Elaeagnus conferta: A comprehensive review

Elaeagnus conferta commonly known as bastard oleaster belongs to family elaeaganaceae and is found in Vietnam, Malaysia, South China and India. It contains carotenoids, carbohydrates, phytic acid, proteins, amino acids, flavanoids, minerals and plant sterols. E. conferta and its species has been being used for treatment of various types of diseases and it is reported to possess anti-tumour, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti inflammatory, anti-diabetic and cytoprotective activities. The pharmacological activities are attributed due to presence of high content of ascorbic acid and carotenoids. Despite of immense nutritional and food potential, the genus of this family is in languish situation and still needs many efforts to reach mainstream market.