PHYTOPHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW OF FICUS RELIGIOSA (PEEPAL TREE): EVIDENCE-BASED INSIGHTS INTO A SACRED MEDICINAL TREE

Ficus religiosa L. (Moraceae), commonly known as the sacred fig, is revered in traditional medicine for its wide-ranging therapeutic properties. Extensive scientific investigations have validated its diverse pharmacological activities, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, anti-ulcer, anti-amnesic, and wound healing effects. Extracts from different parts of the plant, particularly the bark and leaves, demonstrate significant bioactivity through mechanisms such as enhancing insulin secretion, improving lipid profiles, and reducing oxidative stress in experimental models. These effects are attributed to the rich presence of bioactive compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols. Furthermore, F. religiosa exhibits immunostimulant and anti-acetylcholinesterase properties, broadening its therapeutic potential. Collectively, these findings underscore the plant’s promise as a source of natural medicinal agents and highlight the need for further clinical research to fully harness its benefits.