Ficus benghalensis (Moraceae) Banyan Tree

Das K
Jan 18
9 min read

Banyan has powerful anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Aa an Astringent excellent for loose teeth and infections. Good for skin , ulcers, swellings and wounds.

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Ficus benghalensis L.

Family: Moraceae

Genus: Ficus

Related Herbs from the same family:

· Ficus religiosa (Ashvattha/Pipal): The sacred fig, used as a nervine, in skin diseases, and for its spiritual significance.

· Ficus racemosa (Udumbara/Gular): The cluster fig, used for digestive disorders, diabetes, and as a uterine tonic.

· Ficus carica (Anjir/Fig): The common fig, a nutritive laxative and demulcent.

· Artocarpus heterophyllus (Panasa/Jackfruit): The fruit and seeds are nutritive, and the wood and latex have medicinal uses.

The Moraceae family, often called the fig or mulberry family, is characterized by plants containing latex and bearing multiple fruits (synconia). Many species hold immense cultural, ecological, and medicinal importance, particularly in the tropics.

2. Common Names:

3. Medicinal Uses:

Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Hypoglycemic (anti-diabetic), Anti-diarrheal, Uterine Tonic, Vulnerary (wound healing), Antioxidant, Cooling.

Medicinal Parts:

Nearly all parts of this massive tree are used in medicine.

· Aerial Roots (वट-मूल, Vata-moola): The most prized medicinal part, especially for female reproductive health.

· Bark (त्वक्, Twak): Used for diabetes, diarrhea, and dental disorders.

· Leaf Buds & Leaves (पल्लव, Pallava): Used for diarrhea and topically for inflammation.

· Latex (क्षीर, Ksheera): Applied externally for wounds, bruises, and joint pain.

· Fruits (फल, Phala): Used as a mild laxative and nutritive tonic.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Leucocyanidin, Leucopelargonidin): Present in the bark and aerial roots, these are responsible for the strong Astringent and Anti-diabetic effects by strengthening capillaries and influencing glucose metabolism.

Phytosterols (β-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol): Found in the bark and latex, these have Anti-inflammatory and potential Hormone-modulating effects, supporting its use in reproductive disorders.

Tannins & Phenolic Compounds: Provide the primary Astringent, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant actions, useful in wound healing and treating diarrhea.

Bergapten & Psoralen (Furocoumarins): Present in the latex and leaves, these compounds have Phototoxic and Skin-sensitizing properties and must be used with caution topically.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Stri Roga (Female Reproductive Disorders) & Vandhyatva (Infertility)

Formulation: Decoction of aerial roots (Vatamula Kwatha).

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the dried aerial roots is a classic Ayurvedic remedy for leucorrhea, menstrual disorders, and to promote fertility. It is considered a uterine tonic.

Reasoning: Its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties help tone the uterine muscles and reduce excessive discharge. The phytosterols may help normalize hormonal function.

Madhumeha (Diabetes) & Atisara (Diarrhea)

Formulation: Bark decoction or powder.

Preparation & Use: The bark powder is taken with water, or a decoction is consumed to help lower blood sugar levels. The same preparation, due to its high tannin content, is effective in treating acute, watery diarrhea and dysentery.

Reasoning: Flavonoids like leucopelargonidin demonstrate hypoglycemic activity. The tannins precipitate proteins in the gut, forming a protective layer and reducing intestinal secretion.

Danta Roga (Dental Disorders) & Mukhapaka (Oral Ulcers)

Formulation: Twig as a toothbrush (datun) or bark decoction as a gargle.

Preparation & Use: The aerial roots or young twigs are traditionally used as natural toothbrushes to strengthen gums and prevent decay. A decoction of the bark is used as a gargle for mouth ulcers and sore throat.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial and astringent properties help reduce gum inflammation, fight oral bacteria, and heal ulcers.

Vrana (Wounds) & Bhagna (Fractures)

Formulation: Latex application or leaf poultice.

Preparation & Use: The milky latex is applied directly to fresh cuts, wounds, and bruises to stop bleeding and promote healing. A poultice of the leaves is applied to inflamed joints and to support fractured bones (as a supportive bandage).

Reasoning: The latex coagulates proteins, sealing wounds. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties prevent infection and reduce swelling.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

The fruits are edible but not a major food source. The primary use is medicinal.

Aerial Root Decoction for Female Health

Purpose: As a uterine tonic and for leucorrhea.

Preparation & Use:

1. Take 10-15 grams of dried, chopped aerial roots.

2. Boil in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

3. Strain and drink 30 ml of this decoction, twice daily before meals. (Use under guidance for specific conditions).

Anti-diabetic & Anti-diarrheal Bark Powder

Purpose: To support blood sugar management and treat diarrhea.

