This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
How does Ficus religiosa work to lower blood sugar?
Ficus religiosa exerts antidiabetic effects primarily through its flavonoid and tannin content. These compounds are believed to enhance insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells and improve glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. Additionally, beta-sitosterol found in the bark may help inhibit glucose absorption in the intestine. While these mechanisms are supported by animal studies, human clinical data remains limited, warranting caution until further research confirms these effects.
Can I take Ficus religiosa with metformin or other diabetes medications?
Caution is advised when combining Ficus religiosa with antidiabetic medications like metformin. Because the herb possesses blood sugar-lowering properties (Evidence Level C), concurrent use may cause additive effects, potentially leading to hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). Patients using pharmaceutical treatments for diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels closely and consult a healthcare provider before adding this herbal supplement to their regimen.
What is the recommended dosage for Ficus religiosa bark?
The standard traditional dosage for Ficus religiosa bark is 2 to 3 grams per day, typically prepared as a tea or decoction. To prepare, the dried bark is simmered in hot water to extract the active compounds. This dosage recommendation is based on traditional Ayurvedic practice rather than standardized clinical trials. Users should strictly adhere to recommended amounts and consult a qualified herbalist for personalized guidance.
Is Ficus religiosa safe to use during pregnancy?
No, Ficus religiosa is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The plant contains latex and specific compounds that may stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to miscarriage or premature labor. Traditional Ayurvedic texts and modern safety assessments contraindicate its use for pregnant women. Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid this herb due to a lack of safety data regarding lactation.
Can Ficus religiosa treat skin diseases and wounds?
Yes, Ficus religiosa has a history of traditional use for treating skin diseases and promoting wound healing. The leaves and bark contain tannins and flavonoids, which provide astringent and antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation and support tissue repair. While ethnomedical records support this application (Evidence Level C), robust clinical trials are lacking, so it should not replace standard medical treatments for serious skin conditions.
PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Ficus religiosa, also known as the sacred fig or peepal tree, is a perennial tree indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina region with extensive use in traditional medicine [PMID:39380237, PMID:37046210].
Background
Ficus religiosa (L.) is a large, long-lived keystone ecological species belonging to the Moraceae family [PMID:37046210, PMID:39380237]. It is highly regarded in Indian culture, Ayurveda, and spiritual practices [PMID:37046210, PMID:18175640].
Traditional uses
Traditionally used for the treatment of asthma, nose bleeding, heart disorders, diabetes, wound healing, ear problems, constipation, hyperlipidemia, gonorrhea, ulcers, infectious disorders [PMID:39380237], as well as as an antiepileptic, aphrodisiac, analgesic, antiinflammatory, and laxative [PMID:37795714]. It is also used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for respiratory disorders such as cough and wheezing [PMID:26528588].
Active compounds
Chemical analysis has identified a wide range of phytoconstituents including phenols, flavonoids (e.g., kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin), alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, steroids, and essential/volatile oils [PMID:34961220, PMID:39380237, PMID:36432418]. Specific identified compounds include bengalenosides, carotenoids, lupeol, cetyl behenate, $\alpha$-amyrin acetate, and berberine [PMID:36432418, PMID:32794216].
Mechanism of action
The herb demonstrates antioxidant activity via DPPH radical scavenging [PMID:35209118] and the ability to suppress nitric oxide (NO) production and enhance catalase activity [PMID:39495848]. In breast cancer cells, leaf extracts may exert photosensitizing and apoptosis-inducing capabilities through the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species [PMID:30937987].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DPain (Antinociceptive)
Aqueous root extract showed a significant dose-dependent increase in mean reaction time in hot plate and tail-flick models in Swiss albino mice [PMID:37795714]
Evidence DGastric Ulcers
Leaf ethanolic extract prevented ulcer area and gastric secretion in a dose-dependent manner in animal models [PMID:23836366]
Evidence DHypothyroidism
Leaf extract (100 mg/kg) in rats increased thyroid hormones and decreased thyroid-related neurological disorders [PMID:37062529]
Evidence DRespiratory Viruses
Methanol bark extract inhibited human rhinovirus (HRV) in vitro with an EC50 of 5.52 $\mu$g/mL [PMID:26528588]
Evidence DBreast Cancer
Fractions of F. religiosa showed anticancer activity in MCF 7 cell lines in vitro [PMID:21803302]
Safety & adverse effects
Acute toxicity studies in albino mice indicated that administration of 2,000 mg/kg of leaf ethanolic extract did not show acute toxicity [PMID:23836366].
