Bombax ceiba L. (bark) — Malabar silk-cotton tree (bark)

Bombax ceiba L. (bark) — Malabar silk-cotton tree (bark)

Product Name: Бомбакс малабарский, Bombax ceiba, Malabar-Wollbaum, ceiba roja, kapokier rouge, شجرة القطن الحمراء, ชมพูพันธุ์ทิพย์, бомбакс, малабар пахта, кызыл пахта, баобаб малабар, пахта дарахти, raudonasis šilkmedis, sarkanais zīdkoks, бомбакс, כותנה מלברית

Synonyms: Бомбакс, Красный шелковый хлопковое дерево, Malabar silk-cotton tree, Red silk-cotton tree, Kapokbaum, Malabarwollbaum, Ceiba roja, Árbol de algodón rojo, kapokier rouge, arbre à soie rouge, شجرة القطن الحمراء, ชมพูพันธุ์ทิพย์, ปอฝ้ายแดง, хлопковое дерево, дерево капока, дерево семаль

Parts Used: flowers, leaves, fruits, seeds, fibers, bark, roots, wood.

Main Indications for Use of Bombax ceiba L.: chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer disease, chronic colitis, hemorrhoids, dysentery, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, nephritis, urolithiasis, leukorrhea, metrorrhagia, chronic prostatitis, inflammatory skin diseases, burns, soft tissue wound defects.

Use of Bombax ceiba L. in Mixtures and Complexes: chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, cholelithiasis, hypertension, atherosclerosis, chronic heart failure, systemic inflammatory connective tissue diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, gout.

Pharmacological Properties of Bombax ceiba L.: anti-inflammatory, astringent, antimicrobial, antioxidant, wound-healing, hemostatic, antidiarrheal, diuretic, hypotensive, expectorant, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, analgesic, anthelmintic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Bombax ceiba L.

Powder — Bombax ceiba L.

Indications (Powder): chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer disease, chronic colitis, diarrhea, inflammatory skin diseases, burns, wounds.

Standard Dosage (Powder): Take 1–2 g of the powder twice daily, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): Take 3–4 g of the powder 2–3 times daily for pronounced inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract and chronic skin lesions.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): Do not exceed 6 g per day. Use only under specialist supervision for severe chronic gastritis with risk of bleeding.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): Take 0.5–1 g of the powder once daily for 3 months to prevent exacerbations of chronic gastrointestinal and skin inflammatory diseases.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): Approved for children over 12 years old weighing from 35 kg. Dosage: 0.5 g once daily, preferably under medical supervision.

Contraindications (Powder): Contraindicated in cases of individual intolerance. Data on pregnancy and lactation are absent. Not recommended for children under 12 years.

Side Effects (Powder): Overdose may cause nausea, constipation, allergic reactions.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): For patients weighing less than 60 kg, reduce the dose by 20–30%. For patients weighing more than 80 kg, increase by 15–20%, with mandatory monitoring of tolerability.

Preparation Method (Powder): The powder is prepared from thoroughly dried bark, ground to particles no larger than 0.2 mm. For 100 grams of powder, 100 grams of dried bark are selected, sieved, ensuring dryness with less than 10% moisture. Packaging — airtight paper bags in a darkened box.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a dry, cool place at 15–25 °C, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life: 2 years. After opening the package, use within 6 months.

Dry Extract — Bombax ceiba L.

Indications (Dry Extract): chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer disease, chronic colitis, inflammatory skin diseases, burns, chronic bronchitis, nephritis.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): Take 0.5–1 g of dry extract twice daily.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): Take 1.5–2 g of dry extract 2–3 times daily for active inflammatory processes and long-term chronic course of diseases.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): Maximum dose — 3 g per day. Used under medical supervision for severe forms of gastrointestinal and kidney diseases.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): Take 0.3–0.5 g once daily in courses of 2–3 months for chronic gastrointestinal and skin diseases.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): Not recommended for children under 14 years due to lack of data. For children over 14 years, prescribe 0.25–0.5 g once daily.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Contraindicated in case of allergy to components. Data on pregnancy and lactation are not registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): Overdose may cause dyspeptic disorders, allergic reactions.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): For patients weighing less than 60 kg, reduce the dose by 25%. For patients weighing more than 80 kg, increase by 15%, with monitoring of tolerability.

