Ficus hispida L. f. (Anjeer Dashti): A Comprehensive Review of Its Ethnopharmacological Significance in the Unani System of Medicine

Abstract

This review was done to comprehensively evaluate Ficus hispida, commonly called the hairy fig or Anjeer Dashti. This plant is extensively used in Unani and other traditional medicinal practices. The geographical distribution of this plant encompasses tropical and subtropical regions, where it has been extensively investigated for its phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties. Aim of the review: The review encompasses a detailed analysis of the pharmacognostical aspects of the plant, drawing from both Unani and contemporary literature. Additionally, it sheds light on the pharmacological actions, therapeutic applications, chemical constituents, and essential formulations associated with Ficus hispida. Moreover, scientific studies are included to showcase the diverse biological effects of the plant, such as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, sedative, antidiarrheal, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and neuroprotective properties. This study underscores the necessity for further pre-clinical and clinical investigations to fully comprehend and exploit the potential therapeutic advantages offered by Ficus hispida. Materials and Methods: Anjeer Dashti was explored for its temperament, medicinal properties, and therapeutic uses through classical Unani texts (e.g., Al Jami ul Mufradat, Muheet Azam, Khazainul Advia, etc.), modern databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar), Standard Unani Terminology (CCRUM-WHO), and offline journals from NRIUMSD Hyderabad. Results: F. hispida is particularly utilised in Indian and Chinese traditional medical systems as a treatment for respiratory, urinary, and skin conditions. Crude extracts and isolated metabolites have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, sedative, antidiarrheal, antiulcer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antineoplastic, and antidiabetic properties. However, the methods used in these investigations are frequently poorly designed and of low technical quality. Sesquiterpenoids and triterpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, phenylpropionic acids, derivatives of benzoic acid, alkaloids, steroids, other glycosides, and alkanes are among the more than 76 compounds that have been isolated from F. hispida; however, the bioassay-guided fractionation method is rarely used in the isolation process. Conclusion: F. hispida has several pharmacological properties that may justify its widespread usage in traditional treatments. However, due to the improper experimental design, pharmacological investigations should be regarded with caution. There is an urgent need for more in vitro and in vivo research to examine the molecular mechanisms and determine the safe and effective dosage of F. hispida.