A Review on the Medicinal and Pharmacological Uses of Prosopis cineraria
Ruchika Patel1, Mamta Patel2, Krishna Patel3, Amruta.Patil4, Sunil Pawar5
Department of Chemistry P. S.G.V.P. M’S College of Pharmacy Shahada 425409 Maharashtra.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: patelruchika1510@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
Prosopis cineraria, a keystone species in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, holds significant ecological, medicinal, and socio-economic importance. This review comprehensively examines its botanical characteristics, phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and ethnomedicinal relevance. The plant is rich in bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. Traditional medicinal systems including Ayurveda and Unani have long utilized various parts of the tree—bark, pods, leaves, and gum—for treating ailments such as asthma, dysentery, bronchitis, and diabetes. Furthermore, its ecological role in nitrogen fixation and soil stabilization underscores its environmental value in desert afforestation and climate resilience. The study emphasizes the necessity for advanced pharmacological validation and sustainable utilization strategies to ensure conservation and therapeutic exploration of this valuable species.
KEYWORDS: Prosopis Cineraria, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activity, Ethnomedicinal Uses, Arid Ecosystems.
1. INTRODUCTION:
Prosopis cineraria, a small to medium-sized leguminous tree, stands as a symbol of resilience in the arid andsemi-arid regions of South Asia, particularly across theIndian subcontinent. Locally known as the khejri or shami tree, it thrives in harsh climatic conditions where few other plant species can survive1. Its ecological significance is unparalleled, as it not only aids in combating desertification but also enriches soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, providing a lifeline to fragile ecosystems.
Beyond its environmental importance, P. cineraria has long been revered in traditional medicine systems. Every part of the tree leaves, pods, bark, flowers, and roots holds medicinal value, making it a cornerstone of holistic healing practices Seeds for this tree are enclosed in the pods, which are known as sangria2. It has multiple uses, such as in the processing of flour, beverages, and gum; as feed for animals; and as a vegetable. The reproductive stage (i.e., flowering) occurs in the march to may months. As the tree is a leguminous plant, it helps in enhancing the soil fertility status as well as developing the soil's ecological balance. Prosopis cineraria belongs to the evergreen tree category, with slight foliage and spines of cone shape to cope with the high transpiration rate in arid regions. Bipinnate types of leaves are present, and the flowers are yellow3. Prosopis cineraria is a mix of flavonoids, alkaloids, diketones, phenolic contents, vitamins such as Vitamin A, B, C, and D, and lipids; all these mixtures jointly constitute the therapeutic properties of Prosopis cineraria. A mixture of flowers is used to avoid miscarriage during the conceiving process4 P. cineraria is a good source of anti-microbial capabilities because of the presence of phytochemicals such as saponins, glycosides, and phenolic compounds The dark substance that is extracted from P. cineraria has the capability to lower sugar levels by 27.3% and has also proven to significantly decrease body weight in mice. Around seventy percent of the hydro alcoholic bark dose has reduced around 88% of cholesterol, which is assisted by around.
Figure no:1 Tree of prosopis cineraria
95% triglycerides and 60% of ischemic indices5 The smoke of Prosopis cineraria leaves is also good for eye trouble. The bark tonic is also used for several diseases like asthma, bronchitis, leukoderma, piles and wandering of mind Prosopis cineraria pods and leaves have anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties6. It is known by several vernacular names such as; janti and chonksa (Delhi), jhind, jhand and jand (Punjab and Haryana), banni (Karnataka), sumri (Gujarat), kandi (Sindh) and khejri (Sanskrit). Khejri is the only leguminous tree which grows well against all the climatic odds of the desert. Growth of new foliage, flowering and fruiting occurs during the driest months (March-June) when other plants generally become leafless and dormant7.