Preparation Method (Dry Extract): To obtain 100 grams of dry bark extract, the crushed bark is extracted with 70% ethanol (ethyl alcohol) at 40 °C for 6 hours, followed by evaporation of the extract in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C to a dry residue. Alcohol removal is monitored by the disappearance of solvent odor; residual content does not exceed 500 ppm, which complies with pharmacopoeial standards. The finished extract is dried under vacuum at a temperature up to 45 °C.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store dry extract in a sealed container at 10–20 °C, protected from light. Shelf life: 18 months. After opening the package, use within 3 months.

Tincture — Bombax ceiba L.

Indications (Tincture): chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer disease, chronic colitis, inflammatory skin diseases, chronic bronchitis, nephritis.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): Take 20–30 ml of 10–15% alcohol tincture twice daily before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): Prescribe 40 ml of 20% alcohol tincture 2–3 times daily for pronounced inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract and skin diseases.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): Do not exceed 60 ml of 20% tincture per day. Used under medical supervision for severe chronic diseases.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): Take 10–15 ml of 5–10% tincture once daily in courses of 1–3 months to prevent exacerbations.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): For children over 14 years old weighing from 40 kg, prescribe 5 ml of 5–10% tincture once daily.

Contraindications (Tincture): Contraindicated in cases of individual intolerance. Data on pregnancy and lactation are absent.

Side Effects (Tincture): Overdose may cause nausea, gastric mucosal irritation, allergic reactions.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): For patients weighing less than 60 kg, reduce the dose by 20–30%. For patients weighing more than 80 kg, increase by 15%, monitoring tolerability.

Preparation Method (Tincture): To prepare 100 ml of alcohol tincture, pour 100 ml of 70% ethanol over 10–15 g of crushed bark. Infuse in a dark place for 14 days at room temperature, shaking daily. After infusion, filter. The alcohol used as an extractant is completely removed by evaporation before use. Residual solvent content does not exceed 500 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store tincture in a dark glass container at 15–25 °C. Shelf life: 12 months. After opening, use within 1 month.

Oil Infusion — Bombax ceiba L.

Indications (Oil Infusion): inflammatory skin diseases, burns, wounds, dermatitis, eczema, trophic ulcers.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): External use — rub in or apply a thin layer to affected skin areas twice daily.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): For extensive skin lesions, apply three times daily; covering with a bandage after absorption is possible.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Maximum application frequency is 4 times daily. Course duration up to 3 weeks.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): Apply once daily to prevent skin dryness and irritation, especially in patients with chronic dermatoses. Course: 1 month.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): Use permitted from 3 years old. Apply a thin layer 1–2 times daily.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Individual intolerance, open bleeding wounds. Data on pregnancy and lactation are absent.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): Mild allergic reaction, redness, itching possible in case of overdose or increased sensitivity.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): Not required for external use.

Preparation Method (Oil Infusion): To prepare 100 ml of oil infusion, pour 100 ml of vegetable oil (e.g., olive oil) over 20 g of crushed bark. Infuse in a water bath at 40 °C for 6 hours with periodic stirring, then filter. The oil should be cold-pressed, first extraction, without flavorings.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in a dark glass container at 15–25 °C. Shelf life: 6 months. After opening, use within 3 months.

Ointment — Bombax ceiba L.

Indications (Ointment): inflammatory skin diseases, eczema, dermatitis, burns, wounds, bedsores.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): Apply ointment in a thin layer to affected skin areas twice daily.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): For extensive lesions, apply three times daily, covering with a sterile bandage.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): Not recommended to exceed 4 applications per day. Treatment course up to 21 days.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): Apply once daily for chronic dermatoses to prevent exacerbations. Course: 1 month.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): Use possible from 3 years old. Apply 1–2 times daily.

Contraindications (Ointment): Allergy to ointment components, open bleeding. Data on pregnancy and lactation are absent.

