Ethnopharmacological aspects of the genus Samanea Merrill (Fabaceae)

The rain trees are specially denomined species of Samanea genus as Samanea saman, Samanea tubulosa and Samanea inopinata. These kinds of plants are recognized by its characteristic umbrella-shaped canopy and they are cultivated and naturalized throughout the tropics. These trees have been widely used in traditional medicine for the production of home remedies using various parts of the tree. The boiled bark is applied as a poultice to cure constipation, the decoction of the inner bark and fresh leaves is used for diarrhea, the roots of the tea of the roots is used for stomach cancer, the decoction of the fruit is used as a sedative and the seeds are chewed for sore throat. These plants, especially S. saman is also used in folk medicine for intestinal diseases, stomach pain (gastritis), colds, headaches and as an antibacterial for wounds and injuries. Due to accessibility of these plants and valuable medicinal aspects, the species of genus Samanea has become a potent medicinal remedies in many parts of the world. This paper is in overview form that present comprehensive analyzed information on the ethnopharmacological aspects of the species of genus Samanea.   Key words: Samanea genus, ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological.