FICUS BENJAMINA: PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOGNOSTIC PERSPECTIVE

In the present study, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of species of F. benjamina have been discussed. The phytochemical and pharmacological properties correlate with various active constituents of the plant. Ficus belongs to the Moraceae family, found in Asia and Australia, and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas, including more than 800 species. The genus Ficus constitutes a major tree group with numerous chemical constituents of promising medicinal value. Morphological characteristics of the plant show that it is a fast-growing plant and moderate to high-temperature conditions are more favorable for the fast growth of the plant. A microscopical study has shown the existence of various cells. Different plant parts have been extracted using different solvents and many bioactive compounds, chiefly stigmasterol, quercetin, cinnamic acid, lactose, naringenin, caffeic acid extracted, and isolated from roots, fruits, leaves and barks. Ficus benjamina is used by distinct native population groups in many ways as its bark, leaves, roots, fruits, and stem shows various therapeutic uses. Additionally, the stem and bark latex also shows a self-healing process. The plant parts are effective in the treatment of various microbial diseases and viral infections. F. benjamina also exhibits antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antitumour, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, antianthelminitic properties.