Importance of Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce as a Medicinal Plant: A Review

Abstract

Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce (Family Leguminosae, Sub-family Mimosoideae) is known as “Khejri tree”. It is a deep rooted, nitrogen fixing, multipurpose endemic tree to the hot deserts of India. It has been used since ancient times, particularly for medicinal purposes, traditionally and socially. Traditionally paste, gum, smoke from leaves and pods are applied for antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial purposes. Phytochemical component of Prosopis such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, quinones or phenolic compounds demonstrate various biofunctions, such as analgestic, anthelmintic, antibiotic, antimetic, microbial antioxidant, antimalarial, anti-protozoal, antipustule and antiulcer activities. Dry pods of Prosopis cineraria are also known as sangria pods and it is the main part of Rajasthani dishes and also have a broader range of pharmaceutical applications like in pain, high cholesterol level, diabetes, an anemia, kidney and liver disorders. The Prosopis cineraria plays an important role in the socio-economic development of the farmers. The review explores the use of Prosopis cineraria across the all disciplines for its medicinal value and deals with cultivation, nutrition, commercial and prominent pharmacological properties of the “wonder tree”. KEYWORDS: - Prosopis cineraria, antimicrobial activity, phytochemicals, khejri tree, sangri pods, pharmacological properties.