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Dhale D.A.*
Department of Botany, SSVPS’s, L.K.Dr.P.R. Ghogrey Science College,
Dhule-424005 (MS, India)
Email: drdattadhale@gmail.com
Received-12.05.2026, Revised-10.06.2026, Accepted-29.06.2026
Abstract: Madhuca longifolia (J.F. Gmel.) J.F. Macbr. (Sapotaceae), commonly known as Mahua or Indian Butter Tree, is a multipurpose indigenous tree widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent. It holds an important place in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and tribal healthcare systems, where its flowers, leaves, bark, fruits, seeds, and seed oil have traditionally been used to treat diabetes, inflammatory disorders, respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments, skin diseases, wounds, ulcers, and rheumatism. Beyond its medicinal importance, Mahua contributes significantly to the livelihood and nutritional security of rural and tribal communities through its edible flowers, seed oil, timber, fermented products, and biodiesel potential. Growing scientific interest has highlighted M. longifolia as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with diverse therapeutic properties. This review summarizes together with classical Ayurvedic texts and earlier pharmacognostic studies, covering its taxonomy, botanical characteristics, distribution, ethnomedicinal importance, nutritional composition, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, pharmacological activities, toxicology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical applications. Phytochemical studies have identified numerous bioactive constituents, including triterpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, phytosterols, fatty acids, tannins, glycosides, and vitamins, which are responsible for its wide range of biological activities. Experimental studies have demonstrated significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, wound-healing, analgesic, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties. Recent advances in metabolomics, chromatographic fingerprinting, tissue culture, nanotechnology, and phytopharmaceutical research have further strengthened its medicinal and industrial potential. However, despite encouraging preclinical findings, standardized extracts, pharmacokinetic investigations, long-term safety assessments, and well-designed clinical trials remain limited. Future multidisciplinary research integrating phytochemistry, pharmacology, biotechnology, and clinical sciences is essential to develop safe, standardized, and evidence-based Mahua-derived phytopharmaceuticals for the management of chronic diseases.
Keywords: Madhuca longifolia, Mahua, Sapotaceae, Ethnomedicine, Phytochemistry, Medicinal plant
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