Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Correa: A potential source of Phytomedicine

Abstract

Aegle marmelos (linn) Correa commonly known as Bael (or Bel) belonging to the family rutaceae, is a moderate – sized, slender and aromatic tree. A number of chemical constituents and various therapeutic effects of A. marmelos have been reported by different workers. Extensive investigations have been carried out on different parts of A. marmelosand as a consequence, varied classes of compounds Coumarins (Marmelosin, marmesin, imperatorin), alkaloids (Aeglin, aegelenine), Tannins (skimmianine), Carotenoids and seed oils and other miscellaneous compounds have been isolated from this plant. Various phytochemical and biological evaluations have been reported in the literature for the importance of the A. marmelos. So, it has been used in ethnomedicine to exploit its medicinal properties including antidiabetic, antiulcer, antioxidant, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, radioprotective, antihyperlipidaemic, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral activities. The presented review summarizes the information concerning the botany, ethnopharmacology query, phytochemistry, biological activity and toxicity of A. marmelos plant.   Key words: Aegle marmelos, phytochemical, biological and ethnopharmacology evaluations, phytochemistry, coumarin, tannins.