Abstract

Ficus religiosa (F. religiosa), commonly known as the "Peepal" tree, is a sacred fig variety native to India with immense medicinal and cultural importance. The tree, belonging to the Moraceae family, is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia. Phytochemical screening reveals the presence of various bioactive compounds including tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides. Traditional medicinal systems, especially Ayurveda, have used various parts of the tree for treating different diseases, including asthma, diabetes, diarrhea, and sexual disorders. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed many of the traditional uses through scientific investigation. The study has shown remarkable antibacterial, anthelmintic, anti-asthmatic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anticonvulsant, nephroprotective, anti-fertility, anti-Parkinson, and hepatoprotective activities. Its rich phytochemical composition, which includes compounds such as bergapten, ?-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and several amino acids, is attributed to its therapeutic potential. The latex, bark, leaves, and fruits of the plant have shown distinct medicinal properties, supporting its role in traditional healthcare systems. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Ficus religiosa, the botanical features, phytochemical composition, traditional applications, and pharmacological activities of religiosa may be established as its therapeutic potential in modern medicine

Keywords

Introduction

       
           
       
Fig. No. 1: Ficus religiosa tree

       
           
       
Fig. No. 2: Morphology of Ficus religiosa a) Leaves b) Fruit

Geographical Distribution

Traditional Uses [12]

Ethnopharmacological applications of Ficus religiosa are well-established, especially in Indian traditional medical systems. It has a wide range of ethnopharmacological applications and is frequently used in reverse for possible medicinal benefits. Plant parts including leaves, bark, stems, latex, and roots are all beneficial. The bark's aphrodisiac, cooling, and astringent qualities make it useful. Additionally, it has antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, helpful for treating gonorrhoea, diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhoids, etc. The fragile shoots and leaves are used as a purgative to treat skin conditions and wounds. Ficus religiosa leaf juice is used to cure a variety of conditions, including asthma, cough, sexual dysfunction, diarrhoea, toothaches, migraines, and stomach issues. Asthma is treated with the fruits. The tree's latex is used to treat hemorrhages and inflammations.

Pharmacological Activities

Antibacterial Activity

Ficus leaves have been shown to possess antibacterial qualities against Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, and other bacteria. Ethanolic leaf extracts were found to have antifungal properties against Candida albicans [13].

Anthelmintic Activity

Ficus religiosa bark methanolic extract shown good harm to Haemonchus contortus worms. In an in-vivo investigation, Ficus religiosa bark extract and steam caused harm to Ascaridia galli [14].

Anti-asthmatic Activity

The first investigation on the use of Ficus religiosa extract to treat asthma was conducted in 1960. The bark of the Ficus religiosa is extracted using an alcoholic solvent. In the experiment, 5% of each aerosol is produced in guinea pigs by preventing the administration of 300 mg/kg, 375 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg intraperitoneally and 75 mg/kg intravenously. The effects of 1.5% histamine at 450 mg/kg intraperitoneal acetylcholine on asthma were greater than those of histamine. The inner bark extract is used with rice puddling (rice, milk, sugar, and cardamom) to reduce all of the consequences of asthma [15].

Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Activity

Steam and bark alcoholic extract has anti-inflammatory properties. Acetic acid is used to provide a writhing test in order to study the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of carrageenan, which causes paw edema. The extract reduced the volume of the paw. The extract dose of 250 mg/kg has the same effect as aspirin (100 mg/kg) and indomethacin (5 mg/kg). In additional investigations, the aqueous bark extract shown anti-inflammatory effects for both acute and chronic models [16].

Anti-Diabetic Activity

In Streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats, the animal investigation of a bark aqueous extract (50 and 100 mg/kg of body weight) demonstrated hypoglycemic effects. The mechanism of action reveals that serum insulin levels were raised, and triglycerides were lowered [17].

Anti-convulsant Activity

Aqueous extracts of roots (100 mg/kg body weight) demonstrated Anti-convulsant effect in mice given Pentylenetetrazol, and the mechanism of action demonstrated a longer latency of convulsion initiation [18].

Bronchoconstriction Activity

Fruits of Ficus religiosa that contain bioactive substances such terpenoids, glycosides, flavonoids, and serotonergic content have bronchoconstriction properties. Methanolic fruit extract demonstrated notable effects in guinea pigs generated by histamine and acetylcholine [19].

Nephroprotective Activity

An investigation in which the extract was given to rats revealed that Ficus religiosa latex extract demonstrates nephroprotective efficacy against cisplatin-induced acute renal failure, suggesting potential advantages in reducing renal damage and enhancing kidney function [20].

Anti-fertility Activity

Methanolic extract of Ficus religiosa fruits was shown to have anti-fertility effects on goat uteruses in an animal investigation. The mechanism of action involves decreased myometrial thickness and uterine gland diameter [21].

Anti-parkinson Activity

In induced experimental rats, the petroleum ether extract of leaves had anti-Parkinson effects, and the mechanism of action revealed that oxidative damage was decreased and motor performance was enhanced [22].

Hepatoprotective Activity

The hepatoprotective effect of Ficus religiosa latex is connected with its content of methionine and good antioxidant capabilities, as it probably functions as a free radical scavenger, lipid peroxidation inhibitor and glutathione levels preservation [23].

CONCLUSION

Ficus religiosa shows potential therapeutic value for a variety of pharmacological activities, thereby establishing its traditional medicinal uses. It contains various bioactive compounds that give it a resourceful role in modern drug discovery. Further clinical trials and scientific research could facilitate the standardization of formulations for use in various therapeutics. The detailed overview of the aspects of its botanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties provides obvious evidence that it may be well incorporated into modern healthcare systems and needs further detailed clinical studies to determine its standardized dosages and treatment protocols.

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