A review on Phytochemicals and biological attributes of Madhuca longifolia
Nutan Kendre, Pravin Wakte
Abstract
Madhuca longifolia (mahua) is commonly known as the Honey tree and butter-nut tree belongs to the family Sapotaceae. Mahua is an economic plant growing throughout the subtropical region of India, Nepal, Australia, and Sri Lanka. It is about 17m in height and wild as well as commercially cultivated by villagers as it is a good source of employment for many people. Phytochemical study of mahua shows that it is rich in sugar, vitamin, protein, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds which are responsible for different pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antihyperglycemic, spasmolytic, hepatoprotective, anticonvulsant, anticancer, anthelmintic, antiulcer, antitumor, neuropharmacological and dermatological activities. Mahua flowers are widely used in the manufacturing of liquor as well as different types of food products. This may increase employment and help to raise potential income source for the nation. Commercial utilization of mahua flowers in different types of food products may increase employment and help to generate potential income source for the nation. This review mainly focuses on the traditional uses of various parts of a plant, phytochemical constituents along with their chemical structures, and reported pharmacological activities.