A Review: Medicinal Properties and Health Benefits of Bael (Aegle marmelos)

Abstract

In ancient India, the eagle marmelos, also known as bael, was associated with folklore. In traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda, every component of the tree, including the root, bark, fruit, leaf, and flower, has therapeutic value for treating various maladies. Current studies have found valuable bioactive substances that support Bael's pharmacological functioning. Bael fruits are rich source in vitamins, minerals and many types of nutrients. Bael fruit has been a major topic for studies in recent years mainly due to its high nutritional (carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins) value and presence of various phytochemicals, which attributed to its high medicinal value. These phytochemicals include various compounds, e.g., alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids (protocatechuic acid, gallic, and ellagic acid). Due to its possible application as an anticancer agent in the treatment of many cancer types and other fatal diseases, this plant is now gaining attention. In this article, we describe the botanical properties of Bael, its traditional use, its phytochemicals, and its pharmaceutical applications in brief.