The Mahua tree is very important for tribal Indians. Tribal people use Mahua not only for food but also as fuel. Have you ever heard the name of Mahua, if not, then today in this article we are going to tell you about the benefits and disadvantages of Mahua.

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What Is Mahua?
The scientific name of Mahua is Madhuca longifolia. This tree grows very fast and its length can reach about 12 to 15 meters. It has small white flowers in the month of March. Although its flower has innumerable properties, in Central India this flower is used to make the famous drink Mahua wine.

Mahua contains elements rich in medicinal and therapeutic properties. It is a solution to many problems like seasonal flu, fever, epilepsy, cancer. It has been said in Ayurveda that Mahua is used all over the world.

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Facts related to Mahua

  • Scientific name: Madhuca longifolia
  • Family: Sapotaceae
  • Common name: Mahuva, Mahua, Mahwa, Mohulo, Luppi and Ippa
  • English name: Butternut tree
  • Parts: Bark, seeds and flowers
  • Geographical description: Mahua is a tropical tree found in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Myanmar as well as many parts of central and northern India.

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  1. Nutrients in Mahua
  2. How To Use Mahua?
  3. Benefits Of Mahua
  4. How To Use Mahua?
  5. Disadvantages of Mahua
  6. Summary

Mahua seeds are a good source of healthy fat. It is used to make butter. Various nutrients are present in every part of Mahua. Let's know about the nutrients present in Mahua seeds.

Nutrients in every 100 grams of Mahua

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Mahua seeds have been used since ancient times to make butter. It is used in cosmetics and pharmacy as a substitute for cocoa butter and in place of cooking oil for adulteration in chocolate and ghee.

  • As an alternative to seasonal grains, flour made from Mahua seeds is used to make roti and puri.
  • Since Mahua seeds are a good source of fat, research has indicated its ability to act as biofuel.
  • Due to the high sugar content, Mahua flowers are used to make Indian sweets such as barfi, kheer, halwa and sweet puri.
  • Mahua fruits are also used to make liquor. Apart from this, Mahua flowers are also given as fodder to animals such as cows, which increases milk production in them.

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The medicinal properties present in the Mahua tree are helpful in treating numerous diseases. Mahua flower juice is beneficial in heart disease, leucorrhoea (white discharge from vagina), menorrhagia (excessive bleeding during menstruation), polyuria (frequent urination), bronchitis and tonsillitis.

Mahua bark is used in chronic bronchitis, diabetes mellitus and bleeding. Mahua leaves are used as medicine for arthritis and piles. Its root is very effective in swelling, diarrhea and fever. Let us know about some such benefits of Mahua which have also been scientifically confirmed.

Benefits Of Mahua For Ulcer

Due to excessive production of gastric juice, there is a blockage in the mucus lining of the stomach (it helps to protect the stomach from the digestive juices present in the stomach), due to which a wound is formed in the inner layer of the stomach. Due to its anti-ulcer properties, Mahua has been found to be effective in relieving the symptoms of peptic ulcers.

It inhibits the secretion of histamine (a substance that controls the production of acid in the stomach) which reduces the stomach related discomfort caused by it and helps in healing the ulcers.Mahua forms a protective layer over the mucus membrane of the stomach which protects it from the negative effects of excessive acid production.

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Benefits Of Mahua For Teeth

Mahua is considered beneficial for healthy gums and tonsillitis. To use it, mix 4 ml of juice extracted from the bark of the Mahua tree in 300 ml of water.

  • To get rid of the problem of bleeding from gums, gargle with this mixture regularly.
  • This mixture is also useful for relieving the symptoms of severe tonsillitis and pharyngitis (swelling in the throat).
  • According to studies done in the lab, anti-microbial properties are present in the bark of Mahua, due to which it is beneficial in problems related to teeth.

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Benefits Of Mahua For Bronchitis

To get relief from the severe condition of bronchitis, mix the juice extracted from Mahua flower with a glass of milk and drink it. In bronchitis, the respiratory tract such as the mouth and nose get swollen. Due to the formation of mucus, first there is cough and then wheezing and difficulty in breathing.

Mahua flowers help in thinning the mucus and removing it. Being an herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Mahua reduces inflammation and provides immediate relief.

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Benefits Of Mahua For Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a central nervous system disease. When this disease occurs, the person starts having seizures. Although there are many types of medicines available for epilepsy, tribal people still use natural methods to treat this disease. Let us tell you that Mahua is an excellent natural source to deal with epilepsy.

Research has shown that methanolic extract of Mahua leaves increases the release of gamma amino butyric (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits excitatory neuronal activity in patients with epilepsy. This not only reduces the frequency of seizures but also makes them last for a shorter period of time.

