Bakula Tree

(Bakula Tree)
Sanskrit: बकुल • Botanical: Mimusops elengi Linn.

Bakula (Maulsiri) is a large handsome evergreen tree with fragrant flowers. It is found throughout India, particularly in Western and Southern regions. The bark and flowers are the main medicinal parts. The bark is astringent and is used in gingivitis, loose teeth, and bleeding gums. The bark decoction is an excellent mouthwash for dental problems. The flowers are fragrant, dried and used in sachets. The fruit is edible when ripe. The bark contains about 70% tannin and saponins. The dried flowers are used medicinally for dental disorders. It is one of the most important drugs for Dantaroga (dental diseases) in Ayurveda. Dose: Bark decoction for gargling; powder 2-4 masha. Verses mentioned.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Astringent (Kashaya), Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Saponin, Tannins, Ursolic acid
Also Known As
English: Bakula Tree, Bullet Wood
Sanskrit: बकुल, केसरा, मधुगन्ध, चिरपुष्प
Hindi: मौलसिरी, मौलश्री

What is Bakula Tree (Maulsiri / बकुल)?

Bakula (Maulsiri) is a large handsome evergreen tree with fragrant flowers. It is found throughout India, particularly in Western and Southern regions. The bark and flowers are the main medicinal parts. The bark is astringent and is used in gingivitis, loose teeth, and bleeding gums. The bark decoction is an excellent mouthwash for dental problems. The flowers are fragrant, dried and used in sachets. The fruit is edible when ripe. The bark contains about 70% tannin and saponins. The dried flowers are used medicinally for dental disorders. It is one of the most important drugs for Dantaroga (dental diseases) in Ayurveda. Dose: Bark decoction for gargling; powder 2-4 masha. Verses mentioned.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Dantarogahara (cures dental diseases)
  • Grahi (absorbent)
  • Varnya (complexion enhancer)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.