A fragrant flowering tree valued in traditional medicine, Mimusops Elengi, more commonly known as Spanish cherry, or Maulsar,i is a small tropical fruit that not many people talk about, but those who know it, swear by it. While the tree itself is popular for its fragrant white flowers and thick, glossy leaves planted in gardens and along roads for its shade and scent, it is the tiny fruit of this aromatic spreading tree that holds a world of benefits. Besides fragrant flowers, medicinal bark, and nutrient-rich fruits, there are several health and skincare benefits, along with practical culinary uses, which make Mimusops elengi extremely special. In this article, let us explore in detail the significance of this traditional Indian medicine, its healing properties, modern uses, and how it can be incorporated into food and wellness recipes.
What Is Mimusops Elengi Or Spanish Cherry?
Mimusops elengi, a native to South and Southeast Asia and is commonly found in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of northern Australia. In India, it is widely cultivated across the plains and foothills, especially in the Western Ghats, coastal regions, and gardens due to its ornamental and medicinal value. The tree prefers warm, humid climates and thrives in well-drained soils, whether loamy or sandy. Planted alongside pathways for dense foliage and fragrant flowers, Maulsari's fruiting season varies by region but is around March to June. Outside Asia, it is grown on a smaller scale in tropical regions of Africa and Central America, but it is not as common.
(Boost Your Immunity, Health, And Energy, Choose From Our Extensive Range of Health And Ayurvedic Supplements Right Now!)
Also called Bakul in some parts of Asia, a few years ago, Mimusops Elengi was an underrated plant due to little knowledge of its holistic health benefits, but now people are rediscovering it for its medicinal value. In urban landscapes, the Mimusops elengi tree is also known for its ability to purify the air. Due to its multipurpose use in traditional medicine, religious rituals, and landscaping, the tree is culturally significant in several Asian countries. The fruit holds significant nutritional and medicinal value. It is about the size of an olive, turns yellowish orange when ripe, and has a sweet but slightly astringent taste. You can eat it fresh or use it in traditional remedies. What makes it popular, especially in Ayurveda, is its wide range of health benefits. Great for teeth, digestion, skin, and even your immunity, it has been used for centuries in Indian households as a natural oral health remedy.
Properties Of Mimusops Elengi Fruit
The strong astringent, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties of this plant come from active compounds like tannins, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and saponins found mainly in the bark and fruit. Tannins help tighten gums and reduce bleeding, while flavonoids fight bacteria that cause plaque, bad breath, and gum infections. The bark is especially effective in treating gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and toothache. A key ingredient of many tooth powders and herbal mouth rinses, regular use of Mimusops elengi extracts help maintain clean, healthy gums and teeth naturally, without harsh abrasives.
Also Read: Jackfruit: Health Benefits, Uses, Varieties, Recipes, And Side Effects
How Is Mimusops Elengi Used In Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, Mimusops elengi is known as ‘Bakul’ and is highly regarded for its medicinal properties. A versatile herb in Ayurvedic pharmacology, is well known for promoting oral, digestive, respiratory, and skin health. It is classified as Kashaya (astringent) and Tikta (bitter) in taste, with Laghu (light) and Ruksha (dry) qualities, and can balance Kapha and Pitta doshas. The bark used for treating dental ailments can be easily ground into a powder and used in herbal toothpastes or applied directly to the gums to soothe bleeding, inflammation, and infections. The fruit is known for improving digestion and is often used to manage diarrhoea, dysentery, and constipation. It acts as a natural tonic and is believed to strengthen the heart and nervous system. Flower extracts are used for their calming, cooling properties and are sometimes added to formulations for treating fevers, headaches, and insomnia. Oil prepared from the seeds is applied externally to treat joint pain and skin diseases. The plant’s antimicrobial and antioxidant components are harnessed in traditional decoctions, powders, and pastes for both internal and external use.
Top Health Benefits Of Mimusops Elengi
Here are the top health benefits of the Mimusops elengi Plant, including its ability to improve oral health
Wonder For Oral Health
Mimusops elengi is imbued with astringent properties and thus is a great remedy to fight bad breath. Traditionally, the bark and fruit are chewed or used in tooth powders to maintain oral hygiene.
