Sal Tree (Shorea robusta) is a large deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar. It is renowned for its durable hardwood, which is highly valued in construction and furniture making. The Sal tree is an important species in the forest ecosystems of its native region and holds cultural significance in many local communities.

Botanical Classification:

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malvales
Family: Dipterocarpaceae
Genus: Shorea
Species: Shorea robusta

Plant Characteristics:

Growth Form: Shorea robusta is a tall tree that can reach heights of 30-45 meters (98-148 feet) with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet). It has a broad, spreading canopy and a straight, cylindrical trunk.
Leaves: The leaves are large, elliptical to ovate, and can measure up to 20 cm (8 inches) in length. They are typically dark green and have a glossy surface with a prominent central vein.
Flowers: The Sal tree produces small, aromatic flowers arranged in dense clusters. The flowers are yellowish to reddish and are not very conspicuous.
Fruit: The fruit is a woody capsule that contains seeds. The capsules are large and can be up to 5 cm (2 inches) long. The seeds are often winged, which helps in their dispersal.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Wood: The wood of Shorea robusta is dense and durable, with a high level of natural resin. It is used in construction, furniture, and flooring due to its strength and resistance to decay.
Resins: The tree produces a gum-like resin known as Sal resin or Sal lac, which has various uses in traditional medicine and for making lacquers and varnishes.
Essential Oils: The leaves and bark of Shorea robusta contain essential oils with potential antimicrobial and antifungal properties, though these are less well-studied compared to other plant extracts.

How to Cultivate It:

Soil: Shorea robusta thrives in well-drained soils with good fertility. It prefers sandy loam or clay loam soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Light: The plant requires full sun for optimal growth. It is adapted to grow in tropical and subtropical climates.
Watering: Regular watering is necessary during the initial growth stages. Once established, the tree is relatively drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture.
Propagation: The Sal tree is propagated by seeds. Seeds are typically sown in a nursery or directly into the field after the rainy season. They should be planted in a well-prepared seedbed and covered lightly.
Maintenance: The tree benefits from periodic weeding and pest control. It is relatively low-maintenance once established. Pruning may be done to shape the tree and remove any dead or diseased branches.

Uses and Benefits:

Timber: The wood of Shorea robusta is used extensively in the construction industry for making beams, posts, and flooring due to its durability and resistance to termites and decay.
Resin: The Sal resin has traditional uses in medicine, as well as in making varnishes, lacquers, and as a binding agent in various products.
Ecological Benefits: The tree plays a crucial role in its native forest ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. It also contributes to soil conservation and forest regeneration.

Applications:

Construction: The hardwood of Shorea robusta is used in building infrastructure, including bridges, houses, and railway sleepers. Its resilience makes it suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Furniture: The wood is also used in crafting high-quality furniture and cabinetry.
Traditional Medicine: The resin and other parts of the tree are used in traditional medicine practices for treating various ailments, including wounds and infections.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: Sustainable management practices are important for the conservation of Shorea robusta forests. Overharvesting can lead to habitat loss and ecological imbalances.
Safety: The wood and resin are generally safe for use; however, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the resin. Proper handling and processing are necessary to minimize potential health risks.

INCI:


Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Surfactant - Foam booster. It has the effect of introducing gas bubbles into the water and affects the cleaning process by helping to spread the cleanser. Since sebum has an inhibiting effect on the bubble, more foam is produced in the second shampoo.
Synonyms:

CAS: 9000-16-2 91770-61-5 EC number 232-528-4 294-848-0