Abstract

BAEL (AEGLE MARMELOS L.) AS A POTENTIAL MEDICINAL TREE: AN OVERVIEW

Jagruti S. Vaza and Satish A. Bhalerao*

Abstract

With growing burden of diseases, the use of natural plant products is increasing due to its minimal side-effects and economical aspects. The Aegle marmelos L. (Bael), is belonging to the family Rutaceae and it is indigenous to India and its leaves, bark, roots and fruit have been used for over 5000 years in the Indian traditional system of medicine, the Ayurveda and in various folk medicines to treat various diseases. A number of chemical constituents and various therapeutic effects of leaves of Aegle marmelos L. have been reported by different workers. All parts of this tree from stem, bark, root; leaves and fruit at all stages of maturity have medicinal value and have been used as medicine for a long time. Many antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, flavones, isoflavones, coumarin, anthocyanin, lignans, catechins and isocatechins are found in the fruit pulp. This plant is having great potential to cure the disease like diabetes, cholesterol, peptic ulcer, inflammation, diarrhoea, and dysentery, anticancer, cardio protective, anti bacterial, anti fungal, radio protective, anti pyretic, analgesic, constipation, respiratory infection, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, wound healing and many more. The present paper deals with botanical description, chemical constitutes and Pharmacological potential studies of this medicinal plant.

Keywords: Aegle Marmelos L., Pharmacological Activities, Medicinal Values.