A REVIEW ON RECENT ADVANCES ON ETHNO-MEDICAL PLANT: AVERRHOA BILIMBI

Abstract

Conventionally folk remedy includes A. bilimbi for various ailments such as fever, mumps, skin allergies, scurvy, rheumatism, etc. The plant parts possessing medicinal value are primarily leaves and fruits. The plant contains phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and triterpenoids. This tropical plant holds great importance in folk medicine. Additionally, the fruit, leaves and bark extract also exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, for instance, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antithrombotic activity. The plant parts are also of special culinary interest in various cuisines. The fruits are used to prepare pickles, jams and as an additive in curries. In Malaysia, fruit-based jams are prepared. In Indonesia and Philippines, it is used in curries as a souring agent while in the Kerala region of India it is used for making pickles. The recent scientific study regarding pharmacological evaluation reveals prominent antidiabetic, anticancer activities. The recent researchers have formulated many formulations like Black tea, pectin extract, ZnO nanoparticles, Viscosifier beverages, Pectin edible films, Tofu, Iron nanoparticles, furfural compounds, Bilimbi candy, etc.