Mochras (Silk-Cotton Gum): Traditional Uses, Research & Safety

TL;DR

Mochras (mocharasa) is the dried gum exudate of the silk-cotton tree (Salmalia malabarica, syn. Bombax ceiba), used in Ayurveda and Unani for diarrhea, bleeding conditions, leucorrhoea, and urinary complaints. Pharmacological reports are limited to laboratory and animal studies of the tree's parts. No human trials of the gum exist, so its benefits and risks are unproven.

(56 words. Sources: CELLMED ethnomedicinal and comprehensive reviews of Mochrus; IJSRA 2025 Bombax ceiba review.)

What it is

Mochras (mocharasa) is the dried gum-resin exudate obtained from the stem bark of the silk-cotton tree: Salmalia malabarica (syn. Bombax ceiba L.), family Bombacaceae: a large deciduous tree found across tropical and subtropical Asia (CELLMED ethnomedicinal review of Mochrus, TANG 2016). The exudate is thick and whitish when fresh, turning blackish-red on drying, and occurs as easily breakable tear-shaped particles; it is mostly tasteless, sometimes slightly bitter (same review). Phytochemical analyses of the gum and tree report polysaccharides, tannins, lupeol, naphthoquinones, anthocyanins, flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, and β-sitosterol (CELLMED comprehensive review 2019; RRJoB review).

Traditional use

Mochras is used in the Unani system, and in Ayurvedic practice, as an astringent and demulcent for the genitourinary organs: for chronic inflammation of the bladder and kidneys, urinary complaints, leucorrhoea, and as a uterine tonic (CELLMED ethnomedicinal review). Unani literature describes it as qabiz (constipative/astringent), mujaffif (siccative), nafe sailanur reham (beneficial in leucorrhoea), and muqawwi reham (uterine tonic), and it is employed for diarrhea, dysentery, wounds, boils, and skin diseases (CELLMED comprehensive review 2019). It is also incorporated as an ingredient in classical Ayurvedic and Unani formulations. These are traditional claims, not clinical proof: the modern research is assessed separately below.

What modern research says

Pharmacology of the tree's parts (lab and animal studies)

Modern studies of Bombax ceiba, mostly of its flowers, bark, leaves, and roots rather than the gum specifically, report antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, hypotensive, antipyretic, and wound-related effects in laboratory and animal models (IJSRA 2025 review; RRJoB review). The reviews catalogue these as the tree's broad pharmacological profile, while the gum's own studied activities (antioxidant, analgesic, antibacterial, hepatoprotective) likewise come from preclinical work (CELLMED comprehensive review 2019).

What the evidence does not support (yet)

No human clinical trial of mocharasa (the gum) was identified. Reviews note that most of the tree's reported effects await human investigation, and efficacy for diarrhea, bleeding conditions, leucorrhoea, or urinary complaints has not been tested in controlled human studies. Until such trials exist, no efficacy claim can be made.

Dosage

There is no established dose for mochras: no pharmacopoeial dose was verified and no human trial exists from which to derive one. Do not infer a dose from studies of the tree's other parts.

Safety & contraindications

No human safety trials of mocharasa were identified, so its safety profile in people is unknown. As an astringent gum with traditional use in bleeding and genitourinary conditions, it should not be used to self-treat bleeding, diarrhea, dysentery, or gynecological conditions: these can signal serious illness requiring medical care. Avoid use in pregnancy and breastfeeding (no data). Consult a qualified practitioner before any use.

FAQs

What is mochras?

Mochras (mocharasa) is the dried gum exudate of the silk-cotton tree (Salmalia malabarica, syn. Bombax ceiba): a tear-shaped, tasteless-to-slightly-bitter resin used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine (CELLMED ethnomedicinal review).

What is mochras used for in traditional medicine?

Traditionally as an astringent and demulcent for diarrhea, dysentery, bleeding conditions, leucorrhoea, and urinary and bladder complaints, and in classical formulations (CELLMED comprehensive review 2019). These are traditional indications, not proven clinical effects.

Does mochras stop bleeding or diarrhea?

There are no human clinical trials testing mochras for bleeding, diarrhea, or any other condition: the evidence is limited to lab and animal studies of the tree's parts (IJSRA 2025 review). Do not use it to self-treat bleeding or dysentery; see a clinician.

Is mochras safe?

Its safety in humans is unknown: no clinical safety trials exist. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and consult a practitioner before use.

What is the dose of mochras?

None is established. No pharmacopoeial or trial-based dose was verified, so no dose is given here.

Sources

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Herbal products can interact with medications and are not suitable for everyone. Talk to a qualified healthcare practitioner before use — especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a medical condition, or taking prescription medicines.