ABSTRACT
Ficus benghalensis L. (Moraceae), commonly known as Indian banyan tree, is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists and is often planted around temples in India. This plant is used in traditional medicine for many purposes, including treating pains and bruises externally, as well as treating toothaches. The plant, despite this, has only just begun to be investigated by scientists, for example leucocyanids have been isolated from the tree, which may have potential for treating diabetes. It has traditionally been used for treating abscesses, burning sensation, diabetes, dysentery, erysipelas, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, nervous disorders, haemorrhages, ulcers, and rheumatic inflammations. In Ayurveda, this plant is used as a wound healing medicine. Phytochemical evaluations of aerial root, leaves, stem bark, heartwood, and fruit and seeds have revealed the presence of phytosterols, flavonoids, fatty acids, terpenoids, sterols, and many other compounds, some of which were attributed to its bioactivity. The aim of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive update on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology with a special focus on F. benghalensis’s antidiabetic activity. A brief discussion of future research directions is also provided. A key purpose of this chapter is to gather and improve existing knowledge about F. benghalensis as a potential medicinal plant.
