Ayurvedic, Phytochemical and Pharmacological profile of Aegle marmeolus (Linn.) Corrae - A Review

 

Ajay Kumar Meena1, Himanshu Sehgal1*, M. M. Rao1, P. Panda1 and M. M. Padhi2

1National Institute of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Research, Patiala – 147001, Punjab, (India).

2Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, Janakpuri, Delhi-110058, (India).

ABSTRACT:

The scientific basis for the statement that plant and their active constituents play an important role in the prevention diseases is continuously advancing. Most sacred herb in Indian mythology, Bael (Bilva), word Bilva means that kills all the diseases has several medicinal properties. As mentioned in Dhanvantri nigantu, in 10th century that the unripe fruit is sangrahi, the research also shows the same result that unripe fruit is most effective remedy for chronic diarrhea and dysentery without fever. The present review deals with its history, origin, distribution, cultivators, nutritive value, phytochemical properties and therapeutic uses of Aegle marmeolus. It is antidysentary, anti diarrheal, antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti inflammatory, analgesic, cardio protective, antidiabetic, anticancerous, antispermatogenic, radio protective and also cures peptic ulcer and respiratory infections.

 

KEY-WORDS: Aegle marmeolus, anticancerous, phytochemical, diarrhea.

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

Aegle marmeolus (Linn.) Correa ex Roxb., belongs to family Rutaceaea, a plant  symbolizes India’s rich medicinal heritage, one of the world’s oldest living traditional system of medicines. 21000 plant species are listed by WHO for medicinal purposes. In India about 2500 plant species are being used in indigenous system of medicine. India is one of the 12 mega biodiversity centre of the world with 16 agro climate zone. Out of 400 families of flowering Plant in world, 315 are in India. But it is sad to know that only 40 plant species are currently used by pharmaceutical industry. India is paying less attention towards herbal remedies. Bilva acts as Sink for chemical pollutants as it absorbs poisonous gases from atmosphere and makes them inert/neutral. Bilva is a member of plant species called Climate Purifier, which emits greater amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. Bilva named Gandhgarbha is also considered in the category of fragment species whose flower and volatile vapours neutralized bad odor in the air.

 

Bilva consists of pulp of entire, unripe or half ripe fruits of Aegle marmelos Carr.(Fam. Rutaceae), a tree, attaining a height of 12 m growing wild and also cultivated throughout the country, rind of fruit is removed and pulp is bruised and dried1. A medium to fairly large sized semi deciduous thorny tree growing wildly throughout India especially in sub Himalayan, central and southern India Vernacular Names of Aegle marmelos Linn. are shriphala, Shandila, Shailooshal, Maloora, Gandhgarbha, Kantaki, Sadaphal, Granthila in Sanskrit;  Bael, Vael in Assamese; Bela, Bilva in Bengali; Bengal Quince, Bael fruit in English; Bill, Bilum, Bilvapha in Gujrati;  Bela, Sriphal, Bel in Hindi; Bilva in Kannada; Bel in Kashmiri; Koovalam in Malayalam; : Bel, Baela in Marathi, Bela in Oriya; Maredu in Telugu; Bel in Urdu, Bil in Punjabi; Vilvam in Tamil, Kathori in Sindh; Shul in Persian; Safar jale in Arabic2.

 

Meanings of Sanskrit Names3 Shandilya- Means that relieves from all pains; Shailoosha- Means that have beautiful fruits or grow on mountains; Shriphala- Having attractive fruits; Maloora- Means that enhances the looks of the body Gandhgarbha- Having a pleasant smell with in it; Kantaki- Means has sharp thorns over it; Sadaphala- Means it has fruits in all the seasons; Granthila- Having tuberous structure over its surface.

 

Throughout the deciduous forest of India, ascending to an altitude up to 1200 mtr in the western Himalayas and Andaman Islands4, Eastern Ghats and Central India. Also in foot of Himalayas, UP, Bihar, MP, Uttarakhand, Deccan  Plateau. In Srilanka used as hypoglycemic herb. In Bangladesh it is used for fertility control, in Burma it is used to make paints, in Europe Bilva was introduced in 1959 and in Florida Specimen of Bilva has been maintained in citrus collection5-7.

