Vol. 12, Issue 2 (2023)

Author(s):
Manas Ranjan Nayak, Samir Ranjan Dash, Amaresh Khuntia and Sangram Paramaguru

Abstract:
Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) (Roxb.), also spelt Mahua, is a multipurpose tropical tree native to South Asia that is primarily cultivated or harvested in the wild for it edible flowers and oil seeds. It is widely seen in Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Nabarangapur and Koraput district of Odisha. It takes about 10 years for the tree to fully mature and continuous production can be get up to 60 years. The present paper aims to study the traditional uses and nutritional properties of Madhuca latifolia (Roxb.) in dominated forest areas of Odisha situated in different agroecological zones. The seed yield ranges from 60 to 80 kg/tree/year and Mahua trees are also harvested for their flowers and yield 100 to 150 kg of flower DM/tree/year. The sweet, fleshy flowers are eaten fresh or dried, powdered and cooked with flour, used as a sweetener or fermented to make country liquor. The Mahua seed contains 35% to 50% oil and the kernel contains 50% oil and Mahua oil is used to make soaps and candles and is also used as a seed preservative against pests. Mahua oil has emollient properties and is used in skin disease, rheumatism and headache. It is also a laxative and considered useful in habitual constipation, piles and haemorrhoids and as an emetic. The Mahua is being used from the tradition as different plant parts like its bark and oil have Anticancer, Anti-hyperglycemic, Antibacterial with Antioxidant activity. The different ailments treated with these parts include tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cholera, paralysis, snake-bite, debility, tonsillitis, influenza, piles, arthritic pain, helminthiasis, headache, flatulency, and infections, besides being used as a blood purifier and as an antidote to poison. Mahua seed cake is relatively rich in protein (16-29% of DM) and it is used for fish toxicant cum pond manure in inland aquaculture systems of India. Mahua and it’s by product used as soil improver, soil reclamation and erosion control in India. Mahua seed cake contains Saponins (5-6%) and Tannins that reduces its use and high levels of saponins reduces palatability and have anti-nutritional and toxic effects on animals. The biodiesel obtained from Mahua oil has properties similar to the conventional diesel.