Exploring pharmacological potential of Aegle marmelos: integrating traditional knowledge with modern physiology and molecular biology.

Abstract

Aegle marmelos is a plant that holds considerable medicinal value. It is indigenous to India, Iran, Myanmar, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and various Southeast Asian countries. The sacred tree, which has its historical roots in the Vedic era dating back to 2000 B.C., holds a significant place in various traditional systems of medicine due to its extensive therapeutic properties that have been recognized over time. The plant exhibits a diverse array of bioactive compounds, namely flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenoids, carotenoids, and coumarins, which are present in various parts of the plant, including leaves, flowers, bark, and fruit. These compounds are responsible for the plant's extensive range of medicinal properties. It has been observed that A. marmelos demonstrates various biological activities including anti-proliferative, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-diarrhoeal, and antimicrobial properties. Recent scientific investigations have provided confirmation regarding the effectiveness of the substance under investigation against a wide range of disease-causing microorganisms. These microorganisms include bacteria such as Micrococcus luteus and Streptococcus faecalis, as well as fungi like Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. The phytochemical profile of A. marmelos includes the presence of marmenol, marmin, marmelosin, and several other compounds that are known to contribute to its medicinal properties. The present review aims to comprehensively synthesize the existing body of research on Aegle marmelos, focusing on its botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, and wide-ranging medicinal applications.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01586-2.