Chapter 14 - Diploknema butyracea (Roxburgh) H. J. Lam

Abstract

Diploknema butyracea (Roxburgh) H. J. Lam (Family: Sapotaceae) is a medium-sized deciduous tree of about 20 m in height, widely distributed in the sub-Himalayan region at an altitude of about 300 to 1500 m, mostly on areas such as hill slopes and cliffs. The most valuable part of the plant is a seed, which is used to obtain fat known as Chyuri ghee or Chyuri butter. Chyuri butter is used for various purposes including cooking and lightening lamps, making soaps, cosmetics, and other commercial products. Traditionally, different parts of this plant have been utilized by ethnic groups of Nepal and India, mainly for food and medicinal purposes. The butter is also used as massage oil for rheumatism, headache, cracked feet and hands, acne, and boils. Phytochemical analysis has revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, fatty acids, aromatic compounds, and minerals. Diverse biological activities such as antioxidant effects, antifungal effects, feeding deterrents, and insect growth inhibitory effects have been reported from the fruit extract. This chapter is focused on the review of the scientific progress on the fruits of D. butyracea, related to nutritional and phytochemical composition and health-promoting activities.