Rani and Rahman, IJPSR, 2017; Vol. 8(1): 17-28. E-ISSN: 0975-8232; P-ISSN: 2320-5148 International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 17 IJPSR (2017), Vol. 8, Issue 1 (Review Article) Received on 02 March, 2016; received in revised form, 20 October, 2016; accepted, 21 November, 2016; published 01 January, 2017 MOLSARI (MIMUSOPS ELENGI LINN.): A BOON DRUG OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE Seema Rani *1 and Khaleequr Rahman 2 Department of Ilmul Saidla, Jamia Tibbia Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, India. Department of Ilmul Saidla National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. ABSTRACT: Mimusops elengi L. is an Indian origin herb used in the Unani and other traditional systems of medicine since long time. It is commonly called by the names Spanish cherry, West Indian Medlar or Bullet wood tree. This plant is frequently cultivated throughout India especially in north India for its ornamental appearance and fragrant flowers. All parts of plant such as leaf, root, fruit, seed, bark, flower of Mimusops elengi were reported for treatment of various human ailments in traditional system of medicine. Pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant and free radical scavenging, anti- inflammatory analgesic, antipyretic, antiurolithiatic, cytotoxic, diuretic, neuroprotective, anti-amnesic, cognitive enhancing, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, hypotensive, antiulcer, anthelmintic, antitumor, wound healing, larvicidal activities have been scientifically evaluated for various parts of this plant. A number of phytochemical constituents have been identified in this plant that may be responsible for its pharmacological activities. So many articles are available on Mimusops elengi L., but from Unani literature the discussion is very limited. This review is an effort to summarize the detailed prospects of ancient Unani literature on Mimusops elengi L. along with modern researches. Further studies should be done to make this drug world widely acceptable. INTRODUCTION: Molsari (Mimusops elengi L.) is a large glabrous evergreen Indian origin tree attaining a height of 12-15 m distributed in peninsular region, western and eastern ghats and cultivated in the plains e.g., tropical forests in south Asia and in India. Plant is cultivated for its ornamental appearance, elegant look, shade and for fragrant flowers. 1 The Plant has vast description in Unani literature as Molsari. It is described as large tree like mauwah, kherni and cheeku. QUICK RESPONSE CODE DOI: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.8(1).17-28 Article can be accessed online on: www.ijpsr.com DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.8 (1).17-28 This tree gives characteristic cool shade and fragrant flowers. Leaves are dark green, pointed and shiny. The tree bark is blackish. Small, white color, fragrant flowers grow on its branches. Its flowers are also known as bhara maranand as fragrance of flowers attracts bumble bees (bhanwara) toward it. Flowering time is from April to June every year and fruiting time is from May to September. Fruit is round, smooth, shiny, 0.75 inch long and get yellowish after ripening. Fruit is sweet with slight bitterness in test. 2 It is also are considered as a sacred plant among Hindus. Mimusops elengi flowers as symbol of love and beauty. 3 M. elengi is used in the Unani and other traditional systems of medicine since long time. Medicinally various parts of M. elengi were reported for treatment of several human ailments. 4 Keywords: Molsari, Pharmacological, Phytochemical, Unani Correspondence to Author: Dr. Seema Rani Assistant Professor, Department of Ilmul Saidla, Jamia Tibbia Deoband, G.T. Road, Uttar Pradesh, India. E-mail: seema.malik786@gmail.com