Bilwa / Bengal quince (Aegle marmelos L.), also known as Bael, is a sacred and medicinal tree revered in Ayurveda and Hindu tradition. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and is native to India and Southeast Asia. All parts of the tree—fruit, leaves, bark, root, and flowers—are used for their therapeutic properties, especially in treating gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, inflammation, and respiratory conditions.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders - Bilwa fruit pulp's astringent and digestive qualities make it useful for treating indigestion, diarrhea, and dysentery.
- Antidiabetic Action - Leaves and extracts are traditionally used to manage blood sugar levels.
- Respiratory Health - Roots and leaves are used in formulations for bronchitis and asthma due to their expectorant nature.
- Antimicrobial & Antiparasitic - Exhibits activity against bacteria, viruses, and intestinal parasites.
- Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant - In numerous investigations, it has shown potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant qualities.
- Wound Healing and Skin Conditions - Bilwa leaf paste is applied to wounds, ulcers, and skin infections.
Phytochemical Constituents
Bilwa is rich in a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to its pharmacological effects.
- Alkaloids: Aegeline, Aegelenine
- Coumarins: Marmelosin, Imperatorin
- Tannins: Present in unripe fruit – responsible for anti-diarrheal effects
- Flavonoids: Rutin, Kaempferol, Quercetin
- Essential Oils: Eugenol, Citral, Limonene
- Pectin and Mucilage: From ripe fruit pulp
References
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. I, Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH.
Sharma, P.V. (1999). Dravyaguna Vijnana (Vol. II). Chaukhambha Bharati Academy.
Jindal, A., & Garg, A. (2017). "Therapeutic benefits of Aegle marmelos (Bael) – A review." Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 6(5), 424-429.
Balasubramani, S.P. et al. (2015). "Pharmacological activities of Aegle marmelos – A review." Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 5(1), S62-S68.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). (1956). The Wealth of India: A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials and Industrial Products – Raw Materials, Vol. 1: A.
Kirtikar, K.R. & Basu, B.D. (1935). Indian Medicinal Plants, Vol. I, Lalit Mohan Basu Publishers, Allahabad.
European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe (For plant-based herbal monographs).
Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.