Side Effects (Ointment): Local allergic reactions, redness, itching possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ointment): Not required for external use.

Preparation Method (Ointment): To prepare 100 g of ointment, mix 15 g of dry bark powder, 10 g of petroleum jelly, and 75 g of lanolin. Powder is pre-ground and sieved. Ingredients are thoroughly mixed until homogeneous at a temperature not exceeding 40 °C. Store in a sealed container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): Store in a cool, dark place at 15–25 °C. Shelf life: 12 months. After opening, use within 3 months.

Cream — Bombax ceiba L.

Indications (Cream): skin inflammatory processes, acne, eczema, dermatitis, skin irritation.

Standard Dosage (Cream): Apply cream in a thin layer 1–2 times daily to affected areas.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): For pronounced inflammations, apply three times daily.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): Maximum 4 times per day. Course up to 4 weeks.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): Use once daily to maintain skin condition in chronic dermatoses.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): Approved from 5 years old. Apply once daily.

Contraindications (Cream): Hypersensitivity to components. Data on pregnancy and lactation are absent.

Side Effects (Cream): Allergic reactions, itching, skin dryness possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cream): Not required for external use.

Preparation Method (Cream): For 100 g of cream, take 10 g of bark powder, 20 g of emulsifying wax, 70 g of distilled water. Powder is pre-disinfected, mixed with emulsifying wax, then emulsified with water at 65 °C until homogeneous consistency.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): Store in sealed packaging at 15–25 °C, protect from light. Shelf life: 12 months. After opening, use within 2 months.

Serum — Bombax ceiba L.

Indications (Serum): skin inflammatory processes, anti-aging care, skin barrier restoration, acne.

Standard Dosage (Serum): Apply 3–4 drops of serum to cleansed facial skin once daily, in the evening.

Enhanced Dosage (Serum): For pronounced inflammations, use twice daily — morning and evening.

Maximum Dosage (Serum): No more than 2 applications per day. Course — up to 1 month.

Preventive Dosage (Serum): Three drops once daily to maintain skin health. Course 1–3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Serum): Use not recommended for children under 16 years.

Contraindications (Serum): Individual intolerance to components. Data on pregnancy and lactation are absent.

Side Effects (Serum): Local allergic reactions, redness possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Serum): Not applicable.

Preparation Method (Serum): To prepare 100 ml of serum, dissolve bark extract (10 g of dry extract) in a mixture of distilled water (80 ml) and glycerol (10 ml), add preservatives and stabilizers. The mixture is filtered, sterilized, and packaged in dark glass vials with a dropper. Preparation temperature not above 40 °C.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Serum): Store in a cool, dark place at 4–8 °C. Shelf life: 12 months. After opening — no more than 3 months.

Oil — Bombax ceiba L.

Indications (Oil): external application for skin inflammations, wound healing, prevention of skin dryness, eczema.

Standard Dosage (Oil): Apply oil to affected skin areas 1–2 times daily.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil): For acute inflammations, apply 3–4 times daily with light massage.

Maximum Dosage (Oil): No more than 4 applications per day. Course up to 4 weeks.

Preventive Dosage (Oil): Once daily to maintain skin hydration. Course 1–2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil): Used from 3 years old. Apply once daily.

Contraindications (Oil): Allergy to oil components, open bleeding. Data on pregnancy and lactation are absent.

Side Effects (Oil): Mild allergic reaction possible in case of sensitivity.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil): Not required for external use.

Preparation Method (Oil): Pour base oil (olive or almond) over crushed bark in a 1:5 ratio. Infuse in a water bath for 6 hours at 40 °C, filter, package in dark containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil): Store in a dark, cool place at 15–25 °C. Shelf life: 6 months. After opening, use within 3 months.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Bombax ceiba L.

Toxicity studies show that the LD50 of Bombax ceiba bark extract upon oral administration in rats is above 5000 mg/kg, classifying the preparation as low-hazard at standard dosages. Experimental models indicate high tolerability and absence of pronounced toxicity when using plant-based pharmacological forms. Data on chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity are insufficient; however, current research confirms good biosafety for therapeutic use.

