Abroma augusta

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 7 min read
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Article Summary

Abroma augusta is a species of the flowering plant in the genus Abroma, family Malvaceae. Commonly known as Devil’s Cotton and Ulat kambal, it is a small tree with downy branchlets and branches. Its flowers are 5 cm in diameter either purple, dark red or yellow. Its leaves are ovate to oblong and pointed. Devil’s cotton Scientific Classification Scientific Name: Abroma augusta Rank Scientific Name &...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Devil’s cotton Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Health Benefits of Devil’s cotton in simple medical language.
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Definition

Abroma augusta is a species of the flowering plant in the genus Abroma, family Malvaceae. Commonly known as Devil’s Cotton and Ulat kambal, it is a small tree with downy branchlets and branches. Its flowers are 5 cm in diameter either purple, dark red or yellow. Its leaves are ovate to oblong and pointed.

Devil’s cotton Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Abroma augusta

Rank Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom Viridiplantae
Infrakingdom Streptophyta  (Land plants)
Superdivision Embryophyta
Division Tracheophyta (Tracheophytes or Vascular Plants)
Subdivision Spermatophytina (Spermatophytes or Seed Plants)
Class Magnoliopsida
Superorder Rosanae
Order Malvales
Family Malvaceae
Genus Abroma
Species Abroma augusta
Synonyms
  • Abroma alata Blanco
  • Abroma angulata Lam.
  • Abroma angulosa Poir.
  • Abroma communis Blanco
  • Abroma denticulata Miq.
  • Abroma elongata Lam.
  • Abroma fastuosum Jacq.[citation needed]
  • Abroma javanica Miq.
  • Abroma mariae Mart.
  • Abroma mollis DC.
  • Abroma obliqua C.Presl
  • Abroma sinuosa G.Nicholson
  • Abroma wheleri Retz.
  • Ambroma augustum (L.) L. f.
  • Herrania mariae (Mart.) Decne. ex Goudot
  • Theobroma augustum L.
  • Theobroma mariae (Mart.) K.

The species grows as a large shrub or small tree which is 2.5 m tall. Leaves are 10-21 cm long and 5.5-13 cm wide with a heart shaped or ovate to oblong. It has lance shaped and fused base sepals. There are five, concave and prolonged above. It bears fruit which is a five winged capsule, obpyramidal and 3.5 cm as a diameter. Seeds are obovate and 3 x 2 mm in size. The roots are fibrous and dull.

History

It is available in Eastern Africa, South & Tropical Asia and Australia. It is cultivated widely in India from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Meghalaya. It is cultivated for ornamental purposes.

Health Benefits of Devil’s cotton

Devil’s cotton is an aid for various health ailments. The bark of the root helps in the regulation of menstrual periods. Other health benefits are:

  1. Lowers glucose absorption

The research shows that the leaf extracts of devil’s cotton helps to treat Type 2 DM which assist the glucose absorption. The presence of water soluble fibers helps to lowers the metformin activities. It also prevents the physical and chemical interaction. It also eliminates the drugs absorption which is still need to be investigated. (1)

  1. Treat

In India, it is used in Ayurvedic medicine in order to treat the diabetes. Coccinia indica and Abroma augusta helps to cure the diabetes. The extract of dried roots (powdered) and leaves should be provided regularly for about eight weeks. It stimulates the glucose tolerance and lipid profile of serum. (2)

  1. Promote

The study of aqueous extract on the lipid peroxidation, blood glucose and antioxidant defense in the , lung, and brain in the diabetic rats. It reduced the blood glucose and raise the hemoglobin significantly. It reduced the formation of free radicals. (3)

  1. Antimicrobial properties

The leaves possess the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Moreover the report shows the cytotoxicity against HepG2 and phenolic compounds. (4)

Traditional uses

  • The sap of bark is an uterine tonic and emenagogue.
  • The root use for itch.
  • It is helpful for , uterine disorders, rheumatism, arthritic and diabetes.
  • It provides relief from that is caused due to .
  • The infusion made from leaves and stems in cold water is used as a demulcent and treats gonorrhea.
  • In Ayurveda, it is used to treat used for uterine bleeding.
  • Stems and leaves are used in Bangladesh to cure menstrual disorders and diseases.
  • The bark and roots are used to cure the leucorrhea and menstrual problems.
  • In India, it is used as a cure for dysmenorrhea.
  • The decoction made from leaves and stem bark is used in Himalayas for the treatment for diabetes.
  • The juice extracted from root bark helps to regulate the menstrual flow.
  • The leaves help to treat uterine disorders, rheumatic pain of joints and diabetes.
  • Leaves and stem are demulcent and an infusion of fresh leaves and stem in cold water is very efficacious in gonorrhea.
  • It regulates the flow of menstruation and also used as abortifacient.
  • In India, it is used for the treatment of dysmenorrhea.
  • It helps to treat uterine disorders, rheumatic joint pain, diabetes, stomachache, gonorrhea, diabetes and .
  • The roots are boiled in water in order to prepare decoction. For this, 5 gm of root should be boiled in about 400 ml water. It should be cooked until the water is reduced to 100 ml. It should be consumed daily twice in a day.
  • It balances the level of hormones and also regulates menstruation as well as treats excessive bleeding.
  • The use of root powder prevents an immature decrepitude.
  • The decoction made from dried bark and powder of black pepper corns helps to provide relief from menstrual problems.

Precautions

  • It may cause the side effects such as , , burning and excessive bleeding.
  • The pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it because it increases the risk of bleeding and spotting.
  • One should consult a medical professional before using it during lactation or children.

 


References

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Doctor visit helper

Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Rest, drink safe water, and observe symptoms carefully.
  • Keep a written note of symptoms, duration, temperature, medicines already taken, and allergy history.
  • Seek medical care quickly if symptoms are severe, worsening, or unusual for the patient.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild pain or fever, ask a registered pharmacist or doctor before using common over-the-counter pain/fever medicines.
  • Do not combine multiple pain medicines without advice, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, stomach ulcer, asthma, pregnancy, or take blood thinners.
  • Do not give adult medicines to children unless a qualified clinician advises it.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Severe symptoms, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe dehydration, or sudden weakness need urgent medical care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
  • Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Abroma augusta

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.