Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce: A Desert Tree to Brace Livelihood in Rajasthan

The Prosopis cineraria ( L) Druce is an important tree (Khejri - a local name in Rajasthan)for the Thar Desert wi th hard climatic adaptation and one of the lifeline in desert habitat as mentioned in ancient literature. This is a species representing all five F viz., Forest, Fiber, Fuel, Fodder and Food. This tree is also mythological important in local communities. High value of this species recognized as a State symbol (state tree of Rajasthan). Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce is a tree endemic to hot deserts of India, belonging to the family Leguminosae. Pods locally called "Sangri" are considered as dry fruit of desert and are one of the main ingredients of quintessential Rajasthani dish - The Panchkuta. In the present article, we have attempted to review different characteristics of the pods, to understand its health benefits. Various phytoconstituents like tannins ( gallic acid), steroids (stigmasterol, campesterol, sitosterol, etc.), Flavone derivatives (prosogerin A, B, C, D, and E), alkaloids (spicigerine, prosophylline), etc. have been isolated from the sangri pods .As this plant is found in water stress (or defi cient area) so antioxidant potential of pods has also been discussed. Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce is one of the highly valued plant in the Indigenous System of Medicine. P. cineraria pods provide protein, iron, vitamins A and C and other micro minerals Unripe pods are also nutritious and are used to prepare curries and pickles. Its bark is said to be a potent drug for several ailments such as leprosy, dysentery, bronchitis, asthma, leucoderma, piles, muscular tremors, asthma, rheumatism and inflammations. Pharmacological activities like analgesic, antipyretic, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, antihypercholesterolemic, antitumor, nootropic anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti viral and anticancer activities have been reported from different plant extracts. In view of its medicinal importance, the present review is focused to delineate its chemical constitution and therapeutic potentiality, precisely.