 

Aegle marmolus is a medium to fairly large sized semi deciduous thorny tree growing wildly throughout India especially in sub Himalayan, central and southern India. As mentioned, in Ayurveda8.

 

Good sandy loam soil, sunny situation, warm humid climate are suitable for cultivation of this plant. It is generally propagated by seed. Sowing is done in the month of June-July. The development of seedling is slow. They require at least a year in the nursery to be fit for transplantation. They should be transplanted in rainy season. It is propogated by root cutting, layers and stem cutting treating with IBA (4000ppm) using quick dip method 2.

 

Chemical Constituent of Aegle marmeolus Linn:

The stem bark contains lignin glucosides, Lyoniresinol 2-O-D sglucopyranoside, lyniresinol 3-O-D glucopyranoside, lyniresinol9, Marmalosin, tannins, mucilage, fatty oil and sugar10. Fruit contains marmalosin which is the active constituent. Young bark couramin 0.03%, alkaloids, umbellierone, old bark couramin 0.6% and umbelliferone. Bihar variety gave 0.3% alkaloid, identical with fagarine isolated from Zanthoxylum coco Gill11. Fagarine, marmesin, marmin, umbelliferone12.

 

The oil of twigs has eight monoterpene hydrocarbons (92.8%), two oxygenated monoterpenes (2.5%), four sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (2.2%), one oxygenated sesquiterpene (0.2%) and one phenolic compound 13-15 Limonene (51.7%) and (Z)-β-ocimene (39.8%) were the major components reported first time in the oil of twigs of Aegle marmelos 14,15. The leaf oil was found to contain 15 compounds, including seven monotorpene hydrocarbons (90.7%), three oxygenated monoterpenes (2.9%), four sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (3.1%) and one phenolic compound (0.2%). Limonene (82.4%) was the main constituent 15,16

 

Alkaloids, Cardiac glycosides, Terpenoids, Saponins, Tannis, Flavanoid and Steroids are present and Reducing sugars, Carbonyl and Phlo-batanin are absent in Aegle marmelos17 Minor constituents like ascorbic acid, sitosterol, crude fibres, tannins, caretenoidsare also present. Roots of the tree have also been found to contain psoralen, xanthotoxin scopoltin and tembamide18. Compounds like praealtin D, trans-cinnamic acid, 4-methoxy benzoic acid, betulunic acid, and montanin have also been reported.

 

The fruit contain about three times more total soluble solids and at least 1.5 times more energy as compared to oranges and grape fruit 9. As mentioned in Dhanvantri nigantu, in 10th century that the unripe fruit is sangrahi, snighda, agnidipak, katu, tikt, kshaya, usna veerya, tikshna and vata kapha nashak3

 

Ayurvedic properties and action of Aegle marmeolus (Linn.)

The Bilva tree in the Shiva Purana:

Lakshmyaascha stana utpannam Mahaadeva sadaa priyam, Bilva vriksham prayachchhaami eka bilvam Shivaarpanam. Darshanam bilva vrikshasya sparshanam paapanaashanam, Aghorapaapasamhaaram eka bilvam shivarpanam19

 

According to the Shiva Purana (7 AD) the Bilva tree is the manifest form of Lord Shiva himself, while all the great tirthas (pilgrimage places) are said to reside at its base. One who worships the Shivalingam while sitting under the Bilva, claims this great epic, and attains the state of Shiva.

In the traditional culture of Nepal, the bael tree is part of a fertility ritual for girls known as the Bel baha. Girls are "married" to the bael fruit and as long as the fruit is kept safe and never cracks the girl can never become widowed, even if her human husband dies. This was seen to be protection against the social disdain suffered by widow. In Bangladesh, It is used for fertility control.

 

As mentioned, in Ayurvedic, 8Charak Samhita (Kalp sthan)

Ø  Collection of leaves and fruits should be in Varsh Ritu (July-Aug) and Vasant ritu (Mar-Apr)

Ø  Collection of roots in Shihir (Jan-Feb) and Griham ritu(May-June)

Ø  Collection of kand, tvak, sheer (rhizome, stembark, exudate) in Sharad ritu (Sep-Oct)

Ø  Collection of saar in Hemant ritu (Nov-Dec)

Ø  Fruit collection is seasonally advised.