Preparation & Use:

1. Take 1-3 grams of dried Banyan bark powder.

2. Mix with a cup of warm water or buttermilk.

3. Consume twice daily. For diabetes, this should be part of a managed regimen under medical supervision.

Gum Strengthening Toothbrush (Datun)

Purpose: For oral hygiene and gum health.

Preparation & Use:

1. Cut a fresh, pencil-thick aerial root or young twig (about 6 inches long).

2. Chew one end to fray it into a brush.

3. Gently rub this brush on teeth and gums for 2-3 minutes. The astringent sap strengthens gums.

7. In-Depth Phytochemical Profile and Clinical Significance of Ficus benghalensis (Banyan Tree, Indian Banyan)

Introduction

Ficus benghalensis, the Banyan Tree, is a massive, long-lived strangler fig of the Moraceae family, revered as sacred and medicinal throughout South Asia. Its unique growth habit—sending down aerial roots that become secondary trunks—symbolizes longevity and resilience, metaphors reflected in its ethnomedical applications. Unlike herbs with a single dominant part, the banyan’s therapeutic offerings are distributed across its aerial roots, bark, leaves, fruits, and latex, each with a distinct phytochemical emphasis. Its pharmacology is characterized by a rich matrix of polyphenols (flavonoids, tannins), triterpenoids, and sterols, with overarching actions focused on metabolic stabilization, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic effects, earning it the Ayurvedic classification of a Rasayana (rejuvenative) for multiple bodily systems.

1. Polyphenolic Compounds (The Antioxidant and Stabilizing Core)

Key Compounds:

This class is ubiquitous across all plant parts, providing foundational antioxidant and astringent properties.

· Flavonoids: Leucopelargonidin (a major flavonoid in bark and roots), Leucocyanidin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Rutin, Bengalenoside (a flavone glycoside).

· Tannins: Catechin, Epicatechin, Gallotannins, Ellagitannins (high concentration in bark and aerial roots).

· Phenolic Acids: Gallic acid, Chlorogenic acid, Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

The polyphenolic profile underpins the tree’s reputed stabilizing and anti-diabetic virtues.

· Potent Antioxidant & Anti-aging (Rasayana): The high tannin and flavonoid content confers exceptional free radical scavenging capacity, protecting tissues from oxidative stress associated with aging and chronic disease.

· Antidiabetic & Hypoglycemic: Bark and aerial root extracts potently inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, slowing carbohydrate digestion and reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes. They also enhance insulin sensitivity and protect pancreatic β-cells.

· Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic: Flavonoids and tannins inhibit COX-2, LOX, and NF-κB pathways, reducing inflammation and pain. This is central to its use in arthritis, gingivitis, and inflammatory bowel conditions.

· Astringent & Antidiarrheal: The tannins precipitate proteins, tightening tissues and reducing secretions, making bark decoctions effective for diarrhea, dysentery, and bleeding gums.

2. Triterpenoids and Sterols

Key Compounds:

· Pentacyclic Triterpenoids: β-Sitosterol (a major phytosterol), α-Amyrin, β-Amyrin, Lupenone, Taraxerol, Bengalensol (a unique triterpene).

· Triterpenoid Glycosides: Based on the above aglycones.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

These compounds add metabolic, hormonal, and anti-inflammatory dimensions.

· Hypolipidemic & Anti-atherogenic: β-Sitosterol reduces intestinal cholesterol absorption and lowers serum LDL levels.

· Anti-inflammatory & Wound Healing: β-Amyrin and taraxerol have significant topical and systemic anti-inflammatory effects. They also promote wound contraction and collagen synthesis.

· Endocrine Modulation: Phytosterols can have mild modulating effects on steroid hormone pathways, potentially supporting its traditional use in female reproductive health and as a general tonic.

3. Latex-Specific Enzymes and Compounds

Key Compounds:

· Proteolytic Enzymes: Ficin (a cysteine protease, similar to papain from papaya).

· Coumarins: Psoralen, Bergapten.

· Alkanes: Long-chain hydrocarbons.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

The milky latex (latex) has distinct, potent applications.

· Proteolytic & Anthelmintic: Ficin digests proteins, making the latex effective against intestinal worms (vermifuge) and for digesting necrotic tissue in wounds. It also has coagulant properties.

· Phototoxic & Antifungal (Coumarins): Psoralen derivatives are phototoxic, used traditionally with sunlight exposure for treating leukoderma (vitiligo) and fungal skin infections like ringworm.

· Vulnerary & Antiseptic: Applied topically, the latex forms a protective sealant on wounds, bruises, and cracked heels, preventing infection and promoting healing.

4. Other Critical Compounds

Key Compounds:

· Volatiles (in leaves/fruits): Minor amounts of aromatic compounds.

· Sugars and Polysaccharides: In fruits and bark mucilage.

· Vitamin K: In leaves.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

· Demulcent: Bark and fruit mucilage soothes irritated membranes.

