INTRODUCTION:

Ficus benghalensis Linn., widely recognized as the banyan tree, is an integral plant in traditional medicinal systems across Asia and other regions due to its broad therapeutic potential. Ficus bengalensis Linn. (Moraceac), there are over 800 species found in nature, mostly in the tropics of both hemispheres, with a concentration in Southeast Asia¹.

Renowned for its longevity and extensive canopy, Ficus benghalensis is more than a symbol of resilience; it has been utilized for centuries to treat an array of health conditions. In traditional practices, nearly every part of the plant—the leaves, bark, roots, fruits, buds, and latex—is employed to address ailments ranging from inflammatory disorders and infectious diseases to metabolic dysfunctions². Scientific studies reveal that these plant parts are rich in diverse bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and phytosterols, which contribute to the plant's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and lipid-regulating effects².

Banyan tree extracts are known for their diverse therapeutic effects, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, anthelmintic, blood sugar-regulating, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, larvicidal, antidiarrheal, antimutagenic, liver-protective, anti-arthritic, anti-allergic, and immune-stimulating benefits³. Traditional medicine utilizes almost every part of the banyan tree—leaves, bark, aerial roots, fruits, buds, and latex—to treat a wide array of human health conditions⁴.

In recent years, the global burden of obesity and related metabolic disorders has risen sharply, prompting an urgent need for effective, accessible, and safe treatment options. Obesity is a complex and multifactorial condition that not only increases the risk of diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension but also contributes to a substantial healthcare burden⁵. It is basically overweight condition due to deposition of fat within the body .While conventional treatments such as pharmaceutical interventions and lifestyle modifications remain central to obesity management, the demand for plant-based therapeutics is growing, fueled by the search for holistic and complementary approaches⁶

Ficus benghalensis, with its notable traditional applications in managing metabolic health and its rich phytochemical composition, has emerged as a promising candidate in the search for novel anti-obesity agents. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Ficus benghalensis, detailing its ethnobotanical uses, bioactive compounds, and pharmacological properties, with an emphasis on its potential as a therapeutic agent for obesity. Additionally, this review will discuss existing research gaps and propose future directions for optimizing the clinical applications of Ficus benghalensis in obesity management, underscoring its relevance in contemporary healthcare and therapeutic innovation.

Obesity is a complex and growing global health concern, contributing to a wide range of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. It is mainly defined as increase in BMI above 30kg/m^2,7. The rising prevalence of obesity necessitates the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies beyond conventional treatment approaches, which often involve lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, or surgery. In this context, medicinal plants have gained considerable attention due to their natural bioactive compounds, which offer therapeutic benefits with minimal side effects. Ficus benghalensis Linn., commonly known as the Indian banyan tree, is one such plant with a rich ethnobotanical history and promising pharmacological potential.

Despite the extensive traditional use of F. benghalensis, there remains a gap in scientific research focused on its potential to manage obesity and related metabolic disorders. This review compiles evidence from reputable sources, including Scopus, Sci-Hub, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Sci Finder, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the plant’s pharmacological applications. It aims to highlight key bioactive compounds, their mechanisms of action, and the need for further studies to isolate specific fractions and validate their therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the review addresses toxicity considerations and emphasizes the importance of conservation strategies to ensure the sustainable use of F. benghalensis.

The objective of this paper is to provide a well-rounded analysis of F. benghalensis as a natural therapeutic agent, focusing particularly on its potential for obesity management. The insights gathered will guide future research aimed at developing plant-based therapies for sustainable health interventions.

Review Methodology:

A comprehensive search of specialized electronic databases, including ScienceDirect, PubMed/Medline, and Scopus, was conducted to identify relevant research on Ficus benghalensis Linn. The literature search utilized the following MeSH terms: “Ficus benghalensis/pharmacology,” “ethnobotany/Ficus benghalensis,” “bioactive compounds,” “antioxidant,” “anti-inflammatory,” “antimicrobial,” “antidiabetic,” “anti-obesity,” and “obesity therapy.”

This method ensured the retrieval of studies covering the plant’s ethnobotanical significance, bioactive constituents, pharmacological applications, and potential as a therapeutic agent for obesity management.

