One of the most valuable components of indigenous medical systems forover 40 centuries has been Mangifera indicaleaves, the largest fruit-bearing tree ever discovered in India. Mangiferaleaves usage as a medical agent dates back to 327 BCE. Existence ofprime groups of phytochemical constituents such as anthraquinones, saponins, terpenoids, etc.and therapeuticallyactive components such as mangiferin, friedelin, stigmasterol,lupeol, etc. was also claimed to be foundin Mangifera indica leaves Although the scientificinformation that can support its success is scarce, the leaves have beentraditionally used as an antibacterialand immunomodulatory agent.
Nigerian Folk herbalismalso uses Mangifera indica leaves as an anti-bacterial agent. To find out whether or not there is a scientificbasis for this usage, blood glucose leveleffectivity was evaluated in normoglycaemic, glucose-induced hyperglycaemic and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rodents, suchas a Rattus (rat). The orally given aqueous extract, however, did not modify theblood glucose levels in either normoglycaemic or STZ-induced (streptozotocin)diabetic rodents, specifically Rattus (rat). Aqueous extracts of Mangifera indica leaves showed remarkable influence on reproductive functions,wound regeneration and antidiabetic tasks. Alcoholic extracts of Mangiferaindica leaves have been found containing TNF- (Tumor necrosis factor), ILIBexpression and B-lactamase producing entericbacterial development. Mangifera indica leaves are also equippedwith a broad outer cuticle to avoid the loss of nutrientsand to prevent wetting when it’sraining.
Furthermore, Mangifera indicaleaves are found alternating on the plant stalk to exploit the light energy acquired from the sun. This might be because ofthe fact that Mangifera leaves works best when indirect exposure to sunlight.
