Review of Pharmacognostic and Pharmacolgic Potential of Plant Madhuca Longifolia

Abstract

Madhuca longifolia, generally referred to as Mahua, is a tree of considerable ethnobotanical and pharmacological importance, widely used in traditional medicinal systems like as Ayurveda, Siddha, and tribal healing traditions for ages. This plant, indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, has significant cultural, economic, and medical value, esteemed for its many therapeutic attributes. The tree's components flowers, seeds, bark, and leaves are abundant sources of bioactive substances such as saponins, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and tannins, which enhance its diverse pharmacological properties. Pharmacognostical investigations have yielded essential insights into the plant's morphological and phytochemical attributes, facilitating its accurate identification and certification for therapeutic applications. Contemporary studies validate its conventional assertions, emphasising its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and analgesic qualities. Improvements in standardisation methods, including chromatographic fingerprinting and microscopic examination, have enhanced its use in medication development and quality assurance. This paper examines the pharmacognostic development of Madhuca longifolia, emphasising its phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, and industrial uses. It also examines its safety profile, ethnopharmacological significance, and prospects for sustainable use. Research suggests that Madhuca longifolia is a viable option for new medicinal compounds and has significant potential for pharmaceutical and industrial advancements. Challenges associated with overharvesting and habitat destruction need the implementation of conservation initiatives. Interdisciplinary study on bioactive substances and formulation creation may reveal its complete therapeutic potential, facilitating integrative healthcare solutions.
Keywords: Madhuca longifolia, Mahua, pharmacognosy, traditional medicine, bioactive compounds