Aegle marmelos (L.): An underutilized plant with incredible pharmaceutical and nutritional potential

Abstract

Aegle marmelos (L.) or bael has a long history of use in traditional medicine across Southeast Asia, with roots in the ancient Indian traditional medicinal system- Ayurveda. It has therapeutic characteristics in all of its parts, notably the fruits, leaves, roots, stem, and bark. The plant has a plethora of bioactive compounds which account for its medicinal properties such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, anticancer, diuretic and antiulcer activity. In this review, comprehensive information about the plant like its therapeutic properties, with focus on the mechanisms of action of bioactive components and their pharmacological efficacy towards variety of chronic diseases is provided. Its nutritional value along with its potential to be used as a food supplement and a source of nutraceuticals to address nutritional deficiencies is also discussed. Given its underutilization and limited research, there is an urgent need to increase its awareness among masses and propagate its ethnopharmacological significance to people, especially in low-income countries, as it has huge potential to provide pharmacological drugs and nutraceuticals. Conservation efforts are required as it has been listed as ‘near threatened’ in the IUCN Red list, and also it needs to be propagated for benefit of larger population.