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Benefits Of Mahua For Skin

Mahua flower juice is used for many skin problems. It has skin smoothing properties that help relieve itching, especially itching.

  • Apply sesame oil on Mahua leaves, heat it and apply it on the affected area. This provides relief from eczema.
  • Animal studies have shown that Mahua contains saponins and flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation. These components help heal wounds. A study has also shown that Mahua is effective in relieving pain in wounds and burns.

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Benefits Of Mahua For Fever

Fever means that the body is fighting against infection. Fever sometimes causes nausea and weakness. Studies have revealed that the juice of Mahua bark has antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce symptoms of fever, pain and inflammation. Mahua is rich in nutrients and can therefore be consumed to recover quickly from fever.

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Benefits Of Mahua For Diabetes

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases that indicate a condition of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). It affects the functions of all the vital organs of the body. Although there are many types of medicines available to control the symptoms of diabetes, the problems caused by this disease cannot be completely avoided with modern medicines.

Studies on animals have shown that the extracts derived from the bark of Mahua contain elements that prevent diabetes. Although, how it works in diabetes has not been known yet, but it has been found that a prescribed dose of these extracts can help reduce the amount of glucose circulating in the body.

According to other facts, Mahua extract is effective in reducing cholesterol levels that cause the risk of insulin deficiency and high blood glucose. Mahua has been found useful in improving the kidney function of animals suffering from diabetes. Diabetes-related nephropathy can be prevented by Mahua.

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Benefits Of Mahua For Worm Infection

Worm infection is the most common of the infections caused by worms in the stomach. Although this disease affects the poorest of the poor, some cases of it have been seen in developed countries as well. This disease increases the risk of anemia and intestinal disorders. Therefore, it is important to get this problem treated as soon as possible.

Mahua also helps in fighting parasitic infections. Both methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Madhuca longifolia have been found to be helpful in fighting infections caused by worms in the stomach compared to the juice of other trees.

According to research, a dose of 60 mg of methanolic extract of Mahua cures poisoning and paralysis or kills the worms. However, there is not enough research on this subject yet, so not much can be said about its effect on the human body.

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Benefits Of Mahua For Liver Infection

Liver is an important organ for the body. It not only helps in digesting food but also removes toxins from the body and keeps the overall health better. Mahua is Amrit for the liver.

It has liver-protecting properties and it strengthens the liver lining and prevents the release of harmful chemicals in the blood, which is a sign of liver damage. Along with this, it helps the liver to function better.

Apart from this, Mahua is a natural antioxidant, which helps prevent the death of cells during the increase of inflammation in the liver. Thus Mahua prevents the symptoms of hepatitis and the disease from increasing.

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Benefits Of Mahua For Coronary Heart Disease

Heart diseases are the biggest cause of death in the world. Mahua seeds contain elements that can prevent heart diseases. Its seeds are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids which not only improve heart health but also keep you completely fit. Especially the oleic acid present in Mahua seeds reduces bad cholesterol, which can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

Even the oil made from Mahua is considered the best oil for cooking, in fact Mahua oil is better than palm oil and kokum butter. If you have not changed your cooking oil till now, then change it immediately and stay healthy.

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  • The juice of fresh Mahua flowers provides relief from sinus, headache, pitta dosha and burning sensation in the eyes. 
  • Mahua leaves are used to increase milk production in lactating women. 
  • Boil a mixture of dried Mahua flowers and milk in the amount of 30 to 40 ml and drink it. It helps in fighting nerve weakness and neuromuscular disease.
  • Taking a dose of 20 to 25 ml of fresh juice made from Mahua flowers helps in reducing hiccups, high blood pressure and cough.
  • Taking a dose of 30 ml of Mahua flowers with sugar relieves the problem of low sperm production, premature ejaculation and lack of milk production during breastfeeding. Mahua bark powder also increases strength and vigor. 
  • Taking a dose of 30 to 40 ml of cold extract made from the bark of Mahua tree relieves the problem of burning sensation in urine and feeling of burning sensation in the body.
  •  
  • Taking 30 to 40 ml decoction prepared from the bark of Mahua is useful in the treatment of diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome
  • Rheumatism is treated with a thick decoction prepared by boiling the bark of Mahua. Oil extracted from Mahua seeds is helpful in relieving pain and burning sensation caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

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  • Animal studies have shown that regular use of Mahua can increase impotence and infertility
  • Since Mahua is hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) in nature, it can affect the effect of diabetes medicines. If you are taking any such medicine or your blood sugar level is low, then it is better to talk to the doctor in this regard before taking Mahua.
  • If you are suffering from autoimmune disease (in which the immune system starts damaging the healthy cells of the skin), then do not consume Mahua.