 

Important Adulterants of Aegle marmolus are wood  apple (Feronia limonia Linn.) 4 and  mangosten (Garcinia mangostana Linn.)4and Umonia acidissima Correa, Garcinia mangostina Linn.20, 21 and Puilica granatum Linn.22 are used as substitute of Aegle marmelos Correa20Ayurvedic properties and action of Aegle marmeolus (Linn.) Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kashya, Guna : Laghu, Ruksha, Virya : Ushna, Vipaka : Katu, Karma : Dipana, Pacana, Grahi, Vata Kaphahara, Balya.

 

As mentioned in Dhanvantri nigantu, that the unripe fruit is sangrahi, snighda, agnidipak, katu, tikt, kshaya, usna veerya, tikshna and vata kapha nashak. In Ayurveda it is used for the treatment of Pravhika, Agnimandya, Grahaniroga Important Ayurvedic  formulation of Aegle marmelos like Bilvadi Leha, Brhatgangadhara Churna10, Bilvapanchak kwath, Bilvadi ghrit , Bilva tail , Bilvmooladi gutika, Dashmmola taila, Pippalaydi taila , chayavprash , Dashmoolarishta, Amritarishta , Pushanuga churna, Mushikadya taila, Maha narayan taila, Vatsakadi Kvath etc4. As mentioned in Dhanvantri nigantu that the unripe fruit is sangrahi, snighda, agnidipak, katu, tikt, kshaya, usna veerya, tikshna and vata kapha nashak1. In Ayurvedic it is used for the treatment of Pravhika, Agnimandya, Grahaniroga (Irritable bowel syndrome) 10.The fresh leaf juice of bilwa is mixed with Piper cubeba and is given to the patient suffering from gylcosuria. The stem bark is also used in malaria as it has anti pyretic activity. It’s also a cardio tonic1.

 

Pharmacological activity of Aegle marmelos:

Diarrhea and Dysentery:

A formulation containing Bael and bacopa monnieri is recommended as a safe drug for diarrheal form of IBS21. In Nepal, the bark is mixed with flowers of Hypericum cordifolium Choisy and given to cure diarrhea9. The unripe fruit is most effective remedy for chronic diarrhea and dysentery without fever22. The powdered drug is recommended in sub acute or chronic dysentery22. After the use of the fruit powder in these condition, the blood gradually disappear and the stools resume a more feculent and solid form. It is also a valuable remedy for chronic dysenteric condition characterized by alternate diarrhea and constipation. It has also been reported in the cases of amoebic dysentery. It is used in the treatment of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

 

Hypoglycemic/Anti diabetic activity:

The juice of leaves along with black pepper is given in diabetes 9. Bilva leaf extract has been used in Ayurveda as a medicine for diabetes. It enhances the ability to utilize the external glucose load in the body by stimulation of glucose uptake similar to insulin. Bael extract significantly lowers blood urea and cholesterol in experimental diabetic animals23.

 

Anticancer Activity:

Bilva inhibited in vitro proliferation of human tumor cell lines including the leukemic K562, T lymphoid Jurhat, beta lymphoid Raji, Erythro leukemic HEL. Extract of A. marmeolus is anti proliferative but it produces effect on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line when it is in high concentration24.

 

Cardio protective effect:

The leaf extract has preventing effects in isoprenaline induced myocardial infarction in rats. The activity of creatine kinase and lactate dehdogenase was increased in serum. Use of Bilva as cardiac depressant and palpitation has also been reported25.

 

Anti spermatogenesis Activity:

The leaf of bilva resists the process of spermatogenesis and decreases sperm motility in rats. They are used in Bangladesh for fertility control26. All the major accessory sex organs shed weight post administration of the extract. There was a marked reduction in motility and density of the sperm derived from cauda epididymis of the treated animals27.  A. marmelos reduced fertility of male rats by 100% at the 300-mg dose level. Serum testosterone levels also decreased significantly in all the experimental groups. The protein, glycogen and lipid peroxidation content of the testes was significantly reduced at the highest dose level; a highly significant increase in testicular cholesterol was observed along with a highly significant reduction in the silica acid contents of testes, epididymis and seminal vesicles. Blood tests did not point to distress in any of the vital organs. Withdrawal of the extract restored all the altered parameters including organ weights, fertility, testosterone levels and tissue biochemistry to control levels after 120 days.

