Celastrus paniculatus

Intellect tree

Overview

• Celastrus paniculatus, commonly known as Jyotishmati or the Intellect Tree, is a climbing shrub long used in Ayurvedic medicine and traditionally classified as a Medhya Rasayana, associated with cognition, memory, and nervous system resilience.
  The seeds and seed oil are the primary medicinal parts and are the focus of most pharmacological and neurological research.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5452224/

  Phytochemical Composition

  The bioactivity of Celastrus paniculatus is attributed to a diverse array of neuroactive and antioxidant compounds, including:

  • Sesquiterpene alkaloids (e.g., celastrine, paniculatine)

  • Triterpenoids and sterols

  • Fatty acids in seed oil (oleic, linoleic acids)

  • Flavonoids and phenolic compounds

  These constituents are thought to act synergistically, particularly in neural tissue.
  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874120330397

  Antioxidant & Cellular Effects

  Experimental studies demonstrate that C. paniculatus seed extracts and oil exhibit antioxidant activity, including reduction of lipid peroxidation and enhancement of endogenous antioxidant enzymes in neural tissues.
  These effects are considered foundational to its cytoprotective and neuro-supportive properties.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6213179/

  Physiological & Systemic Research

  Research has focused primarily on neurological and cognitive domains. Preclinical studies indicate improvements in learning, memory retention, and synaptic plasticity, alongside protection against oxidative neuronal damage.
  Additional evidence suggests modulatory effects on neurotransmitter systems and mitochondrial function, supporting traditional associations with mental clarity and cognitive endurance.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34529902/

  Anti-Inflammatory & Neuroprotective Activity

  Celastrus paniculatus demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models, including suppression of neuroinflammatory mediators and oxidative stress signaling.
  Neuroprotective research highlights reduced neuronal degeneration and improved functional outcomes in toxin- and stress-induced models of cognitive impairment.
  https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.693749/full

  Safety & Toxicological Profile

  Traditional use and available toxicological studies suggest that Celastrus paniculatus seed preparations are generally well tolerated when used in customary amounts.
  As with many lipid-rich seed oils, concentrated extracts warrant cautious use and quality control to avoid variability in potency.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30206255/

  Usage (Traditional Context)

  Traditionally, the seeds or seed oil are used in small amounts to support memory, learning capacity, and nervous system balance.

  References

  • Journal of Ethnopharmacology

  • Frontiers in Pharmacology

  • Phytotherapy Research

  • National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

  If you’d like, the next strongest pairings for your collection would be:

  • Bacopa monnieri (to complete the Medhya Rasayana cognitive set)

  • Gymnema sylvestre (metabolic regulation)

  • Acmella oleracea (analgesic / sensory profile)