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Mahua is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine and diet. Mahua flowers and seeds are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are helpful in strengthening the immune system, improving skin health, and increasing energy. Its oil is also used for skin diseases and joint pain. However, excessive consumption of Mahua can be harmful, especially if it is used to make liquor. Its excessive consumption can affect the liver and cause physical weakness. Therefore, Mahua should be consumed in a limited and cautious manner.

References

  1. Vinita Bisht, Neeraj, Vishnu Kanwar Solanki and Nidhi Dalal Mahua an important Indian species: A review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2018; 7(2): 3414-3418
  2. N. Devi, R. Sangeetha Madhuca longifolia (Sapotacae): A review of its phytochemical and pharmacological profile . International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences 2016 Oct ; 7(4): (B) 106 - 114
  3. Pratap S Kulkarni , Dr Sharanappa G , Dr Ramesh M R Mahua(Madhuca longifolia) as a source of biodiesel in India-A-SOURCE-OF-BIODIESEL-IN-INDIA.pdf. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 4, Issue 7, July-2013
  4. Kalaivani.M , Jegadeesan.M Evaluation of Antiulcer Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Madhuca longifolia flowers in Experimental Rats. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 3, Issue 6, June 2013
  5. Mishra Sunita, Padhan Sarojini Madhuca Lonigfolia (Sapotaceae): A Review of Its Traditional Uses and Nutritional Properties. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention, Volume 2, Issue 5, May 2013, PP.30-36
  6. K. S. Jyothi, M. Seshagiri In-Vitro Activity of Saponins of Bauhinia Purpurea, Madhuca Longifolia, Celastrus Paniculatus and Semecarpus Anacardium on Selected Oral Pathogens. J Dent (Tehran). 2012 Autumn; 9(4): 216–223 PMID: 23323183
  7. Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan et al Functional characteristics, nutritional value and industrial applications of Madhuca longifolia seeds: an overview. J Food Sci Technol. 2016 May; 53(5): 2149–2157 PMID: 27407181
  8. Priyanka Yadav, Anurabha Mallik, S. Nayak Microscopic studies of Madhuca longifolia. J. Nat. Prod. Plant Resour., 2011, 1 (4):66-72
  9. Sandip Patel, Sandeep R. Patel, Veena Patel Investigation into the Mechanism of Action of Madhuca longifolia for its Anti-epileptic Activity. Pharmacognosy Communications, Volume 1, Issue 2, Oct-Dec 2011
  10. Lavkush Dwivedi Important Medicinal Plants of India- the taxonomy, therapeutic potential and associated ethical belief Mauritius: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, 2013
  11. Dinesh Chandra Analgesic effect of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Madhuca longifolia (Koeing). Indian Journal of Pharmacology 2001; 33: 108-111
  12. N. Shekhawat and R. Vijayvergia Investigation of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic properties of Madhuca indica Gmel. European Journal of Inflammation Vol. 8, no. 3, 165-171 (2010)
  13. Priyanka Yadav, Deepak Singh, Anurabha Mallik, S. Nayak Madhuca longifolia (Sapotacae): A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology . International Journal of Biomedical Research 2012
  14. Akash P. Dahake, Chirantan S. Chakma, Rita C. Chakma, Prashant Bagherwal Antihyperglycemic activity of methanolic extract of madhuca longifolia bark. Journal of diabetes, endrocrinology and metabolic diseases Vol. 39 No. 1 (pp. 1 - 44) 2010
  15. Dhruv Jha, Papiya Mitra Mazumder Biological, chemical and pharmacological aspects of Madhuca longifolia. Asian pacific journal of tropical medicine, 2018, Volume 11, Issue 1, Page 9-14
  16. S. Palani, S. Raja, S.Karthi, Selvi Archana,B. Senthil Kumar In vivo analysis of nephro & hepato protective effects and antioxidant activity of Madhuca longifolia against acetaminophen-induced toxicity & oxidative stress. Journal of Pharmacy Research 2010, 3(1),9-16
  17. Pragati Khare, Kamal Kishore, Dinesh Kumar Sharma Medicinal uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological profile of Madhuca longifolia. Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 570-581
  18. Nudrat S Zayed, Richa Deo, Usha Mukundan Herbal remedies used by Warlis of Dahanu to induce lactation in nursing mothers. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol.6(4), October 2007, pp.602-605
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