Exploring the bioactive-based therapeutic and culinary potential of Madhuca longifolia flower and delineating the research gaps in terms of scientific validation.

Abstract

The flower of Madhuca longifolia (family Sapotaceae) has a long history of traditional use in treating fever, inflammation, rheumatism, ulcers, impotence, skin ailments and heart diseases across Southeast Asia. In India, the flower is commonly consumed as a regular food item and is also used as a tonic, appetizer, galactagogue and carminative agent, particularly among rural populations residing near plantations. There are ethnopharmacological claims about several therapeutic properties and antidiabetic activities of the flower, but no scientific evidence is available on this aspect. This review aims to explore the traditional, nutraceutical and pharmacological properties of M. longifolia flowers while identifying the research gaps for establishing its therapeutic use. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, Scopus, and Web of Science from 2000 to 2025. Only research and review articles were considered for analysis. Our findings present that the major bioactive compounds identified in the flower include rutin, quercetin, Mi-saponin A & B, madhucoside A & B, gallic acid and ascorbic acid. In vitro studies indicate that it has strong antioxidant activity, while in-vivo studies on animal models document hepatoprotective, anti-dyslipidemic and antidepressant properties, but these studies are miniscule. Till date no clinical trials have been conducted on the therapeutic efficacy of the flower. Although the flower is naturally rich in several bioactive compounds, its potential therapeutic properties have not been scientifically validated. Focused research is needed to extract and quantify all the key bioactives of the flower. Additionally, studies involving human participants to assess the flower's therapeutic properties are needed to bridge the gap between traditional use and modern pharmacology.