- Botanical Name: Cycas revoluta (most commonly cultivated species)
- Family: Cycadaceae
- Synonyms: Sago Palm, King Sago, Japanese Sago Palm
- Vernacular Name: Commonly known as “Cycas” in English, “Sago Palm” in English, and
“Madana Kaman” in some Indian languages. - Classification: A gymnosperm belonging to the Cycadaceae family. It is a dioecious plant,
meaning male and female reproductive structures are on separate plants. - Habitat: Native to southern Japan but widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical
regions. It thrives in well-drained soils and sunny locations. - Morphology: A slow-growing, palm-like plant with a stout, woody trunk. The leaves are
pinnate, glossy, and dark green, forming a rosette at the crown. Male plants produce
cylindrical cones, while female plants bear megasporophylls with ovules. - Useful Parts: Seeds, leaves, and trunk.
- Chemical Composition: Contains starch (sago), cycasin (a toxic glycoside), and other
bioactive compounds. The seeds and other parts are toxic if not processed properly. - Pharmacological Action: Known for its ornamental value rather than medicinal use.
However, processed starch (sago) is used as a food source in some cultures. The plant parts
are also studied for potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. - Formulation: Primarily used as an ornamental plant. The starch extracted from the trunk
is processed into sago, which is used in traditional dishes.
Rasa: Madhura
Guna: Snigdh , Guru
Virya: Sheeta
Vipaka: Madhura