Ethnobotanical Significance of Ficus benghalensis Linn.

Traditional Uses:

Ficus benghalensis has been widely used across various cultures for centuries, especially in traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda. In Ayurvedic medicine, this tree is highly valued for its diverse therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties. It has been used to address a variety of ailments, from digestive problems to skin infections, and is considered a versatile remedy in the natural pharmacopoeia⁸.

Therapeutic Uses and Health Benefits:

1. Anti-Diarrheal: The leaves of the banyan tree are traditionally used to treat diarrhea by helping eliminate bacteria from the intestines. For this purpose, 2-3grams of banyan leaf powder can be taken with milk or water twice daily after a light meal.

2. Wound Healing: Banyan tree latex is applied topically to wounds and burns, aiding in healing and preventing infections¹⁰

3. Anti-Inflammatory: The banyan tree possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful in reducing inflammation and relieving related symptoms^11,12,13,14.

4. Anti-Diabetic: The stem bark of the banyan tree is used to manage diabetes, as it supports blood sugar regulation and improves insulin sensitivity¹⁵.

5. Anticoagulant: Banyan tree leaves have anticoagulant properties, which may help in preventing blood clot formation and improving circulation¹⁶.

6. Hypolipidemic: The bark of the banyan tree has been found to lower lipid levels, aiding in managing cholesterol and supporting cardiovascular health.

7. Hypotensive: The stem bark exhibits hypotensive effects, potentially helping to lower high blood pressure and promote heart health.

8. Blood Purifier: Banyan tree latex is traditionally used as a blood purifier and is especially beneficial for urinary and urinogenital disorders.

9. Dietary Supplement: The seeds of the banyan tree are used as a dietary supplement for treating peptic ulcers, providing soothing and protective effects on the stomach lining.

10. Antistress Activity:- the Fruit extract have antistress activity¹⁷

11. Anti- Microbial activity¹⁸

12. Antifertility activity¹⁹

Cultural Importance:

The banyan tree, Ficus benghalensis, is celebrated as India’s National Tree and stands as a profound symbol of resilience and interconnectedness. Its expansive canopy and network of aerial roots create a living marvel, representing growth, strength, and unity. Found abundantly across India, the banyan tree holds a revered place in the nation's cultural, spiritual, and ecological heritage. Some cultural importance are illustrated below-

1. Symbol of Wisdom and Longevity: The banyan tree is revered in Indian mythology and represents immortality and wisdom. It is considered sacred in Hinduism, often associated with Lord Vishnu.

2. Religious Ceremonies: People worship the tree during festivals like Vat Purnima, where married women pray for their husbands' long life.

3. Meeting Place: Traditionally, banyan trees served as community hubs, offering shade for village gatherings and marketplaces.

4. National Tree of India: It symbolizes unity and resilience, reflecting its ability to grow and provide shelter to various forms of life.

An enduring source of inspiration for art, literature, and folklore, the banyan tree embodies values of perseverance and harmonious coexistence. Its presence reminds us of the importance of nurturing our environment and preserving natural heritage for future generations.^20,21.

2. Phytochemistry of Ficus benghalensis:

Ficus benghalensis is rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, and phenolic acids. These compounds are known for their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects. The review will discuss the key phytochemicals identified in Ficus benghalensis, their chemical structures, and their relevance to obesity treatment.

a) Flavonoids and Phenols: Flavonoids are a major class of polyphenols found in Ficus benghalensis, with significant antioxidant properties. The human body does not generate flavonoids, thus they must be obtained through daily consumption. The study found that flavonoids do more than only a scavenging role for reactive oxygen species²². Present in the leaves and bark, these compounds are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties²³. These compounds help in reducing oxidative stress, a factor closely linked to obesity-related inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.

b) Terpenoids and Terpenes: Found in the leaves and bark, they contribute to the plant's medicinal properties, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects²⁴.

c) Triterpenoids: Present in the stem bark, these compounds have shown various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.. Triterpenoids in Ficus benghalensis exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects. These compounds may help in modulating adipogenesis (fat cell formation) and lipolysis (fat breakdown), making them crucial in obesity management.