Aids Digestion
The fruit acts as a mild laxative and helps in treating digestive disorders such as constipation and diarrhea. Its astringent nature helps reduce inflammation in the intestines, tones the digestive tract, and supports better nutrient absorption.
Boosts Immunity
Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, Mimusops elengi helps in strengthening the immune system. Regular consumption can help the body combat infections, especially common colds and throat problems, due to its antimicrobial properties.
Manages Diabetes
Studies suggest that extracts from the fruit and bark may help lower blood sugar levels. An array of natural compounds found in the plant helps to enhance insulin activity and reduce glucose absorption, making it beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes.
Supports Heart Health
Mimusops Elengi has a fabulous antioxidant-rich profile, which can support cardiovascular health by reducing oxidative stress. Regular intake may lower bad cholesterol levels and help in keeping pressure under control.
Relieves Respiratory Issues
Mimusops elengi fruit and bark have expectorant properties. Popularly used to manage coughs, colds, and asthma, it can clear mucus from the respiratory tract and ease breathing.
Also Read: Diabetes Diet: Read To Know The Common FAQ About Food And Nutrition
Does Mimusops Elengi Promotes Skin Health?
Yes, it does! One of the best traits of this natural skin tonic is that its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which help reduce skin infections, acne, and inflammation. The fruit’s extracts (bark, flowers, and seeds) are actively used in natural skincare for promoting clear, healthy skin. Below are 5 derma benefits and uses of Mimusops elengi:
Diminishes Fine Lines And Wrinkles
Every part of the Elengi plant contains antioxidants that fight free radicals responsible for premature ageing and boost collagen. Its extracts or powders can be used in face masks to reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity.
Remedy For Skin Brightening
Elangi oil or powder can improve complexion and reduce dullness due to its natural skin-lightening compounds. The flower or bark powder mixed with rose water or milk is used as a natural face pack.
Fights Acne And Pimples
Its antibacterial and astringent properties help reduce acne-causing bacteria and tighten pores. The paste made from bark powder can be applied to acne-prone areas to reduce inflammation and prevent breakouts.
Quickens Wound Healing
To speed up the healing of minor cuts, wounds, and skin infections, the plant extracts can be applied topically due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. For topical application, powder of its bark can also be mixed with any carrier oil.
Powerful Natural Deodorant
The fragrant flowers of Mimusops elengi are naturally deodorizing and refreshing for the skin. It can be used in traditional body powders or added to bathwater for a soothing, fragrant experience.
Also Read: Jabuticaba: 9 Fantastic Health Incentives Of This Exotic Fruit
A plant with various uses, Mimusops elengi, is also great to be made into a recipe. With many traditional uses in sweets or preserves, there are many ways to consume Mimusops Elengi fruit. So, here is a simple Mimusops elengi Fruit Recipe, which is easy to make and delectable in taste.
Elengi Sweet Preserve
Ingredients
- 1 cup ripe, washed, and deseeded Mimusops elengi fruits
- 1 tsp jaggery or honey
- 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
- 1 green chili
- Salt to taste
- A few coriander leaves
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Method
- Add Mimusops elengi fruits, roasted cumin, and green chili to a blender
- Blend into a smooth paste.
- Add jaggery or honey, salt, and lemon juice
- Blend briefly again.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves
- Serve as a tangy-sweet chutney with food of your choice
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Mimusops Elengi Be Eaten Raw?
Yes, the ripe fruit of Mimusops Elengi can be eaten raw and has a sweet, slightly astringent taste.
Is Mimusops Elengi Good For Children?
Yes, it can be beneficial for children in small amounts, especially for oral and digestive health, but professional advice is recommended.
How Do You Use Bakul Bark For Teeth?
Bakul bark is typically dried, powdered, and used as a natural tooth powder or mouth rinse to treat gum issues and maintain oral hygiene. Simply rub the powder on the gums or mix it with warm water to use as an herbal mouthwash.
This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor.
Author Profile: Preeti Sharma
Preeti Sharma has a master’s in electronic media and mass communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
References:
Ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological review of Mimusops elengi Linn.
Bharat Gami, Smita Pathak 2, Minoo Parabia
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3609369/
https://www.phytojournal.com/vol1Issue3/Issue_sept_2012/10.1.pdf
