Therapeutic uses of Vilwa (Aegle marmelos) in Ayurveda with Pharmacological Evidence

Abstract

Aegle marmelos, a plant indigenous to India has been used by the inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent for over 5000 years. The leaves, bark, roots, fruits and seeds are used extensively in the Indian traditional system of medicine the Ayurveda and in various folk medicine to treat myriad ailments. It possesses broad range of therapeutic effects that includes free radical scavenging, antioxidant, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-diarrheal, gastroprotective, antiulcerative colitis, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective and radioprotective effects.In Ayurveda it has been used for the treatment of Atisara (loose stool), Pravahika (dysentery), Shoth (generalised or localised swelling), Gulma (localised gas in abdominal region), Arsha ( haemorrhoids), Grahani (irritable bowel syndrome), Pandu (anaemia), Shvasa (respiratory disorders), Hikka (hiccough), Kasa (cough), Parshwashula (pain in chest bilaterally), Hritshula (cardiac problems), Udararoga (disorders of GI tract), Halimaka (a type of jaundice), Vataroga (nervine disorder).