ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on the uses, folk medicine, chemistry, germplasm, distribution, ecology, cultivation, harvesting, yields, energy, and biotic factors of Mahua. Mahua is valued for its edible flowers and oil-bearing seeds. Mahua is considered to be astringent, stimulant, emollient, demulcent, and nutritive in Ayurvedic medicine. Bark used to treat rheumatism, ulcers, itches, bleeding and spongy gums, tonsillitis, leprosy, and diabetes. Mahua flowers show antibacterial activity aginst Escherichia coli, the edible honey from the flowers is reported to be used for eye diseases. Mahua leaves are astringent, used in embrocations. Over-consumption of mahua flowers is reported to cause vomiting and stomach disorders. Mahua is reported to tolerate drought, frost, insects, poor soil, slope, savanna, and waterlogging. Mahua, usually drought-resistant, is especially suited for dry or waste lands where little else will grow. Mahua cake has insecticidal and piscicidal properties, and is applied to lawns and golf courses against earthworms.