Figure no:2 Prosopis cineraria in different regions
It is widely recognized for its ability to thrive in harsh environments, where it provides a range of ecological and economic benefits in the form of ecosystem services. P. cineraria have deep root systems and a high biomass production capacity, which makes it particularly effective in stabilizing soils and improving their structure. Additionally, the species is known to contribute significantly to SOC levels by adding organic matter through leaf litter, root turnover, and other biological processes. P. cineraria provides good fuelwood and charcoal. The wood is favoured for cooking and domestic heating.8
Habit: A moderate sized evergreen tree, upto 9-18m. high, sending its roots many feet into the ground
Bark: The Bark is thick, dark brown in color and hard.
Leaves:
Compound, bipinnate, stipulate, stipules modified into spines, Alternate, petiolate. Leaflets are ovate, Apex is mucronate, base is unequal, margin is entire and reticulate venation. Size of leaf is 1-1.5 cm. long and 0.4-0.6cm.
Inflorescence:
Racemose spike Flowers: Are small, yellow or creamy white, nearly sessile in slender pedunculated axillary spikes 5-13 cm long.
Fruit (Pods):
The pods consist of three parts, mesocarp (56% of the pod) that grind to produce flour, endocarp (35%) that discard as waste alongside seeds (9%). Pods are yellow to reddish brown, Fleshy pods are sickle shape, dry pods are cylindrical shape and slightly curved; 10-20 cm long and 0.5-0.8 cm thick, 10-15 seeded pod.
Seeds:
Are non-endospermic and dark brown in colour packed in brown pulp. Seeds are ovoid in shape. 10-25 seeds are present in 1 fruit.
Flowering and Fruiting:
February to May.
Traditional Uses:
Pharmacological screening was done on isolated rabbit jejunum to validate the traditional use of Prosopis cineraria for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery10. Boils and blisters are treated with the leaf paste, and open skin sores are treated with the leaf infusion. Known in folklore for its anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, tonic, and vermifuge qualities, the stem bark is said to be used to treat leprosy, anxiety, bronchitis, dyspepsia, fever, dysentery, piles, tremors, and asthma. piles, muscle tremors, leukoderma, leprosy, bronchitis, and dysentery. The bark is used to prevent miscarriages and to treat rheumatism, cough, the common cold, asthma, and scorpion stings11. The ashes from the bark are used to remove hair from the skin. The flowers have the ability to lower blood sugar levels. The flowers are mixed with sugar and administered to prevent miscarriage. The smoke from the leaves is believed to be a useful remedy for eye disorders. Both the immature and mature pods in the various regions are edible, high in energy, and rich in nutrients for a human diet.12.
Table No: 1 chemical constituents of different parts of prosopis cineraria
|
Sr. No |
Part of plant |
Chemical constituents |
|
1 |
Whole Plant |
Alkaloids, fatty acids, glycosides and sterols |
|
2 |
Leaves |
Phenolic Acid derivatives, unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid and oleic acid |
|
3 |
Pods |
Tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and glycosides. |
|
4 |
Flowers |
Glucosides |
|
5 |
Seeds |
Flavones |
Literature survey of Prosopis cineraria revealed the presence of alkaloids, fatty acids, glycosides and sterols whereas glucosides are reported from flowers and flavones from seeds13. Hydrocarbons and derivatives of phenolic acid were found in the plant's leaves according to phytochemical analyses14. Unsaturated fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acid, were also present in significant amounts in the leaves 15 Using phytochemistry, dried unripe pods of Prosopis cineraria were found to contain tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides.16
The Prosopis cineraria plant is crucial for demonstrating different pharmacological actions.
