Abstract
Ficus benghalensis L. (Moraceae) is used as traditional medicine in South Asian countries for the treatment of various ailments. The main aim of this review was to collect and analyze the traditional uses and scientific information on phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of different plant parts of F. benghalensis. Information on its ethnomedicinal uses was collected from published books, book chapters, and research papers on ethnobotanical surveys. Scientific information about phytochemistry and pharmacology was retrieved from online bibliographic databases such as PubMed, SciFinder, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Regarding traditional uses, various plant parts of F. benghalensis were found to be used in Ayurveda, Siddha and other traditional medicine systems in South Asia. The stem bark was used mostly for the treatment of diabetes, diarrhea, and dysentery. The latex is used for the treatment of wounds, burns, and rheumatism. Fruits are edible and are used as a tonic. Regarding phytochemistry, leucoanthocyanindin derivatives and triterpenes were reported from the stem bark and triterpene derivatives and phenolic compounds including flavonoids were reported from the leaves. Both in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activity evaluations have been carried out for its antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and other activities. Although widely used in traditional medicines, it has not been well explored regarding bioactive constituents, and pharmacological and toxicological activities. Studies related to bioassay-guided isolation and identification of its active compounds are necessary in future. Few studies on animals have shown promising antidiabetic activities of the extracts and isolated compounds but the detailed mechanisms were not explored. Future studies should also focus on the evaluation of toxicological activities, pharmacokinetic parameters, and clinical studies.
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