d) Sterols and Organic and Fatty Acids: Found in the root extract, they contribute to lipid regulation and antioxidant activity.

e) Leucoanthocyanindin Derivatives: Found in the stem bark, these compounds are associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

f) Tannins:

Tannins are polyphenolic compounds that contribute to the plant’s astringent properties. They have been shown to inhibit digestive enzymes like lipase and amylase, which play a role in fat absorption and carbohydrate metabolism, respectively.

g) Quercetin-3-galactoside: Found in the leaves, this flavonoid glycoside has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects.²⁶ Antioxidants help prevent disease by scavenging free radicals²⁷. These properties can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in obesity and its complications. By improving metabolic health and regulating immune responses, quercetin-3-galactoside holds potential as a natural compound for managing obesity and its related disorders.

h) Rutin, Friedelin, Taraxosterol, Lupeol, and β-Amyrin: These bioactive compounds are found in the leaves and have shown potential in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.²⁴. Rutin, friedelin, taraxosterol, lupeol, and β-amyrin, found in Ficus benghalensis leaves, have shown potential as anti-obesity agents. These compounds possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering properties, which are essential in managing obesity.

· Rutin: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, rutin can help reduce adipose tissue inflammation and oxidative stress, common in obesity²⁸.

· Friedelin, a triterpene found in Ficus benghalensis, has hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties. It may help reduce blood lipid levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and combat oxidative stress, making it a promising compound for managing obesity and related metabolic condition ²⁹.

· Taraxosterol: Taraxosterol, as noted by³⁰ may have anti-lipid peroxidation effects, which contribute to lipid regulation and potentially reduce fat accumulation. In the context of obesity, this is particularly relevant, as lipid peroxidation is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in adipose tissue.

· Lupeol: Known for its anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulation properties, lupeol may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fat storage ³¹. By modulating inflammation and enhancing metabolic functions, lupeol could play a role in reducing adiposity and improving overall metabolic health, making it a potential therapeutic agent for obesity management

· β-Amyrin: This compound has been linked to anti-inflammatory and anti-lipid accumulation effects, which could help in reducing visceral fat in obesity ^32,33.

Together, these bioactive compounds can help manage obesity by reducing inflammation, improving lipid profiles, and enhancing metabolic health

3. Mechanisms of Action in Obesity Management:

Ficus benghalensis (Indian banyan tree) bark extract exhibits significant potential in addressing obesity and metabolic disorders through its multifaceted effects on lipid metabolism, glucose regulation, and energy balance.

a) Lipid Metabolism- Ficus benghalensis (the Indian banyan tree) bark extract has shown potential in improving lipid metabolism and reducing plasma leptin levels. Studies suggest that it may have hypolipidemic (lipid-lowering) effects, which could help regulate lipid profiles by reducing levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, while potentially raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol .Moreover, the reduction in plasma leptin levels is significant because leptin is a hormone involved in regulating energy balance and fat storage ¹⁵. Elevated leptin levels are often associated with obesity and related metabolic disorders. By reducing leptin levels, F. benghalensis bark extract may help improve leptin sensitivity, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and metabolic function.

b) Adipogenesis and Lipolysis- Ficus benghalensis influences fat cell formation and breakdown, supporting a healthier fat metabolism¹⁶

c) Enhanced Glucose Clearance and Insulin Sensitivity: Studies indicate that Ficus benghalensis extract increases exogenous glucose clearance and improves insulin sensitivity, suggesting its potential in managing blood sugar levels³⁴.

d) Improved Appetite Regulation: Studies have shown that Ficus benghalensis extract may help regulate appetite, supporting balanced energy intake. Dysregulated appetite and excessive caloric intake are common contributors to obesity. By enhancing appetite control, Ficus benghalensis extract may help reduce calorie intake, making it a valuable natural option for supporting weight management and addressing obesity-related eating patterns

e) Increased Pancreatic β-Cell Proliferation: In obesity, the pancreas can become overworked, especially in individuals with insulin resistance. Ficus benghalensis extract supports pancreatic β-cell proliferation, enhancing insulin production and helping the body manage blood sugar more effectively, which can be critical for preventing obesity-driven diabetes

