Journal de la nutrition et des sciences alimentaires
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Phytochemistry, Ethnomedical Uses and Future Prospects of Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) as a Food: A Review

Jyoti Sinha, Vinti Singh, Jyotsana Singh and Rai AK

Mahua is a common name used for Madhuca longifolia, it belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It is an important economic tree growing throughout India. Mahua is a highly nutritious tree and can also use as an herbal medicine for treatment of various disease. Present paper review the earlier work performed on mahua flower, fruit and seed and highlight the use of mahua flower in value addition. Phytochemistry study of mahua shows that it is rich in sugar, vitamin, protein, alkaloids, phenolic compounds etc. A lot of therapeutic research was carried out on mahua which shows its ethnomedical 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. This review paper focusing on employment and income generation through commercial use of mahua flower, fruit and seed in medicine and food industry.