An ancient treasure of medicinal properties in Indian medicine Bargad (Ficus benghalensis Linn.)

Abstract

Ficus benghalensis, a genus of family Urticaceae is a tropical, deciduous, evergreen tree with more than 800 species and about 40 genera. F. benghalensis is known as common name Bargad and cultivated as a Garden tree or Spiritual tree. In Unani the aerial root and Latex are aphrodisiac, styptic, syphilis, biliousness, dysentery, inflammation of liver. A lot of pharmacological work has been scientifically carried out on various part of F. benghalensis but some other traditionally important therapeutically uses are also remaining to proof till now scientifically. The leaves of F. benghalensis is used as ulcer protective, leprosy and fever, inflammations (Ayurvedic). The milky juice is aphrodisiac, tonic, vulnerary, maturate also useful in piles, diseases of the nose, gonorrhea. As analgesic, antipyretic, anti-ulcerogenic, inflammatory bowel, antimicrobial, antidiabetic etc. The various chemical constituents present in F. benghalensis are Bengalenosides, flavanoids and leucocyanidin glycoside.