Pharmacological Activities:

Research has demonstrated several pharmacological activities of F. benghalensis that are relevant to obesity management:

· Antidiabetic Effects: Studies indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus benghalensis bark may play a significant role in preventing insulin resistance, particularly by modulating key metabolic pathways. In fructose-induced insulin-resistant rat models, this extract has demonstrated the potential to downregulate gluconeogenesis, a process that contributes to excessive glucose production in the liver and exacerbates insulin resistance. Additionally, the extract appears to enhance appetite regulation, potentially supporting improved metabolic function. Studies suggest that extracts of F. benghalensis can lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially mitigating obesity-related diabetes.

· Anti-inflammatory Effects: The F-B-3 C fraction of Ficus benghalensis has shown strong COX-2 inhibitory activity, suggesting its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. Given that inflammation plays a key role in obesity and its associated metabolic complications, COX-2 inhibition could help reduce inflammation in adipose tissue, improve insulin sensitivity, and mitigate obesity-related issues³⁵. Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to obesity. The anti-inflammatory properties of F. benghalensis may help reduce this inflammation, thereby supporting weight management. Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in obesity management.

· Antioxidant Activities: Sudies have shown that Ficus benghalensis root extracts exhibit strong antioxidant activity, with the aqueous extract scavenging DPPH radicals (96.07%) and hydrogen peroxide (69.23%), while the methanolic extract has an IC50 value of 27.5 μg/mL for antioxidant activity³⁶. Oxidative stress contributes to inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction, which are central to obesity and its related complications. These findings support the potential of Ficus benghalensis root extracts as a natural therapeutic to manage oxidative stress and inflammation in obesity.

· Anti-Angiogenic Activities - Pelargonidin, an anthocyanin from Ficus benghalensis, was found to significantly inhibit aortic development in an in vivo Danio rerio (zebrafish) model, demonstrating its strong anti-angiogenic properties³⁷. Its combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic properties make pelargonidin a potential therapeutic agent for managing obesity and its associated metabolic disturbances.

· Anti-hyperlipidemic Activity and Hypocholesterolemic activity- The aqueous extract of Ficus benghalensis stem bark has shown significant hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic effects. In animal models, it reduced LDL, VLDL, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels by up to 60%, while increasing antioxidant enzyme activities. It also raised HDL cholesterol and decreased triacylglycerol levels, with a 48% reduction in total cholesterol after 4 weeks. These findings suggest that Ficus benghalensis stem bark extract could be a potential natural treatment for hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia, conditions linked to obesity and metabolic disorders.

4. Clinical Evidence and Studies:

Although Ficus benghalensis (Indian banyan tree) has a long history of traditional use for various ailments, clinical research on its efficacy in treating metabolic disorders, including obesity and related conditions, is still in its early stages. However, several studies have demonstrated its potential benefits, supporting its role in managing lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and appetite regulation. Clinical evidence supporting the use of Ficus benghalensis bark extract in managing obesity and metabolic disorders is promising but still preliminary.

5. Potential Side Effects and Safety Profile:

Toxicity studies are a crucial aspect of drug development, required to ensure the safety of new therapeutic compounds and to assess the safety profile of existing ones under extended use. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandate the toxicological evaluation of any new therapeutic agents using animal models to assess both efficacy and potential adverse effects. Plant-based compounds, while beneficial, may contain complex mixtures of metabolites that can interact synergistically or antagonistically, potentially causing adverse effects ranging from mild hypersensitivity reactions to severe intoxication or anaphylactic shock. Consequently, rigorous toxicity assessments of plant extracts and isolated phytochemicals intended for therapeutic use are essential to confirm their safety in human applications.

Ficus benghalensis has shown promising safety results in toxicological studies. Acute toxicity tests reveal that its aerial roots are safe up to 5000 mg/kg, showing no signs of toxicity in the animal models used. In addition, crude ethanol extracts from the roots have demonstrated safety at doses up to 3000 mg/kg body weight in Wistar albino rats ¹¹. Similarly, the 50% ethanolic extract of Ficus benghalensis leaves exhibited no lethal or adverse effects on motor activity, feeding behavior, fecal output, or muscle function in adult albino mice, even at doses up to 2000 mg/kg . Furthermore, the methanolic extract of F. benghalensis fruit did not produce any toxic effects or abnormalities in albino mice up to the 2000 mg/kg dose, indicating a broad safety margin for various parts of the plant.^38,39.

