FICUS RACEMOSA L.: A REVIEW OF ITS TRADITIONAL USES, PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Ficus racemosa, also called the cluster fig or gular, is a milky-sap tree of the family Moraceae that is widely used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy. Its bark, root, leaves, fruit and latex are traditionally used for diabetes, dysentery, diarrhoea, wounds and many other problems. Lupeol, gallic acid and β-sitosterol are the main active compounds found in the stem bark, leaves and fruit, and bergenin, bergapten, tannins and flavonoids add to the list. Laboratory studies show that its extracts have antidiabetic, cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, liver-protective, anticholinesterase and cytotoxic effects. The effect on blood sugar and blood fats is the best studied and is linked mainly with β-sitosterol and related compounds. Newer studies use GC-MS, docking and animal tests to connect the fruit and leaf compounds with Alzheimer's disease. A single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg did not kill any rat, but good human trials are still lacking. This review explains the plant's botany, its main chemical compounds part by part, its pharmacology, traditional uses and safety, and it points out what research is still needed.