Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Bakayan बकायन
Melia azedarach
Also known as: Bakayan Ki Chhal
Part used: Seed, Stem Bark
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Melia azedarach
- Part used: Seed, Stem Bark
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Bark or leaf powder 1–3 g per day, in short courses.
Bakayan in other languages
Introduction
Bakayan (Melia azedarach) is the Persian lilac or bead tree, a close relative of Neem that is often mistaken for it. Its bark, leaf and seed are bitter and strongly cleansing.
Ayurveda uses it much as it uses Neem — for skin disease, worms and fever — but the texts and modern pharmacology agree it is the harsher and more toxic of the two, and it is used in smaller doses and shorter courses.
Classification
Family Meliaceae. Stem bark, leaf and seed are officinal. Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha. Virya: Ushna. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Pitta.
Uses & benefits
Given in chronic skin disease, itching and eczema, in intestinal worms, and in fever with Kapha involvement. The leaf paste is applied externally to eruptions and ulcers. In this catalogue it appears in Mahamanjishthadi Kwath and Arshoghani Vati as a bitter cleansing constituent.
Bakayan for the skin
Its bitter, drying quality is directed at chronic Kushtha — persistent itching, eczema and eruptions — usually within a compound decoction rather than alone.
Bakayan for worms
A Krimighna drug used in intestinal worm infestation, traditionally in short courses rather than continuously.
Dosage — how much to take
Bark or leaf powder 1–3 g per day, in short courses. Use only within compound formulations and at the dose a physician sets.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Bakayan?
The citations held for Bakayan in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga — Mahanimba).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Bakayan?
Described as the "great neem"; tikta rasa, indicated in kushtha and krimi. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Mahanimba.
What is Bakayan traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given in chronic skin disease, itching and eczema, in intestinal worms, and in fever with Kapha involvement. The leaf paste is applied externally to eruptions and ulcers. In this catalogue it appears in Mahamanjishthadi Kwath and Arshoghani Vati as a bitter cleansing constituent.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Bakayan?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Bakayan classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Bakayan carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Bakayan is used medicinally?
The part used is Seed, Stem Bark.
How much Bakayan is taken, and how?
Bark or leaf powder 1–3 g per day, in short courses. Use only within compound formulations and at the dose a physician sets. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Bakayan be avoided?
More toxic than Neem, which it resembles. The fruit is poisonous — several berries have caused serious poisoning in children, and it must be kept out of reach. Not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in children. Do not exceed the stated dose or extend the course without supervision.
Where does Bakayan grow?
Native to the sub-Himalayan tract and widely planted across India as a roadside and shade tree, naturalising readily.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Mahanimba
Described as the "great neem"; tikta rasa, indicated in kushtha and krimi. - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Mahanimba
Melia azedarach; distinguished from Azadirachta indica.
Safety & precautions
More toxic than Neem, which it resembles. The fruit is poisonous — several berries have caused serious poisoning in children, and it must be kept out of reach. Not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in children. Do not exceed the stated dose or extend the course without supervision.
Where it grows
Native to the sub-Himalayan tract and widely planted across India as a roadside and shade tree, naturalising readily.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakayan the same as Neem?
No. Neem is Azadirachta indica; Bakayan is Melia azedarach, called Mahanimba or "great neem" in the texts. They look alike and act similarly, but Bakayan is markedly more toxic and is used in smaller doses.
Are the berries dangerous?
Yes. The fruit is poisonous and has caused serious poisoning in children who ate the attractive berries. Keep the tree's fruit away from children.