· Nutritive: The ripe fruit (fig) is a source of sugars, fiber, and minerals.

· Coagulation Factor (Vitamin K): Contributes to the leaf's traditional use in bleeding disorders.

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An Integrated View of Healing in Ficus benghalensis

· For Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes (Prameha, Madhumeha): The banyan bark is a premier anti-diabetic agent in Ayurveda. Its synergy is elegant: The Tannins and Flavonoids act as potent α-glucosidase inhibitors, controlling post-meal blood sugar spikes. Simultaneously, the phytosterols (β-Sitosterol) improve the lipid profile, and the antioxidant polyphenols protect pancreatic islet cells and blood vessels from the oxidative damage of chronic hyperglycemia. This multi-organ approach—gut, liver, pancreas, vasculature—makes it a true systemic stabilizer for metabolic dysregulation.

· For Musculoskeletal and Dental Inflammation (Sandhivata, Dantadaha): The tree's anti-inflammatory action is leveraged for structural tissues. Internally, the triterpenoids (β-Amyrin) and flavonoids provide systemic anti-inflammatory and analgesic relief for arthritis. Externally, a bark decoction as a gargle uses the powerful astringent tannins to tighten gum tissue, reduce bleeding, and soothe inflammation (gingivitis). The latex, applied to painful joints or swellings, delivers proteolytic and anti-inflammatory enzymes directly to the site.

· For Gastrointestinal Dysfunction and Hemorrhoids (Grahani, Arsha): The banyan addresses GI issues from opposing yet complementary angles. For diarrhea and dysentery, the astringent tannins in the bark precipitate proteins and reduce secretion. For intestinal parasites, the proteolytic enzyme ficin in the latex acts as a direct anthelmintic. For hemorrhoids, the synergy is key: sitz baths in bark decoction provide anti-inflammatory and astringent action to shrink tissues, while the wound-healing properties of triterpenoids promote repair.

· As a Rasayana (Rejuvenative) for Female Reproductive Health: The bark and aerial roots are traditionally used as a uterine tonic. This action likely stems from a synergy of hormone-modulating phytosterols, tissue-toning astringent tannins, and systemic antioxidant flavonoids. It is used to tone the uterine wall, regulate menstrual flow, and support recovery postpartum, embodying the concept of strengthening and stabilizing bodily tissues (Dhatu).

Conclusion: Ficus benghalensis is not merely a plant but a vast, slow-moving pharmacy. Its therapeutic genius lies in the distribution of complementary chemical functions across its parts: the astringent, anti-diabetic bark and roots; the proteolytic, anthelmintic latex; and the nutritive, demulcent fruits. Its actions are predominantly stabilizing, cooling, and constricting—perfectly aligned with its Ayurvedic characterization as a Vata and Pitta pacifier. Its status as a Rasayana is justified by its broad-spectrum antioxidant protection and its ability to strengthen multiple organ systems, particularly the metabolic, musculoskeletal, and reproductive. As with all potent astringents, long-term high-dose internal use should be mindful of its drying properties, but its integration into traditional practice as a decoction, powder, or topical application remains a testament to its profound and multifaceted healing legacy.

Disclaimer:

The Banyan tree is a revered and generally safe medicinal plant when used appropriately. However, the latex can be a strong skin irritant for some individuals and may cause photodermatitis. Internal use of the latex is not recommended. The aerial root and bark decoctions are potent astringents and may cause constipation if used in excess. For diabetes, it should not replace prescribed medication but may be used as a supportive therapy under professional guidance. Pregnant women should avoid therapeutic doses of the aerial root decoction. This information is for educational purposes only.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

· Bhava Prakasha Nighantu (Classical Ayurvedic Text)

· Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

· Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

· Dravyaguna Vijnana by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Ficus racemosa (Udumbara/Gular)

· Species: Ficus racemosa | Family: Moraceae | Genus: Ficus

· Similarities: Both are sacred Ficus trees with astringent bark used for diabetes, diarrhea, and as uterine tonics. F. racemosa fruits are more commonly used medicinally and are specific for menorrhagia and digestive issues.

2. Quercus infectoria (Majuphal/Oak Gall)

· Species: Quercus infectoria | Family: Fagaceae | Genus: Quercus

· Similarities: Both are premier astringents used for tightening tissues, treating diarrhea, and healing wounds. While Oak Gall is one of the strongest astringents used for bleeding and prolapse, Banyan bark shares this profound tissue-toning property.

3. Saraca asoca (Ashoka)

· Species: Saraca asoca | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Saraca

· Similarities: Both are cornerstone herbs for female reproductive health, used as uterine tonics for menorrhagia, leucorrhea, and infertility. Ashoka is more specific for excessive bleeding, while Banyan's aerial root is broader for tonification and discharge.

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PREHEALING

Ficus benghalensis (Moraceae) Banyan Tree

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