Elaeagnus plants (Elaeagnus Latifolia Linn)

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Elaeagnus plants (Elaeagnus Latifolia Linn)

Elaeagnus Latifolia Linn (elaeagnus plants) belongs to Elaeagnaceae and is known as Bastard oleaster. It is a deciduous big shrub or a small tree somewhat spiny. This shrub is mostly in semi-wild condition. It is a large evergreen spreading type woody shrub with rusty shiny scales that are often thorny.

Flowers

The flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by bees. They are dull white with small tubes with fragrance appearing with the young leaves. The flowers are few in axillary clusters, perianth tube 8 mm with 4 triangular acute to oval lobes, silvery scaly outside having 4 stamens which are slightly exserted. Flower during September-December.

Fruit

The fruit is oblong with a dark pink-red color at the time of ripening. They are 18-38 mm long fleshy, edible nuts are bony. Harvesting is mainly during the March-April time. The fruits are quite perishable and can be stored only for 3-5 days a room temperature (1).

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed in all the hilly parts of India, particularly in the Himalayas region.

Medicinal properties of Elaeagnus plants

Astringent

The fruits and flowers have astringent properties.

Antioxidant

The fruits and leaves of this plant are also having antioxidant properties (2).

The fruit extract has potential use in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries for the creation of functional products, as it demonstrates strong antioxidant and antibacterial action and includes bioactive chemicals and minerals (3).

Prevent constipation

The fruit is useful in constipation and as a health tonic. Local people consume the root extract of the fruit during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage

May be effective against pulmonary infection

The oil extract of the plant is used against pulmonary infections.

Nutritional profile of Elaeagnus plants

The fruits of Elaeagnus Latifolia Linn (elaeagnus plants) are rich in minerals, vitamins, and other essential fatty acids and bioactive compounds. Besides this, they are also abundant in ascorbic acid, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, calcium, sulfur, iron, and boron (4).

Side effects

The fruits also contain some toxic elements such may Pb, As, Al, Ti, Ni, and Cr were also discovered to be safe for human consumption.