A Comprehensive Review on the Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Activities of Aegle Marmelos: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Rutaceae), commonly known as bael, is a medicinally important tree widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Almost every plant part has been used in Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani medicine. This review systematically examines the botanical profile, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical composition and experimental pharmacological evidence for A. marmelos. Major bioactive classes include alkaloids (aegeline, skimmianine), coumarins (marmelosin, imperatorin, marmin, and marmesin), flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), phenolic acids and terpenoids. Preclinical studies demonstrate antidiabetic, antioxidant, antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antidepressant, and antihyperlipidaemic, antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Mechanistic insights implicate inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defences, modulation of inflammatory pathways and monoaminergic neurotransmission. Despite robust preclinical data, high-quality clinical trials and standardised phytopharmaceutical development remain limited. This review synthesises current evidence, identifies research gaps and outlines future directions for the translational development of A. marmelos-based therapeutics.