Mahua an important Indian species: A review

Abstract

Madhuca latifolia or Madhuca indica commonly called as Mahua is such a kind of tree involved in day to day activity of tribal people. It belongs to the family Sapotaceae, an important economic tree growing throughout India. The Mahua tree is medium sized to large deciduous tree, usually with a short bole and a large rounded crown. Mahua flower are used as a food as well as used as an exchanger in tribal and rural areas. It is also used by wild animals as food. Mahua seeds are rich in edible oil so they have economic importance. Mahua fruits are used as vegetable. Madhuca longifolia is also considered as medicinal tree and is useful for external application in treating skin diseases, rheumatism, headache, chronic constipation, piles, haemorrhoids and ethno medical properties like antibacterial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antiulcer, antihyperglycemic, analgesic activities etc. Mahua flower is not only used in preparation of liquor but can also utilized as a food ingredient for preparation of biscuit, cake, laddu, candy, bar, jam jelly, sauces etc. Mahua oil is used for manufacturer of laundry soaps and detergent, and also used as cooking oil in various tribal region of India. Madhuca longifolia is reported by various scientist that it contain sapogenins, triterpenoids, steroids, saponins, flavonoids and glycosides. The tree is considered a boon by the tribal’s who are forest dwellers and keenly conserve this tree. The tribes consider the mahua tree and the mahua drink as part of their cultural heritage. So it is very much necessary to create awareness among the people to conserve the forest.