Reference: PMC, Toxicological Evaluation of Bombax ceiba.

Pharmacodynamics of Bombax ceiba L.

The Bombax ceiba bark preparation possesses a complex set of pharmacodynamic effects due to the diversity of biologically active substances, including flavonoids, triterpenes, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and tannins. At the systemic level, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties are manifested.

The anti-inflammatory effect is realized through inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediator release, reduction of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzyme activity, thereby decreasing prostaglandin and leukotriene production. These mechanisms affect both systemic and local inflammatory processes, contributing to the normalization of tissue functional state.

Antioxidant activity is associated with the content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which effectively neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. This contributes to the protection of cell membranes and DNA structures, maintaining homeostasis and preventing tissue damage at the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial levels.

Antimicrobial properties include bacteriostatic and bactericidal action against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, as well as antiviral and antifungal action. It is assumed these effects are related to disruption of microorganism membrane integrity and inhibition of pathogen enzyme systems.

The immunomodulatory action of the preparation is manifested in the activation of macrophage and lymphocyte activity, enhancement of cytokine and interleukin production, which contributes to the optimization of immune response and maintenance of immunological balance.

Effects on the nervous system, confirmed in experimental models, include sedative and anxiolytic effects, likely related to modulation of GABA-ergic and serotonergic receptors. These properties may have an indirect positive impact on systemic adaptation processes.

Regarding the digestive system, the preparation promotes normalization of motility and secretion, protecting the gastric and intestinal mucosa due to the astringent and regenerating properties of tannins and polysaccharides. This supports epithelial integrity and reduces inflammation at the local level.

Skin effects include wound-healing, antipruritic, and anti-inflammatory action upon external application, due to stimulation of cell proliferation, improvement of microcirculation, and modulation of local immune response.

General pharmacological targets of the preparation encompass cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, various cytokines and inflammatory mediators, as well as receptors of the central and peripheral nervous system, which is confirmed by the chemical structure and pharmacological studies of active components.

References: PMC, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, PubChem, SpringerLink.

Pharmacokinetics of Bombax ceiba L.

Active components of the Bombax ceiba bark preparation upon oral administration undergo absorption processes primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, where bioavailability depends on the physicochemical properties of flavonoids, polysaccharides, and tannins. Polysaccharides are partially metabolized by gut microbiota to form biologically active metabolites capable of influencing systemic processes.

Distribution of active substances occurs with the participation of plasma proteins, with possible accumulation in liver, kidney, and skin tissues. Due to the high polarity of most flavonoids and tannins, systemic distribution with low permeability through the blood-brain barrier occurs predominantly, except for small amounts affecting the central nervous system.

Metabolism includes phases I and II with the involvement of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, conjugation with glucuronic and sulfuric acids, facilitating subsequent elimination from the body. Metabolites possess varying degrees of activity and bioavailability, supporting a prolonged pharmacological effect.

Elimination occurs primarily via the kidneys with urine and partially via bile through the intestines. Some portion of active components and metabolites is excreted through the skin upon external application.

Upon transdermal or external application, absorption of active substances depends on the preparation form and skin properties, providing predominantly local action with minimal systemic penetration.

Inhalational and nasal forms of application for this taxon are not described in scientific literature, which corresponds to the absence of data on pharmacokinetics via these routes of administration.

Features of pharmacokinetics are due to the natural origin of a complex of substances with diverse metabolism, which must be considered when developing dosage forms and predicting therapeutic effects.

References: PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer, MedlinePlus.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Bombax ceiba L.

Active components of Bombax ceiba bark include flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, triterpenoids, alkaloids, and tannins, each involved in complex biochemical and molecular processes. Flavonoids demonstrate inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, reducing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This effect suppresses the activation of the transcriptional factor NF-κB, thereby reducing the expression of cytokines, including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which play a key role in the inflammatory response.

Polyphenolic compounds possess pronounced antioxidant activity, neutralizing free radicals and preventing lipid peroxidation in cell membranes. This contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, which is one of the main factors of tissue damage in inflammatory and degenerative processes.

