What is the English name for Priyangu?

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

Used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments, Priyangu is a lesser-known but significant herb, so what is the English name for Priyangu? The plant, scientifically known as Callicarpa macrophylla, is most commonly referred to by several English names, including Velvety Beautyberry, Large-leaf Beauty Berry, and Perfumed Cherry.

Quick Summary

Priyangu is the Ayurvedic herb Callicarpa macrophylla, and its common English names include Velvety Beautyberry, Large-leaf Beauty Berry, and Perfumed Cherry. It is valued for its traditional medicinal properties.

Key Points

English Name: Priyangu is most commonly known as Velvety Beautyberry or Large-leaf Beauty Berry.
Botanical Name: The scientific name for Priyangu is Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl, belonging to the Lamiaceae family.
Traditional Uses: It is a core Ayurvedic herb used for treating fevers, skin ailments, internal bleeding, and joint pain.
Medicinal Properties: Scientific studies have validated its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial effects.
Multiple Sources: Other plant species like Prunus mahaleb are sometimes identified as Priyangu, especially the fragrant variant known as Gandha Priyangu.
Edible Fruits: Though astringent, its fruits (berries) are edible and are sometimes used to make wine and jam.

The Primary English Names for Priyangu

The most widely recognized English names for the plant known in Sanskrit and Hindi as Priyangu are Velvety Beautyberry and Large-leaf Beauty Berry. These names reference its physical attributes: the soft, woolly texture of its leaves and stems (Velvety Beautyberry) and its large foliage (Large-leaf Beauty Berry). Perfumed Cherry is another name, alluding to the sweet scent of its flowers. While 'Priyangu' is sometimes used in English texts about Ayurveda, understanding these other names is important for botanists and practitioners.

Botanical Profile: Understanding Callicarpa macrophylla

The plant scientifically known as Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl belongs to the Lamiaceae (or Verbenaceae) family.

Morphology of the Priyangu Plant

An erect, perennial shrub, typically 1 to 2.5 meters tall.
Features large, opposite, ovate-lanceolate leaves with a dense, greyish, woolly covering on the underside.
Small, pinkish-purple flowers grow in dense clusters.
Produces small, globose, white fruits.

Distribution and Habitat

Callicarpa macrophylla is found across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. It grows in well-drained soils in forests and wetlands up to 1800 meters.

Priyangu in Traditional Medicine Systems

Priyangu is used in traditional systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. In Ayurveda, it has a cold potency (Sheet Virya) and balances Vata and Pitta doshas. Its flowers, bark, roots, and fruits are all used medicinally.

Key Medicinal Properties and Traditional Uses

Fevers and Burning Sensation (Daha): Used to reduce fever and burning sensations due to its cooling nature.
Bleeding Disorders (Raktapitta): Valued for astringent properties, helping with internal and external bleeding.
Skin Ailments: A bark paste is applied to treat skin conditions, improve complexion, and heal wounds.
Joint Pain (Sandhivaata): Oil from the leaves or bark is used externally for pain and swelling.
Digestive Issues: Helps with diarrhea and dysentery.
Immune Support: Antioxidants are thought to boost immunity.

Traditional vs. Modern Identification of Priyangu

While Callicarpa macrophylla is the main source of Priyangu, other plants are sometimes used regionally under the same name. Botanical names are essential for clarity. The table below outlines key differences:


Feature	*Callicarpa macrophylla* (Velvety Beautyberry)	*Prunus mahaleb* (St. Lucie Cherry)	*Aglaia roxburghiana*
Common Use	Most common and widely accepted source of Priyangu.	Used as "Gandha Priyangu" (fragrant Priyangu) in some regions.	Less common, sometimes used in South India for Priyangu preparations.
Plant Part Used	Flowers, bark, roots, fruits.	Fruit pulp and seeds, known for its distinct fragrance.	Fruits.
Native Region	Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia.	Europe, Western Asia, and Northwest Africa.	Western Ghats of South India.
Key Differences	Distinguished by large, velvety leaves and white berries.	Known for its fragrant cherry-like fruits and ornamental use.	Occurs in the tropical forests of South India.

Scientific Validation of Priyangu's Properties

Scientific research supports some traditional uses of Callicarpa macrophylla. Bioactive compounds like calliterpenone, flavonoids, and tannins contribute to its effects.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects: Studies show anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving activity in animal models, supporting its use for joint issues.
Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity: Extracts show efficacy against certain bacteria and fungi, validating its use for skin infections.
Antioxidant Properties: Priyangu is rich in antioxidants, aligning with its use as an immune booster.

Further information on pharmacological properties is available in scientific reviews.

Conclusion

The English names for Priyangu, Callicarpa macrophylla, primarily include Velvety Beautyberry and Large-leaf Beauty Berry. Perfumed Cherry is also used. This Ayurvedic herb is valued for its cooling, astringent, and antimicrobial properties, backed by tradition and growing scientific evidence. Accurate identification using botanical names is crucial for utilizing its benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The botanical name for the Priyangu plant is Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl.

Priyangu is called Velvety Beautyberry because the underside of its large leaves and its branches are covered in a dense, soft, woolly hair, giving them a velvety texture.

Yes, Perfumed Cherry is another English name for Priyangu, often referencing the sweet aroma of its flowers.

In Ayurveda, Priyangu is used to treat conditions like fever, internal bleeding, skin diseases, joint pain, and digestive issues like diarrhea.

Yes, the fruits of Callicarpa macrophylla are edible, though they are quite astringent. They can be used to make wine and jam.

Priyangu bark is used in traditional medicine as a paste or dusting powder to improve complexion, help heal wounds, and treat skin diseases due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Yes, preliminary scientific studies have identified bioactive compounds in Priyangu extracts that demonstrate anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial activities, validating some of its traditional uses.