Phytochemical Analysis and Antiasthamatic Potential of Ficus religiosa Linn.

Abstract

Herbal medicine is one of the oldest valuable bestowal that was given to mankind. Many plants and herbs hold their prestigious position in the field of medicine among which Ficus religiosa belonging to the family Moraceae is the vital one. It is commonly named as “sacred fig”, “Bo tree” “Peepal” or “Ashwattha” in Sanskrit. The different parts of the F. religiosa species tree namely bark, fruits, leaves, seeds and latex are used as chief indigenous medicines to cure various ailments. Recent studies have reported that F. religiosa is used in the traditional medicine to relieve about 50 types of disorders including diabetes, diarrhea, epilepsy inflammatory disorders, and gastric problems, sexual and infectious disorders. The findings from phytochemical screening of leaves showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, Phenols, proteins, saponins, tannins, terpenoids and glycosides. Further, the antiasthmatic study findings revealed that ethanolic extract of leaves extract was found to more competent to treat respiratory inflammation. The selective ethanolic phytochemicals from leaves of F. religiosa confirms the presence antitubercular potential.