Abstract

Amandeep Kaur* and Dr. Naresh Singh Gill

ABSTRACT

Manilkara hexandra commonly known as Rayan and Khirni is an evergreen tree species with a long history of traditional medicinal uses in South Asia chiefly in western and central India, belongs to family Sapotaceae. The genus Manilkara includes 135 plants that are distributed Worldwide. Sapotaceae family consists of 58 genus and just about 1250 species with morphological variation, ranging from shrubs to medium and giant trees. Brazil comprises of 11 genera, and 231 species, covering 1 endemic genus, and 104 endemic species. The plant has been famous for its curative properties and has been put to use for treatment of various ailments suchlike ulcer, bronchitis, jaundice, fever, hyper dyspepsia, arthritis and alimentary disorders. A record of the literature show extracts and metabolites from this plant having pharmacological properties such as anti–inflammatory, antiulcer, aphrodisiac, alexipharmic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, and free radical scavenging activity. Apart from medicinal uses, plant has high scale value because of its edible and nutritive fruit, useful wood, latex and bark and contributes substantial livelihood support to local inhabitants.