MOLSARI (MIMUSOPS ELENGI LINN.): A BOON DRUG OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Mimusops elengi L. is an Indian origin herb used in the Unani and other traditional systems of medicine since long time. It is commonly called by the names Spanish cherry, West Indian Medlar or Bullet wood tree. This plant is frequently cultivated throughout India especially in north India for its ornamental appearance and fragrant flowers. All parts of plant such as leaf, root, fruit, seed, bark, flower of Mimusops elengi were reported for treatment of various human ailments in traditional system of medicine. Pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant and free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory analgesic, antipyretic, antiurolithiatic, cytotoxic, diuretic, neuroprotective, anti-amnesic, cognitive enhancing, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, hypotensive, antiulcer, anthelmintic, antitumor, wound healing, larvicidal activities have been scientifically evaluated for various parts of this plant. A number of phytochemical constituents have been identified in this plant that may be responsible for its pharmacological activities. So many articles are available on Mimusops elengi L., but from Unani literature the discussion is very limited. This review is an effort to summarize the detailed prospects of ancient Unani literature on Mimusops elengi L. along with modern researches. Further studies should be done to make this drug world widely acceptable.