Ethnopharmacological Profile, Phytochemistry and Therapeutic Potential of Aegle marmelos L. for the Treatment of Neurological Disorders

Abstract

Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa, commonly known as the bael fruit tree, is a member of the Rutaceae family and holds significance in Ayurvedic herbal medicine due to its myriad therapeutic properties. This paper seeks to delve into the diverse benefits offered by the bael fruit tree, exploring various plant parts, including leaves, fruit, bark, and seeds, all of which contain bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. The bael fruit, with its diverse phytochemical profile, exhibits potential health benefits ranging from radioprotection and antibacterial properties to antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. Additionally, this review highlights the limited preclinical studies on AMs' efficacy in treating neurological disorders, emphasizing the need for more clinical trials to validate its potency and safety. Specifically, the effects and mechanisms of AM extract in addressing Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, depression, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease are explored. In conclusion, AM emerges as a plant of considerable nutritional and pharmacological value, with the potential to contribute significantly to the treatment of neurological disorders. Despite its promising attributes, the limited preclinical studies necessitate further clinical trials to confirm its efficacy. This review consolidates relevant studies, offering insights into AMs' ethnobotany, chemical constituents, pharmacological properties and potential application in neurological disorders. The comprehensive examination underscores the need for continued research to unlock the full therapeutic potential of this versatile plant.

Keywords: Aegle marmelos; Alzheimer's disease; Parkinson's disease; depression; epilepsy.

Figure 1

Geographical distribution of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa in Asia.

Figure 2

Diagrammatic representation of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa inhibiting ROS and cholinesterase resulting in an availability of more acetylcholine which attenuates AD.

Figure 3

Aegeline mimicking the ySec22p holds the potential to impede yeast apoptosis triggered by α-syn aggregation and Bax expression. The expression of human proteins α-syn and Bax in yeast illustrates potential mechanisms that could induce apoptosis. The abbreviations MMP, ROS and TUNEL represent mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling, respectively.

Figure 4

Showing the antiepileptic activity of AME by both PPAR-c activation and nitric oxide pathway inhibition.