 

Antimicrobial/Antifungal Activity:

It has been found active against various species such as Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidemidis, Salmonella typhimurium, E.coli, Bacillus subtilis.  The essential oil isolated from the leaves of Bilva exhibits variable efficiency against different fungal isolates and causes concentration as well as time dependent inhibition of spore germination of all fungi tested ,including most resistant fungus, Fusarium udum28.

 

Radioprotective effect:

Treatment with extract of bilva reduces the severity of symptoms of radiation induced sickness and increases survival in mice. The radio protective action is due to free radical scavenging and arrest of lipid peroxidation accompanied by an elevation in glutathione concentration in liver, kidney, stomach and intestine 29. The hydro alcoholic extract of Aegle marmelos (AME) protected cultured HPBLs against the radiation-induced micronuclei at a concentration of 5µg/ml. It was also reported to scavenge ·OH, O2·–, DPPH, ABTS·+ and NO (nitric oxide) radicals in vitro in a concentration dependent manner. The radioprotective efficacy of 15 or 250 mg/kg AME was further confirmed in animal studies where its intraperitoneal as well as oral administration has been found to protect mice against the radiation-induced sickness, gastrointestinal and bone marrow deaths and mortality giving a DRF of 1.2. It also protected mice against the radiation-induced lipid peroxidation and elevated GSH concentration in the liver, kidney, stomach and intestine at 31 days post-irradiation. Oral administration also protected mice against the gamma radiation-induced decline in erythrocytes, leukocytes, lymphocytes and clonogenicity of hemopoietic progenitor cells assessed by exogenous spleen colony forming assay. Pretreatment of mice with AME elevated the villus height and the crypt number accompanied by a decline in goblet and dead cell number . Not only leaf but also the hydro alcoholic extract of Aegle marmelos fruit administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 mg/kg once daily, consecutively for five days found to protect mice against the radiation-induced sickness, gastrointestinal as well as bone marrow deaths with a DRF 30-34.

 

Antipyretic and Analgesic activity:

Bilva exhibits antipyretic, anti inflammatory and analgesic activities, as it has shown a significant inhibition of the carrageenan induced paw oedema, cotton pellet granuloma and paw itching in rats. It is also used as febrifuge in night and intermittent fever30.

 

Peptic ulcer:

The fruit taken in the form of beverage has also great healing properties on account of its mucilage, which  forms a coating on the stomach mucosa and thus helps in the healing of ulcers31.

 

Respiratory Infection:

In south India the juice of leaves are mixed with pepper to bring relief from wheezing cough and respiratory spasm. Its regular use builds up resistance against cold and cough32-34.

 

Other properties:

The fruit pulp powder was effective on intestinal parasites particularly on ankylostoma4. It is anti convulsive 4 and used as antihelmenitic9. The extract of leaves is beneficial in the treatment of leucorrhoea, conjunctivitis and deafness. Fruits give feeling freshness and energy. It is used as carminative and astringent and used in thyroid related disorders. It is also used in the treatment of snakebite it is a cardiac stimulant. Applications   have been reported in anaemia, fractures, swollen joints, typhoid, coma, colitis, bleeding sores and cramps. It is used in treatment of acute shigellosis, as diuretic, in gonorrhea and in conjunctivitis.

 

CONCLUSION:

The scientific research on Aegle marmelos suggests a huge biological potential of this plant. It is strongly believed that detailed information as presented in this review on the Ayurvedic, phytochemical and various pharmacological properties of the extracts might provide detailed evidence for the use of this plant in different medicines. The Phytochemical variations and efficacy of the medicinal values of Aegle marmelos is dependent on geographical locations and seasons.

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

The authors are very grateful to Director General of CCRAS, New Delhi and for providing encouragement and facilities for carrying out this work. Authors are thankful to Dr. Gagan Sharma for his encouragement for the paper.

 

 

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8.       Srikanthmurthy KR, Charak Samhita (English Translation).kalp sthan,chp1,(1/100), Chaukhambha orientalia,Varanasi.2001.

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Received on 17.11.2011

Accepted on 27.11.2011     

© A&V Publication all right reserved

Research J. Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics. 3(6): Nov.-Dec., 2011, 340-344