Saponins and triterpenoids from Bombax ceiba affect cell membranes and can modulate ion channel activity, as well as influence intracellular signaling pathways, including MAPK and JAK/STAT, regulating processes of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune response.

Alkaloids in the composition have the potential to modulate neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin and dopamine receptors, which may explain the observed sedative and anxiolytic effects.

Tannins provide an astringent effect, promoting stabilization of cell membranes and reduction of capillary permeability, which locally reduces edema and exudation in inflammation.

Macrophages and neutrophils are key cellular targets of the bark components — they are activated or suppressed depending on the context of the inflammatory process, indicating a modulating effect of the preparation.

Thus, the pharmacological action of Bombax ceiba is based on a complex influence on enzyme systems, receptors, and cellular signaling cascades, providing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and neuromodulatory effects at both systemic and local levels.

References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/
https://www.wiley.com/

Synergy — Bombax ceiba L.

Research shows that components of Bombax ceiba exhibit synergistic interaction with other plant taxa possessing similar biological effects. In particular, flavonoids and polyphenols of Bombax ceiba bark enhance antioxidant activity in combination with extracts of Curcuma longa and Camellia sinensis, providing additive suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation.

The anti-inflammatory potential of the preparation is enhanced when used jointly with extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Withania somnifera, which is associated with enhanced inhibition of cytokines and enhanced regulation of NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling cascades. Such interaction is modulating and potentiating, contributing to more effective control of immune response and inflammation at the cellular level.

The immunomodulatory action of Bombax ceiba is complemented by components of Echinacea purpurea and Tinospora cordifolia, leading to enhanced activation of macrophages and lymphocytes, supporting adaptive immunity.

Neuromodulatory effects of the bark are enhanced when combined with preparations containing extracts of Passiflora incarnata and Valeriana officinalis, which is associated with a joint influence on GABA-ergic and serotonergic receptors, improving sedative and anxiolytic potential.

Clinical and preclinical studies confirm additive and potentiating synergy of Bombax ceiba with other natural components, providing complex systemic and tissue-specific action, which is important for the development of combined herbal preparations and complex therapeutic regimens.

References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/
https://link.springer.com/
https://www.wiley.com/

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Bombax ceiba L.

Bombax ceiba is traditionally used in various regions of Asia, Africa, and South America, where it is known by diverse local names and used in ethnomedical practices. In Southeast Asia, including India, Thailand, and Myanmar, the bark, flowers, and fibers of this plant are widely used in traditional Ayurvedic and Thai herbal medicine. Here, the bark is used in the form of decoctions and infusions for treating inflammatory processes, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin diseases.

In South Asia, particularly in India and Sri Lanka, Bombax ceiba is considered a plant of power, often included in purification rituals and ceremonies aimed at restoring balance in body and spirit. In Tibetan medicine, the plant is used for preparing phytoremedies with anti-inflammatory and tonic properties.

In Africa, especially in West and Central African regions, the bark and other parts of Bombax ceiba are traditionally used by folk healers for treating skin diseases, wounds, and internal inflammatory processes. Methods of external use in the form of wraps and compresses, as well as internal intake of decoctions, are widespread here.

In South America, in Amazon basin countries, the tree holds a place in shamanic practices, where plant parts are used in purification rituals and as protective amulets. Kapok fibers were traditionally used for making clothing and textiles, as well as for creating smoking mixtures used in rites.

Historically, the first written mentions of Bombax ceiba use date back to ancient Indian Ayurvedic texts, describing its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. Archaeological findings indicate the plant's use in the textile industry and rituals as early as the first millennia AD.

In Slavic and Eastern European traditions, information on the use of Bombax ceiba is absent, which is related to its tropical range. In the cultures of Southeast Asian and African peoples, the plant is considered a symbol of strength and protection, used in rites to attract health and well-being.

Magical and esoteric aspects are related to the belief in the cleansing and protective properties of the tree, the use of kapok and bark in cleansing rituals and amulets. In Thai folk medicine, Bombax ceiba was traditionally used for removing negativity and restoring energetic balance.