These findings suggest that Ficus benghalensis extracts possess a favorable safety profile, supporting their potential use in therapeutic applications. However, further studies, including chronic toxicity evaluations and clinical trials, are needed to confirm their safety and establish dosage guidelines for human use.

6. Future Directions and Research Gaps:

While Ficus benghalensis bark extract shows great potential in managing obesity and metabolic disorders, several research gaps and limitations must be addressed to fully understand and harness its therapeutic benefits:

1. Synergistic Effects: Investigating the combination of Ficus benghalensis with other anti-obesity agents or natural compounds could provide insights into potential synergistic effects that enhance its efficacy.

2. Mechanistic Studies: Current research primarily focuses on outcomes, but deeper mechanistic studies are needed to elucidate the biochemical pathways through which the extract influences lipid metabolism, appetite regulation, and pancreatic function.

3. Clinical Trials: Most evidence comes from in vitro or animal studies. Large-scale, randomized clinical trials in diverse human populations are essential to confirm its safety, efficacy, and optimal dosage for managing obesity and related metabolic disorders.

4. Long-term Safety: The long-term effects of Ficus benghalensis extract consumption need to be assessed to ensure its safety and effectiveness over extended periods.

5. Standardization: Variations in preparation methods, extraction processes, and active compound concentrations necessitate standardization to ensure reproducibility and consistency in outcomes across studies.

6. Population-Specific Effects: The effects of the extract in different demographic and genetic populations remain underexplored and require further investigation to identify variability in response.

7. Impact on Microbiota: Exploring the extract's role in modulating gut microbiota could provide insights into its influence on metabolism and obesity-related pathways.

7. CONCLUSION:

Ficus benghalensis offers a promising natural approach to obesity management, with its active constituents playing a significant role in regulating lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, and insulin sensitivity. While preliminary studies are encouraging, further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential and to establish standardized doses and formulations for clinical use.

8. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:

Nil.

9. REFERENCES:

1. Shubhangi P, Mandakini P, Nandkishore D, Subhash B, Parimal K. Antifertility Activity of Ficus bengalensis Linn: Special Emphasis on Histoarchitecture Changes of Female Reproductive System of Rat. Published online 2010.

2. Tiwari AK, Chaturvedi A, Chaturvedi SK. Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Investigation of Ficus benghalensis Linn. Fruit. Res J Pharmacogn Phytochem. Published online 2014.

3. Mazumder K, Khanra R, Biswas K, N. Bala N, S. Maji H. Exploration of anti-inflammatory activity of extract and isolated compounds obtained from the aerial root of Ficus benghalensis Linn. Res J Pharm Technol. 2022: 4584-4588. doi:10.52711/0974-360X.2022.00769

4. Singh P, Jyotika Dhankhar, Kumar D, Bhatia S, Harrasi AA, Sharma A. Ficus benghalensis—a comprehensive review on pharmacological research, nanotechnological applications, and patents. J Appl Pharm Sci. 2023. doi:10.7324/JAPS.2023.134426

5. D. M. M. Obesity and Growing Health Risks - A Review. Asian J Nurs Educ Res. 2022: 350-352. doi:10.52711/2349-2996.2022.00073

6. Abdul Ahad H, Haranath C, Varam NJ, Ksheerasagare T, Krishna JV, Teja ST. Liver Shielding Activity of Ficus benghalensis Fruit Extracts Contrary to Perchloromethane prompted Toxic Hepatitis in New Zealand Albino Rats. Res J Pharm Technol. 2021: 3739-3743. doi:10.52711/0974-360X.2021.00647

7. Dinesh SS, Hegde K. Antiobesity activity of ethanolic extract of Citrus maxima leaves on cafeteria diet induced and drug induced obese rats. Res J Pharm Technol. 2016; 9(7): 907. doi:10.5958/0974-360X.2016.00173.6

