A Systematic Review of Phytochemistry and Pharmacology Study of Ficus religiosa (Pipal)

Abstract

Ficus religiosa (Pipal) is a deciduous tree, tall and irregularly-shaped, with wide-spreading branches and without aerial roots from the branches. The leaves are glossy, slim, and have 5–7 veins. The leaves are dark green, alternate, leathery, pink when young, stipulate and with unusual tail-like tips. The Ficus genus has about 800 species and 2000 variants, the majority of which are unique to the old-world tropics. Ficus benghalensis (Banyan tree), Ficus religiosa (Pipal tree), and Ficus carica (Anjir tree) are three of the most prevalent trees of the genus Ficus, which belongs to the Moraceae family. Fundamental phytochemical screening of F. religiosa barks showed the presence of tannins, amino acids, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids and glycosides. All parts of this tree are rich in phytochemicals and are used to cure diseases like asthma, digestive disorders, diabetes, skin disease, vomiting etc. Previous pharmacological studies revealed that F. religiosa possessed Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, Antioxidant activity, Antimicrobial activity, Anti-larvicidal activity, Anti Cancer activity, Antidiabetic activity, Anti-acetylcholinesterase activity and Wound Healing activity. This review study covers F. religiosa phytochemistry, pharmacology activities and knowledge about F. religiosa.