, stimulant, hepatic,
The Common Vernacular Names of Tectona Grandis: astringent, relief from tooth ache.

Cultivation Methods Wood ash is applied to the swollen eyelids to strengthen the eye sight.

The new plants can also be propagated from cuttings apart from the seed
sowing. It is usually planted when the four to six weeks old. Plough the
land thoroughly and level it. The best season to plant the teak is monsoon,
most probably after the first shower. Carry out weeding operations
regularly. Teak requires loamy soil rich in humus and having the right
content of moisture with good drainage. It grows well in hilly and dry
areas. It requires a dry tropical climate for its growth. It flowers in
February and March (www.ecoindia.com).
Oily product obtained from the wood chips applied to eczema.
Root: In the treatment of anuria, urine retention.
Leaves: Used for thatching, haemostatic, depurative, anti-
inflammatory,vulnery, leprosy, skin diseases, puritus, stomatities,
indolent ulcers, hemorrhages, Haemoptysis,vitiated conditions of pitta.
Seed: Diuretic, emollient, demulcent, skin diseases, prurities and in
vitiated conditions of vata.

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Language Vernacular Name Uses Reported DR. K. M. Nadkarni, A. K. Nadkarni, 1908; Orient Longman,1996)
English, Oriya Teak In coloring clothes, edibles, wood Chemical Constituents Reported In Leaves
exudes gum is used in pan
masala, common cold, whets Quinones: Tectoquinone, lapachol, deoxylapachol and its isomer,
appetite, relieves headache and tectoleafoquinone, anthraquinone – napthaquinone pigment.
acidity. Bitter tonic, fever,
headache and stomach problems. Steroidal compounds: Squalene, poly isoprene-α-tolyl methyl ether,
Digestion may be enhanced by betulinic acid, tecto grandone, monoterpene, Apocarotenoids:
the teak Tectoionols-A, Tectoionols-B.
wood or bark, Tooth-ache
(www.ecoindia.com) (www. Glycosides: Anthraquinone glycosides
Hindi Saguan leaves for scabies (S Sahoo
Conservation and Utilization of Phenolic acids: Tannic acid, Gallic acid, Ferulic acid, Caffeic acid and
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants) ellagic acid.
Hindi Sagon Sedative to gravid uterus and Flavonoids: Rutin and Quercitin
useful in treatment of piles,
Leucoderma and dysentery. Tectona grandis.Linn leaf also reported to contain carbohydrates,
Bronchitis, biliousness, urinary alkaloids, tannins, sterols, saponins, proteins, calcium, phosphorus,
discharges. Oil from flower is hair crude fiber and also contain dye (yellowish-brown or reddish) (The
promoter and useful in Scabies. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, 2006; D. V. Goswami,2009; Dr. K.
Headache, biliousness, burning S. Krishnan marg, 2006; Majumdar M,2007; Naira Nayeem,2010;)
sensation, pain and liver related
troubles and possess anthelmintic
and expectorant properties
(Www.hort.purdue.edu.sagon.htm)
Structure of quinone Structure of steroidal compound
Kannada, English, Sagwan Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Anti Lapachol Betulinic acid
asthmatics Anti-bronchitis. Seeds
yield a fatty oil (2%), and promotes
hair- growth; extract used as a
lotion for Eye-troubles
(www.tarahaat.com).
Marathi Sag Diuretic (www.sbepl.com)
Structure of Apocarotenoids: Tectoionols-B
Sanskrit Shaak Analgesic, leprosy, obesity, urinary Tectoionols-A
tract infection, hyperacidity, Uterine
disorders, Anti-pyretic
O
(www.ayurvedaconsultants.com). O

HO
HO OH
OH
The Reported Folklore uses of Tectona Grandis.linn, In Various Vernacular Languages
Structures of Phenolic Acids
Oil obtained from seeds promotes the growth of hair and is useful in Gallic acid Ellagic acid
eczema, ringworm and to check scabies.

Bark: Bronchitis, Constipation, Anthelmentic, Depurative,

hyperacidity, dysentery, verminosis, burning sensation, diabetes,
leprosy, skin diseases, leucoderma, headache, piles, laxative,
expectorant, anti-inflammatory, indigestion, expels worms from the
body and in vitiated conditions of pitta.
Ferulic acid Caffeic acid
Flowers: Bronchitis, biliousness, urinary discharge, diuretic,
depurative, anti-inflammatory, burning sensation, dipsia, leprosy, skin
diseases, strangury diabetes and vitiated conditions of pitta and kapha.

Oil obtained from the flowers promotes growth of hair and useful in Structures of Flavonoids
scabies, eczema. Quercitin
Rutin
Infusion of flowers is taken in congestion of liver.