8. Agrawal T. Ethnobotany of the Ficus Benglensis. Ann Rev Res. 2018; 1(3). doi:10.19080/ARR.2018.01.555563

9. Banyan/ Ficus Bengalensis: Uses, Health Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects And Precautions. Netmeds. Accessed November 11, 2024. https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/banyan-ficus-bengalensis-uses-health-benefits-dosage-side-effects-and-precautions

10. Logesh R, Vivekanandarajah Sathasivampillai S, Varatharasan S, et al. Ficus benghalensis L. (Moraceae): A review on ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities. Curr Res Biotechnol. 2023; 6: 100134. doi:10.1016/j.crbiot.2023.100134

11. Murugesu S, Selamat J, Perumal V. Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Properties, and Recent Applications of Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa. Plants. 2021; 10(12): 2749. doi:10.3390/plants10122749

12. Patel R, Gautam P. Medicinal Potency of Ficus Bengalensis: A Review. 2014; 4: 53-58.

13. Pundarikakshudu K, Shah PA, Patel MG. Chapter 1 - A comprehensive review of Indian medicinal plants effective in diabetes management: Current status and future prospects. In: Naeem M, Aftab T, eds. Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants. Academic Press. 2024: 3-73. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-95719-9.00013-6

14. Mazumder K, Khanra R, Biswas K, N. Bala N, S. Maji H. Exploration of anti-inflammatory activity of extract and isolated compounds obtained from the aerial root of Ficus benghalensis Linn. Res J Pharm Technol. 2022: 4584-4588. doi:10.52711/0974-360X.2022.00769

15. Khanal P, Patil BM. Reversal of insulin resistance by Ficus benghalensis bark in fructose-induced insulin-resistant rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022; 284: 114761. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114761

16. Sahu AK, Dinesh D, Verma VK, Prajapati V, Bhatia J, Arya DS. Therapeutic potential of Ficus benghalensis in thromboembolic disorders. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2024; 15(4): 100929. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100929

17. Jahagirdar AQF, Hugar S, Patil V, Nanjappaiah AKH. Screening of Antistress activity of Ficus benghalensis Fruit extract. Res J Pharm Technol. 2020; 13(1): 191. doi:10.5958/0974-360X.2020.00039.6

18. Sudhakar T, P B, Premkumar J, et al. Antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Ficus benghalensis against human pathogens. Res J Pharm Technol. 2017; 10(6): 1635. doi:10.5958/0974-360X.2017.00287.6

19. Shubhangi P, Mandakini P, Nandkishore D, Subhash B, Parimal K. Antifertility Activity of Ficus bengalensis Linn: Special Emphasis on Histoarchitecture Changes of Female Reproductive System of Rat. Published online 2010.

20. Sood Y, Lal M, Rattan I, Walia V. Sanctified Trees (Ficus religiosa and Ficus benghalensis) in India: A Significance and Analogous Mythology. Int J Plant Soil Sci. 2024; 36(10): 199-207. doi:10.9734/ijpss/2024/v36i105067

21. Dhaliwal B. The Sacred Connection Between Trees and Hinduism. Earth Day. February 14, 2023. Accessed November 16, 2024. https://www.earthday.org/the-sacred-connection-between-trees-and-hinduism/

22. Alam F, Badruddeen B, Kumar Kharya` A, Juber A, Irfan Khan M. Relationship between the Dose administered and Toxicity level after Acute Oral Exposure to Lupeol and Naringin combination in rats. Res J Pharm Technol. 2022: 3447-3451. doi:10.52711/0974-360X.2022.00577

23. Sudhakaran M, Doseff AI. The Targeted Impact of Flavones on Obesity-Induced Inflammation and the Potential Synergistic Role in Cancer and the Gut Microbiota. Molecules. 2020; 25(11): 2477. doi:10.3390/molecules25112477

24. Kothapalli PK, Sanganal JS, Shridhar NB. Phytopharmacology of Ficus bengalensis - A Review. Asian J Pharm Res. 2014; 4(4): 201-204. Accessed November 9, 2024. https://asianjpr.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2014-4-4-8

25. Patel MH, Malek S, Patel V, Desai B, Jha S, Patel D. Chemical composition and tannin content in leaves of Ficus spp. as top feed for ruminants from the Dang forest of South Gujarat Province, India. Int J Vet Sci Anim Husb. 2023; 8(3): 225-228. doi:10.22271/veterinary.2023.v8.i3d.548

26. Salehi B, Machin L, Monzote L, et al. Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin: New Insights and Perspectives for Human Health. ACS Omega. 2020; 5(20): 11849-11872. doi:10.1021/acsomega.0c01818

27. Roy A, Saraf S. Antioxidant and Antiulcer Activities of an Ethnomedicine: Alternanthera sessilis. Published online 2008.

