A Critical Review on Ethnobotanical and Pharmacological Aspects of Euryale Ferox Salisb.

Introduction: One of the relished dry fruits known by the names of Makhana, Phool Makhana, Gorgon Nut and Fox Nut in the Indian continent, Euryale ferox Salisb. (Nymphaeaceae) is the only plant that belongs to Euryale genus. It is found in abundance in Mithila, Darbhanga and Madhubani region of Bihar state. Since ages, in Ayurveda and Chinese practices, it has been used for the treatment of the renal disorder, chronic diarrhoea, excessive leucorrhea and hepatic dysfunctioning. Its bio-active compounds act as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiischaemic, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, anti-melanogenic, anti-cytotoxic. Methods: The information has been collected from various scientific journals, reviews, books, reports and patent databases. Results: This review summarizes the isolated bioactive compounds in different extracts, patented compounds/formulations with pharmacological activities, present in different parts of Euryale ferox Salisb. Hence, it has been used as a remedy for numerous ailments since long and also proves itself as a panacea for humanity.