Pharmacognostic and pharmacological properties of Gambhari (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) fruits

Abstract

Gmelina arborea Roxb. is one of the important medicinal plants widely propagated and cultivated species of the family Lamiaceae. It is commonly known as “Kashmarya” and is one of the herbs mentioned in all ancient scriptures of Ayurveda. It is a beautiful fast growing avenue tree that grows throughout India. This medicinal plant is highly valued from time immemorial because of its vast medicinal properties. Gambhari an essential component of Dashmoola. In Ayurvedic classical textbooks, different parts of the plant can be used medicinally like root, fruit, leaf, flower, and bark. The Rasayana (rejuvenative), Medhya (memory enhancer) and Vrishya (aphrodisiac) activities have been related to its edible fruits. The leaf of Gambhari has been mentioned in the diseases like Vrana(Wounds) and Kushtha (Skin diseases). The classical part of the plant Gambhari is the root. It is extensively used traditionally as an antihelmintic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, diuretic, hepatoprotective and antiepileptic agent. The present article provides insight into the literature review of Gambhari fruit. The present manuscript compiles extensive information about Gambhari (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) fruit which is well-mentioned in most Ayurvedic classics like Brihatrayee, Laghutree and Nighantu.