Abstract

H. B. Mishal* and Dr. M. K. Shirsat

ABSTRACT

Ensete superbum (Roxb.) Cheesman is a wild banana species has been used widely by the tribals of Khandesh region of North Maharashtra for the medicinal and edible purpose. It is also endemic to Satpura range forests of northern Maharashtra, Western Ghats, Matheran and some other places in Southern India. The chemical ingredients reported from this plant belong to the different classes such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenols, glycosides and flavonoids. It is commonly known as “Jungalee kela” or “rankeli” in this region and has a number of medicinal uses. Many of which have been verified and elaborated by different workers with scientific methods, in classical literature. This review article summarizes the chemistry and pharmacological profile of the plant.