A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Acacia nilotica (Indian babul)

Plants play an inevitable role in human life by providing the basic needs for livelihood and serving as a source of medicine from ancient civilisation. Globally, a majority of populations rely on phytomedicine as a source of primary healthcare and the demand for the plant-based medicine. Babul or Kikar, scientifically known as Acacia nilotica (A. nilotica) is a perennial tree belonging to the family of Fabaceae, a multipurpose tree widespread in the tropical and subtropical regions of countries. The whole plant part is loaded with therapeutic potential and used as folk medicine from long ago. The tree is also a rich source of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals and secondary active metabolites. In Indian Ayurveda and other traditional medicinal systems, A. nilotica plays an immense role in treating and curing various infections and diseases. The present review briefly provides up-to-date information on morphology, phytochemistry, therapeutic potential and other information on A. nilotica.