International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Ravi Pratap Singh, Kokab Askari, Kuldeep Kumar, Ramesh Chand, Devi Singh and Mahendra Pratap

abstract
Mahua, also known as Madhuca latifolia or Madhuca indica, is a tree which is being used by indigenous people' in their daily lives. It is a significant economic tree that grows all throughout India and is a member of Sapotaceae family. Medium to large in size, the mahua tree is a deciduous that typically has a wide, rounded crown and a short bole. In tribal and rural communities, Mahua flowers are used as food and as a medium of exchange. Additionally, wild animals eat it. Mahua seeds are economically important because they contain a lot of edible oil. Fruits of the mahua plant are used as vegetables. Madhuca longifolia is also regarded as a medicinal tree and has ethnomedical qualities such as antibacterial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antiulcer, antihyperglycemic, and analgesic effects. It can also be applied externally to treat skin conditions, rheumatism, headache, chronic constipation, piles, and hemorrhoids. In addition to being used to make whiskey, mahua flowers can be used as a food ingredient to make biscuits, cakes, laddus, candies, bars, jams, jellies, sauces, and more. In many tribal areas of India, mahua oil is utilized as cooking oil in addition to being used to make detergent and laundry detergents. Numerous scientists have found that Madhuca longifolia contains flavonoids, glycosides, triterpenoids, steroids, and sapogenins. Tribes who live in forests view the tree as a boon and take great care to preserve it. The mahua drink and tree are regarded by the tribes as part of their cultural heritage. Therefore, raising public awareness of the need to preserve the forest is crucial.