Mahua Oil / Iluppai Ennai Benefits

Author: Balaji Shankar, Jun 6, 2024

Informational article on the benefits of Mahua Oil / Iluppai Ennai

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Introduction

Madhuca indica commonly known as mahua belongs to the family Sapotaceae which is an indigenous plant to the Indian subcontinent. It is an economic plant with pan-India distribution.

Mahua Oil is called Iluppai Ennai in Tamil

This multipurpose tree produces sweet tasting flowers and the seeds of the mahua tree can be cold pressed to yield an edible, viscous oil called as mahua oil.

Mahua Tree

The Mahua tree as a whole supplies the fundamental requirements, especially for tribals, of food, fodder, and fuel.

Flowers are used for the manufacturing of country liquor and s everal value-added food products. It is also used as cattle feed and for making biodiesel.

The different parts of mahua plant have several bioactive phytochemicals such as primary metabolites (e.g., sugar, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins) and secondary metabolites (e.g., phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, etc.).

The presence of bioactive phytochemicals is mainly responsible for various pharmacological properties such as antidiabetic, antibacterial, anticancer, antiulcer activities.

Since flowers are a rich source of sugar, they could be used as a sugar substitute. Because of this, varieties of value-added food products are made from mahua flowers such as cake, cookies, jam, jelly, candy, etc., with high nutraceutical values.

Food products can be commercially marketed and can improve the economic status of the nation.

Mahua Oil Benefits

Mahua Oil as Cooking Oil

Mahua Oil is a very beneficial cooking oil and is also used as a substitute for ghee in traditional Indian recipes. It has a butter like consistency at room temperature and dark brown when melted.

Mahua Oil has a nutty flavour. It is high in poly unsaturated fats (PUFA) and mono unsaturated fats (MUFA) and as a cooking oil it is very beneficial to the heart. It has been proven to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.

Mahua Oil has shown a greater radical scavenging ability (ability to remove free radicals) than Virgin Oilive Oil [5]

Mahua Oil in Bath Soap

Mahua Oil has an excellent Iodine Value (88 - 100) and its fatty acid composition is 46% oleic acid and 12.74% linoleic acid [2] .

This makes it an exceptional ingredient for organic bath soaps where it can be blended with coconut oil, castor oil and other oils to produce a very high quality herbal soap.

Mahua Oil as Bio-diesel

As a renewable energy source, biodiesel produced from feedstock non-edible Mahua Oil can be used with a significant production capacity. In a performance study, biodiesel was produced from high acid value non-edible Mahua Oil.

The mahua oil biodiesel (MOB) has similar properties as diesel and meets the biodiesel fuel standard.

Based on the cost of Mahua Oil and engine performance study on mahua biodiesel, it was observed that mahua can serve as a renewable and sustainable energy source to meet the needs of energy and for the improvement in the rural economy.[3]

Mahua Oil as Hair Oil

Mahua oil, also known as butter tree oil, is widely used in hair care due to its nourishing properties. (In our experience, Mahua oil is very viscous -almost buttery consistency at room temperature. So we recommend diluting it with some thin oil like almond oil or sesame oil and use as a hair oil or pre-shampoo hair mask)

Here are some potential benefits of using mahua oil for hair:

1. Promotes hair growth

Mahua oil is rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that nourish the scalp and hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth.

2. Conditions hair

The fatty acids present in mahua oil help to moisturize and condition dry, frizzy, and brittle hair, making it smoother and more manageable.

3. Reduces hair fall

The nourishing properties of mahua oil strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage and excessive hair fall.

4. Treats scalp issues

Mahua oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe scalp conditions like dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis.

5. Adds shine

The natural oils in mahua oil can impart a healthy shine and luster to dull and lifeless hair.

6. Prevents premature graying

Mahua oil is has antioxidant properties that can help prevent premature graying of hair.

7. Protects from UV damage

The fatty acids in mahua oil can form a protective layer on the hair, shielding it from harmful UV rays and environmental pollutants.

Mahua oil is commonly used in various hair care products, such as hair oils, shampoos, and conditioners, especially in traditional Ayurvedic formulations. It can be applied directly to the hair and scalp or used as a hot oil treatment for deep conditioning.

Note: Mahua Oil is very viscous and it is oftentimes beneficial to blend it with some thinner oil like sesame oil or almond oil while using as hair oil.

Mahua Oil as Skin Care Oil

Mahua oil has been traditionally used in various skincare practices due to its nourishing and therapeutic properties. Here are some potential benefits of using mahua oil for skin

1. Moisturizing:

Mahua oil is rich in fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid, which can help to deeply moisturize and nourish the skin, preventing dryness and flakiness.

2. Anti-aging:

The presence of antioxidants like vitamin E and phytosterols in mahua oil help to combat oxidative stress and slow down the signs of premature aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Skin regeneration

Mahua oil is believed to have wound-healing and skin regenerative properties, which can aid in the repair and rejuvenation of damaged or scarred skin.

4. Soothes inflammation:

The anti-inflammatory properties of mahua oil can help to alleviate skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rashes, providing relief from itching and irritation.

5. Sun protection:

The natural oils and fatty acids in mahua oil can act as a barrier, providing some protection against harmful UV rays and environmental pollutants.

6. Treats acne and blemishes:

The antimicrobial and astringent properties of mahua oil may help to prevent acne breakouts and reduce the appearance of blemishes and blackheads.

7. Improves skin tone:

Regular use of mahua oil is believed to improve skin tone and texture, leaving the skin with a healthy, radiant glow.

Mahua oil is commonly used in various skincare products, such as soaps, creams, lotions, and massage oils, particularly in traditional Ayurvedic formulations. It can be applied directly to the skin or used as a base for herbal or essential oil blends.

Medicinal Uses of Mahua Oil

Mahua Oil is rich in flavonoids. This means that Mahua Oil has potential anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.

Mahua Oil is useful in treating skin-infections, eczema, psoriasis, and similar skin conditions.

Mahua Oil , because of its anti-inflammatory properties, is an excellent pain reliever and massage oil. It is useful in treating arthritis & muscular inflammation

Drinking a small daily dose of cold-pressed Mahua Oil can lower LDL cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

References

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B978044319143500030X
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16122922/
[3] https://researcher.manipal.edu/en/publications/studies-on-mahua-oil-biodiesel-as-the-sustainable-fuel-in-compres
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0961953410005015
[5] https://europepmc.org/article/AGR/IND43824616

Conclusion

Mahu Oil or Ilupai Ennai is a very versatile oil that has many benefits and wide applications.

At Doodle Soap Works, we use mahua oil as an ingredient in many of our soaps.

At Doodle Soapery we make the finest organic, cold process, handmade soaps at an affordable price of Rs 95 for 100g. Whatsapp : 90256 97739