Microscopical and phytochemical exploration of traditionally utilized new-fangled stem buds from Ficus religiosa L and Ficus benghalensis L

Abstract

Different components of the plant belonging to the family Moraceae are particularly used for the treatment of various diseases in traditional systems and folk medicine. The plants Ficus religiosa L. and Ficus benghalensis L. contain various pharmacologically effective components showing analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-platelet, and thrombolytic activities. It is the common component of various Ayurvedic and other traditional formulations for the treatment of blood disorders. Now a day the requirement for quality herbal drugs has increased day by day. The present study was planned to carry out microscopical, phytochemical, and analytical standards for the new fangled stem buds of F. religiosa, and F. bengalensis. Phytochemicals like reducing sugar, steroids, triterpenoids, saponin, anthraquinones, and phenolic compounds, were observed in the methanol extract of both plants. In TLC examination of methanol extract showed 4 spots in both plants revealed at wavelengths 254 and 365 nm. A peak (RF = 0.60) matched to the Vanillic acid, acid established the presence of phenolic compounds. These microscopical and phytochemical parameters will support future research in pharmacological investigation, standardization, and pharmaceutical preparations.