28. Yang J, Lee J, Kim Y. Effect of Deglycosylated Rutin by Acid Hydrolysis on Obesity and Hyperlipidemia in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice. Nutrients. 2020; 12(5): 1539. doi:10.3390/nu12051539

29. Singh SK, Shrivastava S, Mishra AK, et al. Friedelin: Structure, Biosynthesis, Extraction, and Its Potential Health Impact. Molecules. 2023; 28(23):7760. doi:10.3390/molecules28237760

30. Li Z, Lian Y, Wei R, et al. Effects of taraxasterol against ethanol and high-fat diet-induced liver injury by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. Life Sci. 2020; 262: 118546. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118546

31. Li J, Huang Y, Han Y, Wang J, Zhang C, Jiang J. Lupeol reduces M1 macrophage polarization to attenuate immunologic dissonance and fatty acid deposition in rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome. Ann Transl Med. 2021; 9(20): 1534. doi:10.21037/atm-21-4561

32. de Melo KM, de Oliveira FTB, Costa Silva RA, et al. α, β-Amyrin, a pentacyclic triterpenoid from Protium heptaphyllum suppresses adipocyte differentiation accompanied by down regulation of PPARγ and C/EBPα in 3T3-L1 cells. Biomed Pharmacother Biomedecine Pharmacother. 2019; 109: 1860-1866. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2018.11.027

33. Santos FA, Frota JT, Arruda BR, et al. Antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of α, β-amyrin, a triterpenoid mixture from Protium heptaphyllum in mice. Lipids Health Dis. 2012; 11: 98. doi:10.1186/1476-511X-11-98

34. Bhowmik P, Shohan FS, Baroi JA, et al. Evaluation of the Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Ficus benghalensis on the Lipid Profile and Kidney Function in Rat Model. Int Res J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024; 7(1): 22-28. Accessed November 11, 2024. https://journalirjgh.com/index.php/IRJGH/article/view/94

35. Rauf A, Almasoud N, Ibrahim M, et al. Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Cholinesterase, and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Plant Derived Extracts and Column Semi-Purified Fractions of Ficus benghalensis. Front Biosci-Landmark. 2024; 29(5): 183. doi:10.31083/j.fbl2905183

36. Etratkhah Z, Ebrahimi SS, Dehaghi N, Seifalizadeh Y. Antioxidant activity and phytochemical screening of Ficus benghalensis aerial roots fractions. J Rep Pharm Sci. 2019; 8(1): 24. doi:10.4103/jrptps.jrptps_20_18

37. Tahir MM, Rasul A, Riaz A, et al. Ficus benghalensis : A plant with potential pharmacological properties f rom tradition to pharmacy. Trop J Pharm Res. 2024; 22(11): 2407-2413. doi:10.4314/tjpr.v22i11.22

38. Bhardwaj LK, Chandrul KK, Sharma US. Evaluation of Anti-arthritic activity of Ficus benghalensis Linn. root extracts on Freund’s adjuvant induced Arthritis in rats. J Phytopharm. 2016; 5(1): 10-14. doi:10.31254/phyto.2016.5103

39. Parameswari SA, Saleem TSM, Chandrasekar KB, Chetty CM. Protective role of Ficus benghalensis against isoniazid-rifampicin induced oxidative liver injury in rat. Rev Bras Farmacogn. 2012; 22(3): 604-610. doi:10.1590/S0102-695X2012005000009

Received on 14.12.2024 Revised on 10.04.2025

Accepted on 04.07.2025 Published on 10.02.2026

Available online from February 16, 2026

Research J. Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(2):923-929.

DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00131

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License.