Preliminary phytochemical investigation of roots of Ficus benghalensis.

Micromorphological characters for Ficus benghalensis are not reported. It is used in Ayurveda for the treatment of Diarrhea, Dysentery and piles, Rheumatism, skin disorders like sores, teeth disorders, to boost immune system, as a hypoglycemic. Literature reports the number of uses like anthelmentic, astringent, antidiabetic, dermatitis, and anti-inflammatory activity of this plant. The main constituents in the plant are carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins, steroids and gums and mucilage, lupeol, ceryl behenate, lupeol acetate, α-amyrin acetate, leucoantho cyanidin, and leucoanthocyanin. It is characterized by the presence of thick walled cork, several layered regularly arranged. Epidermis is thin walled and single layered, cortex and hypodermis is distinct, fibres and vessels are lignified, medullary rays are thick walled and lignified. Centre is occupied by the pith which is thin walled and has parenchymatous cells. Phytochemical investigation of root shows total ash (3.5% w/w), acid insoluble ash (4.0% w/w), and water soluble ash (5.0% w/w). Loss on drying is 4.6% w/w. Alcohol soluble extractive value (3.8% w/w), water soluble extractive value (10.5% w/w), chloroform soluble extractive value (10.4% w/w) and ether soluble extractive value (7.2%w/w). In alcoholic extract and aqueous extract, tannins and saponins are present in in major amount. Other constituents include carbohydrate, glycosides, phenolic compounds and gums and mucilage were present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]