Chemical, Biological and Pharmacological Activities of Ficus religiosa: an Extensive Review

Abstract

Herbal drugs are one of the world’s oldest and most precious gifts. Medicinal herbs and plants have a prominent place in the healthcare system, with Ficus religiosa, being one of the most important. It is commonly knowns as fig,  which  is  widely  used  in  traditional  medicinal  systems  as antiulcer,  anticonvulsant,  wound  healing, antinephropathic,  antiviral,  analgesic,  anti-inflammatory,  antimicrobial,  immunostimulant,  antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant,  antiasthmatic,  parasympathetic  modulatory,  anti-acetylcholinesterase,  anticancer  and  cognitive enhancing  agents.  Secondary  metabolites  isolated  from  the  plant  such  as  stigmasterol,  methyl  oleanolate, lanosterol, caffeic acid, bergenin, amides, lupin 3-one, β-sitosterol, n-octacosanol, and flavonoids are considered to be the principal bioactive compounds of F. religiosa. The purpose of this review was to outline the phytochemistry, pharmacology and  toxicity  profile  of  F.  religiosa.  Aside  from  plant  morphology and  phytochemistry,  the application of the plant in the most recent discoveries and nanotechnology was also explored. Furthermore, the review addresses recent therapeutic breakthroughs and identifies areas for further research that should be addressed in future studies.

Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 27(2): 223-238, 2024 (July)