Madhuca Species: Prospects and Potentials of Traditional Economic Medicinal Plants in the Delta Forest of Odisha, India

Madhuca species (Sapotaceae) is a fruitful economic tree growing throughout the subtropical region of Asian countries. Mahua is also known for its sweet flowers which has significant value among the tribal people for the development of various fermented and non-fermented food products. The Madhuca” snon-fermented products include halwa, meethi-puri, barfi whereas fermented products include mahua wine, bear, brandy or mahuli. Because of its numerous phytochemical attributes, traditionally it is also used as a medicine for many diseases including headache, diarrhoea, skin and eye diseases. The present review highlights and explores the composition (dry and fresh flowers), utilization, medicinal and nutritive importance along with its future prospective to improve the livelihood of the tribal people with the increase chances of employment.