Work

A comprehensive review of the bioactive compounds and the various pharmacological activities of Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) plant

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Mahua ( Madhuca longifolia ) is a tree commonly found in tropical regions (family: Sapotaceae). The main phytoconstituents present in flowers and other parts of the plant (known as sweet flower) have a wide range of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic applications in the treatment of various disease conditions, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic activities, especially for kidney stones. Recently, research publications have highlighted greater concern about the application of bioactive constituents and the identification of genes related to stress tolerance, which may help breed or engineer M. longifolia varieties with enhanced medicinal compound production, supporting consistent quality and efficacy in herbal products. The review further highlights the phytochemical composition of mahua, its pharmacological actions in treating certain diseases, and its full mechanism of action, including its pharmacological activities in treating various diseases and ailments. Methodology The main study aims to collect all data and information that are collected from previously published reports that are related to “ Madhuca longifolia ”, “Pharmacological activities of mahua”“, traditional chinese medicine” and their constituents, “mahua phytoconstituents”, which were retrieved from different databases (Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed). Hence, ethical authorisation is not required. We retrieved, finalised, and utilised a comprehensive review of 81 articles from 2000 to 2025. Results Data from different sources have been collected, and each research publication related to our objective is being analysed. This review further highlights the phytochemical composition of other parts of the mahua plant and the reported pharmacological activities. This review suggested that its various applications warrant further research and investigation. Conclusion Mahua’s flower is used as an ayurvedic formulation, and its extracts have potential for the treatment of various disease conditions and also boost immunity.

Source: Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100746