Exploring Cheura [Diploknema butyracea (Roxb.) H. J. Lam]: Unveiling its Ethnomedicinal Heritage, Phytochemical Composition, Pharmacological Properties, and Innovative Applications.

Abstract

Diploknema butyracea (Roxb) H.J Lam, also referred as " Kalpavriksha", is commonly known as Gophal, Cheura, or Indian butter tree. It is a deciduous tree with straight trunks of 15-20m in height and white-yellow-coloured fragile flowers with fragrance, found at altitudes of 300-1500 m in the sub-Himalayan region of India, China, Nepal, and Bhutan. Diploknema have 11 taxa and 8 species, out of which 3 species are found in Uttarakhand hills, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam. The tree holds significant economic importance, serving various purposes within ethnic communities. Its high lipid content makes it valuable for food, medicine, construction, and the production of various value-added products. The ethno-pharmacological applications encompass treating rheumatism, burns, asthma, and skin conditions. The plant's different components-bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, and fruits-contain diverse array of phytoconstituents, including alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and palmitic acid, along with essential nutrients like sodium, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and various sugars which shows diverse pharmacological and therapeutic activities. Beyond traditional uses, Diploknema is important for diverse industrial application in pharmaceuticals, confectionery, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Present paper is an attempt to understand comprehensive details on different aspects of this plant to explore new avenues for various value-added products.