Figure no 3: Different pharmacological properties of Prosopis cineraria
Antihyperglycemic Activity:
Prosopis cineraria is essential for its antihyperglycemic properties for preserving diabetes and reducing blood sugar levels, in line with numerous studies. Alloxan was given to Diabetes is induced in male Swiss albino mice. The blood of the mice Glucose levels sharply decreased, as well as their livers The amount of glycogen considerably rose following 45 days of application of an ethanolic bark treatment. Additionally, the extract keeps the body weight steady and returns it to typical.17
Antihyperlipidemic Activity:
Prosopis cineraria displays remarkable hyperlipidemia. characteristics. Its leaves can be used to effectively lower the higher lipid profile values. Therapy using a Hydro alcoholic Prosopis cineraria leaf extract returns the elevated lipid levels to normal and HDL levels in mice with high cholesterol. The amount of assesses its effectiveness.18
Anthelmintic Activity:
What is meant by "anthelmintics" is drugs that have a particularly harmful effect and are used to treat and manage infestations of parasites 19. Based on studies Comparing Prosopis cineraria's antihelmintic activity Using stem bark extracts as a reference against albendazole standard by keeping track of the paralysis and lethal amount of Following the administration of different extracts, Pheretima posthuma. The stem bar k's methanolic extracts are considerably stronger than aqueous extract and petroleum ether.20
Anticonvulsant Activity:
Linn's Prosopis cineraria the methanolic extract of drupe stem bark has been shown in research to be a very effective. When used to treat convulsive mice, anticonvulsants caused by the induction of MES and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Mice with induced MES display hind limb tonic (HLTE). extensions), and PTZ results in seizures for them Administration of the stem bark methanolic extract reduces HLTE and prevents seizures.21
Antipyretic and Analgesic Activity:
According to research, prosopis cineraria bark remarkable antipyretic qualities in crude extract, while an the plant's stem ethanol extract has potent analgesic properties attributes. A study found that the mixture of tannins and the alkaloids that give these substances their properties that reduce pain.22
Anti-inflammatory Activity:
The ability to reduce inflammation of Prosopis cineraria is among the most significant pharmacological characteristics. It makes wounds easier to heal. Prosopis cineraria hydro alcoholic extract fractions that are dissolved in butanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate, and have reduces inflammation. Dorsal wounds in rats healed more quickly. after being administered a Page butanol fraction of a Prosopis cineraria hydro alcoholic extract as opposed to what they with an increase in the amino acid levels in the control group concentration of hydroxyproline and a reduced duration for blood markers of inflammation and epithelialization.23
Anti-microbial Activity:
An antimicrobial effect is the ability to prevent the growth of microbes such asas fungi and bacteria. The Candida albicans strain is immune to the Prosopis cineraria pod extract's antibacterial properties which has methanol as its foundation.24 Making good use of the agar, diffusion method, Prosopis leaves, stem, and pods Cineraria's antibacterial properties were assessed action. This proved that all three of the components of the An inhibitory zone in plants stops the growth of microbes. Steroids, flavonoids, and other recognized Plant secondary metabolites could be the cause of the antimicrobial action. According to the study, the methanol extract and aqueous extracts showed significant antimicrobial activity against every strain of microorganism that were examined at a 250g/ml level when the first, preparations of Prosopis cineraria peels were examined. evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy.25
Antidepressant Activity:
A profound feeling of sadness, fatigue, a decline in thought and activity, in difference, Suicidal thoughts and feelings of hopelessness are among the signs of depression, a prevalent mental illness. Prosopis cineraria leaves have been utilized in traditional medication to address a range of central nervous system disorders. The watery This leaf extract has a noticeable antidepressant effect. A the plant was put through a forced swim test to see how well it could reduction of depression (FST). The time frame during which FST When the number of immobile animals was measured, it was discovered This considerably reduces the extract at a dosage of 200 mg/kg decreased this time.26
Prosopis cineraria stands as a vital multipurpose tree with remarkable ecological, pharmacological, and ethnomedicinal relevance. Its diverse phytochemical constituents exhibit significant therapeutic potential, validating its traditional applications and highlighting its role in modern drug discovery. The species contributes substantially to ecosystem stability through nitrogen fixation and desert greening, reinforcing its environmental importance. However, further systematic pharmacological investigations, clinical trials, and sustainable management practices are essential to unlock its full medicinal potential while ensuring ecological conservation. Thus, P. cineraria represents a promising candidate for integrated research linking traditional knowledge with modern scientific validation.
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Received on 16.11.2025 Revised on 22.12.2025 Accepted on 24.01.2026 Published on 02.07.2026 Available online from July 15, 2026 Asian J. Res. Pharm. Sci. 2026; 16(3):311-315. DOI: 10.52711/2231-5659.2026.00046 ©Asian Pharma Press All Right Reserved
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