Evidence summary
The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models, and literature reviews (Level C and D). There are no human clinical trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses provided in the source set.
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 35209118 (2022) — Determination of Antioxidants by DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of Ficus religiosa. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 37046210 (2023) — Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of sacred fig (Ficus religiosa). · BMC genomics
3.PMID: 34961220 (2021) — Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Properties, and Recent Applications of Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 39380237 (2024) — Comprehensive review on ethnomedicinal, phytochemistry and pharmacological profile of. · Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan
Government sources
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
6.PMID: 36432418 (2022) — Mechanistic Insights into the Neuroprotective Potential of Sacred Ficus Trees. · Nutrients
7.PMID: 32885057 (2020) — Larvicidal and antibacterial activity of aqueous leaf extract of Peepal (Ficus religiosa) synthesized nanoparticles. · Parasite epidemiology and control
8.PMID: 37795714 (2022) — Evaluation of Antinociceptive Activity of Ficus Religiosa Root Extract in Swiss Albino Mice. · Kathmandu University medical journal (KUMJ)
9.PMID: 35044603 (2022) — Environmental-friendly extraction of Peepal (Ficus Religiosa) bark-based reddish brown tannin natural dye for silk coloration. · Environmental science and pollution research international
10.PMID: 21296646 (2011) — Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Ficus religiosa: a review. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
11.PMID: 32330498 (2020) — Characterization of surface-modified natural cellulosic fiber extracted from the root of Ficus religiosa tree. · International journal of biological macromolecules
12.PMID: 36164650 (2022) — Genome sequencing and comparative analysis of Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa species reveal evolutionary mechanisms of longevity. · iScience
13.PMID: 15050807 (2004) — Atmospheric dry deposition to leaf surfaces at a rural site of India. · Chemosphere
14.PMID: 42225146 (2026) — Biogenic synthesis of NiO nanoparticles using Ficus religiosa and their application to sequestrate anionic dye. · International journal of phytoremediation
15.PMID: 20091225 (2010) — Cryptococcus randhawai sp. nov., a novel anamorphic basidiomycetous yeast isolated from tree trunk hollow of Ficus religiosa (peepal tree) from New Delhi, India. · Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
16.PMID: 18175640 (2006) — Medico-historical study of "aśvattha" (sacred fig tree). · Bulletin of the Indian Institute of History of Medicine (Hyderabad)
17.PMID: 23836366 (2013) — Anti-ulcer activity of Ficus religiosa leaf ethanolic extract. · Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine
18.PMID: 26528588 (2015) — Ficus religiosa L. bark extracts inhibit human rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus infection in vitro. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
19.PMID: 21803302 (2011) — Anticancer activity of Tephrosia purpurea and Ficus religiosa using MCF 7 cell lines. · Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine
20.PMID: 39495848 (2024) — Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activities of bodhi tree leaf extract (Ficus religiosa L.) on nitric oxide and catalase. · Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
21.PMID: 31525413 (2020) — Characterization of a new cellulosic natural fiber extracted from the root of Ficus religiosa tree. · International journal of biological macromolecules
22.PMID: 33422795 (2021) — Effect-directed profiling of Ficus religiosa leaf extracts for multipotent compounds via 12 effect-directed assays. · Journal of chromatography. A
23.PMID: 37062529 (2023) — Phytochemical profiling of polyphenols and thyroid stimulatory activity of Ficus religiosa leaf extract in 6-propyl-thiouracil-induced hypothyroid rats. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
24.PMID: 37153928 (2023) — Role of Medicinal Herbs in Periodontal Therapy: A Systematic Review. · Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry
26.PMID: 38997474 (2024) — Exploring Ficus religiosa inflorescence powder as an eco-friendly and sustainable solution for the removal of crystal violet with a disposal solution. · Environmental monitoring and assessment
27.PMID: 30937987 (2019) — Ficus extract-A promising agent for antimammary tumorigenesis: A review on current status and future possibilities. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
28.PMID: 15701397 (2005) — Isoprene emission from tropical tree species. · Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
29.PMID: 40949251 (2025) — Biofilm-Forming Ability of Infectious Organisms on Biomimetic SurfacesAn In Vitro and Machine-Learning Analysis. · ACS omega
30.PMID: 32794216 (2020) — Metabolite profiling of arginase inhibitor activity guided fraction of Ficus religiosa leaves by LC-HRMS. · Biomedical chromatography : BMC