Fruits: Diuretic, demulcent, strangury, vesicle calculi, pruritus,

stomatitis. All the parts of the plant seeds, flowers, fruits, wood, bark,
roots, and leaves are useful either alone or along with other plants for
many applications. (C. P. Khare ,2007; K. R. Kirtikar & B. D. Basu,
2006; Dr. K. S. Krishnan marg, 2006; Dr. J. C. Kurian, 'Plants that heal';

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Industrial Applications
The yellowish brown timber with good grains and texture from teak
trunk is used in the manufacture of outdoor furniture, boat decks, and
other articles where weather resistance is desired. It is also used for
indoor flooring and as a veneer for indoor furnishings.
Teak can cause severe blunting on edge tools because of the presence of
silica in the wood. Teak's natural oils make it ideal for use in exposed
locations and termite and pest proof, where it is durable even when not
treated with oil or varnish. Timber cut from old Teak trees was once
believed to be more durable and harder than plantation grown Teak. It is
very resistant to termite attacks. Mature teak fetches a very good price. It
is grown extensively by forest departments of different states in forest
areas.
Teak consumption encompasses a different set of environmental
concerns, such as the disappearance of rare old-growth teak. However,
its popularity has led to growth in sustainable production throughout the
seasonally dry tropics in forestry plantations. The Forest Stewardship
Council offers certification of sustainably grown and harvested teak
products. Experiments are ongoing to achieve vegetative propagation
from one year old stem cuttings (www.worldagroforestry.org).
Marketed Products
Gestational Care Formulations: The gestational care formulations are
targeted for the use of pregnant women as a supportive natural treatment
without any indications. It is recommended by senior gynecologists that
these formulations may benefit in intrauterine growth retardation and
prevent habitual abortions.
Compositions: Each tablet contains: PREGONE (Exclusively for 1st
gestational month): Glycyrrhiza glabra, Tectona grandis etc.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily before meals. INDICATIONS: The
compositions are used for proper growth of the fetus. It is specially
recommended for habitual abortions and intra-uterine growth
retardation.
(www.herbalsandcosmetics.com/gynecological-formulations-
remedies.com).
Conclusion
Tectona grandis.linn is a medicinally important plant, various parts of
this plant is used to treat many kinds of diseases. This review provides
valuable information about the plant which may useful for further
research studies on this plant.
Acknowledgement
The authors are thankful to the management and principal of Nalanda
College of Pharmacy for their constant support and providing internet
and library facilities.
References
Dr Arun Bhatt MD J et al, 2004, Ayurvedic Herbal Industry: QUEST for
Global Acceptance, Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine Products JAMA,;
292:2868-2873.
09 l Herbal Tech Industry l November 2010
Review
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, 2006, part-1, Vol-1, First
edition. P: 137-143
G S Goraya et.al, 2008, Demand and Supply of Medicinal Plants in
India..
D. V. Goswami, S. A. Nirmal, M. J. Patil, N. S. Dighe, R. B. Laware & S.
R. Pattan, 2009,”An over view of Tectona grandis: Chemistry and
Pharmacological profile” Phcog Rev, Vol-3, Issue 5, p:170-174
C. P. Khare, 2007, “Indian Medicinal Plants”, p: 649-650
K. R. Kirtikar & B. D. Basu, 2006, “Indian Medicinal Plants”, Vol:3, p:
1924-1926
Dr. K. S. Krishnan marg, 2006, “The Useful plants Of India”, P: 623
Dr. J. C. Kurian, “Plants that heal”, p: 295-296
Majumdar M, Nayeem N, Kamath JV, Asad M., 2007 Apr, “Evaluation
of Tectona grandis leaves for wound healing activity”, Pak J Pharm Sci.,
20(2):120-4
DR. K. M. Nadkarni, A. K. Nadkarni, 1908, “Indian Materia Medica”,
Vol-1, p:1197-1198
Naira nayeem, Karvekar et al., 2010, “Analgesic and anti-inflammatory
activity of the methanolic extract of the frontal leaves of Tectona
grandis”, The Internet Journal of Pharmacology, vol-8, no-1, ISSN:
1531-2976
Naira Nayeem, Karvekar MD, April – June 2010, “Isolation of phenolic
compounds from the methanolic extract of Tectona grandis”, Research
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1 Issue 2 Page No. 221-225.
Orient Longman, 1996, “Indian Medicinal Plants A Compendium Of 500
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www.sbepl.com
www.sl.kvl.dk.com
www.tarahaat.com
www.en.wikipedia.org
www.worldagroforestry.org.
www.ayurvedaconsultants.com
www.ecoindia.com
www.haryana-online.com
www.herbalsandcosmetics.com/gynecological-formulations-
remedies.com
www.herbalking.in
www.hort.purdue.edu.com