Ficus benghalensis (Banyan tree) belongs to the Moraceae family and is the national tree of India. The huge evergreen tree is called Bargad in Hindi and Urdu, Vat in Sanskrit and Banyan or East Indian Fig in English. This woody tree with long life span is grown in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Chemical Composition of Banyan Tree:
Flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, and terpenes are abundant in the leaves and bark of the Banyan tree. Apart from that, the bark of the tree also contains quinone and furanocoumarin. The root and fruits of the tree has considerable amount of fatty acid in addition to, sterol and amino acid in the roots. The seeds of the banyan tree are a great source of both protein and carbs. The seeds also have lipid, fibre, vitamin C, and vitamin E content. These seeds have about 130 calories per 100 g of nutritious content. Minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, chromium, copper and phosphorous are also present in the seeds.
Properties, Uses and Benefits of Banyan Tree:
The banyan tree has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-diarrheal effects. In addition, it strengthens the immune system, treats dysentery, and purifies the blood.
Banyan application against microorganisms: In a scientific test, banyan root extract demonstrated suppression of bacterial growth. When studied in laboratories, the aerial root extract also showed modest antimicrobial capabilities. Banyan tree leaf, root, and fruit extracts have all demonstrated antibacterial properties.
Banyan application for brain: According to various animal studies, oral treatment of Banyan tree aerial root extract may have qualities that help with anxiety reduction, muscular relaxation, memory enhancement, and seizure control. Banyan fruit and bark extract may also help with stress relief.
Banyan application for liver: Rats with liver damage responded favourably to oral administration of the latex made by the banyan tree. The application of latex might enhance liver functioning throughout the study. Laboratory tests on the fruit extract also revealed decreased liver damage. The antioxidant components in the fruits may have played a role in the liver-protective effect. The coumarins found in Banyan fruit might also have liver-protective properties.
Banyan application for treating arthritis: During animal trials, Banyan bark extract may exhibit anti-arthritic action. In order to support the usage of banyan in arthritis, more study is necessary. You are encouraged to wait until a doctor recommends banyan for arthritis before using it.
Banyan application for treating cancer: When tested for anticancer efficacy on cell lines, the latex generated by the Banyan tree showed anticancer advantages against colorectal and breast cancer cell lines. Additionally, a Banyan tree aerial root extract exhibited significant anticancer advantages against cervical, breast, and lung cancer.
Possible immunity-boosting: Immunomodulation is the process of regulating immune system activity by enhancing or impairing it. During an animal experiment, the leaf extract stimulated neutrophils, which are immune response-related cells, demonstrating immunomodulatory function. In an experiment, the aerial root extract also promoted the blood's synthesis of antibodies. The immunological response might be strengthened by the extract.
For wound healing: Banyan's anti-inflammatory property makes it useful for wound healing. In animal trials, the root and leaf extract may exhibit wound-healing capabilities. During the study, leaf extract was able to hasten the healing of the wound. The root extract may aid in the healing of wounds.
For treating ulcers: According to animal research, the leaf extract may have anti-ulcer properties. The injury to the stomach mucosa may be lessened by the leaf extract. However, you should stay away from utilising banyan as a substitute medicine if you have stomach ulcers. Take it only after consulting a physician.
For treating diabetes: Bark extract taken orally has been found to reduce blood sugar by promoting insulin production in animal studies. In-vivo experiments using the Banyan leaf extract also revealed antidiabetic effects (animal studies). In a rat model, the leaf extract was also able to lower blood glucose levels, supporting the traditional usage of leaves as antidiabetic medicines.
There is a need for more research to determine the full range of the banyan's health advantages even though studies have shown its benefits in a variety of illnesses.
Precautions:
- Humans should not consume the fresh Banyan fruits due to their laxative properties.
- Additionally, before using this herb, pregnant or nursing women should get the advice of a medical professional.
Speak with your doctor about any possible banyan precautions before using the herb for any health issue. You will be able to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Side Effects of banyan tree
On side effects, no information was discovered. However, if you have any negative effects after using banyan, no matter how minor or serious, call your doctor right once.
Remember to speak with your doctor about any potential adverse effects before using banyan or other natural treatments for any condition.
Parts of Use: leaf, latex, stem, and bark. Usually, the stem and bark are used as a decoction.
