Ficus benghalensis
Ficus benghalenensis, commonly known as the Banyan tree, is a majestic medicinal plant revered in traditional systems like Ayurveda. Renowned for its extensive healing properties, its various parts—including bark, leaves, and sap—are utilized to treat skin ailments, inflammation, and digestive issues, offering significant therapeutic potential in natural medicine.
- Scientific name: Ficus benghalensis
- Family: Moraceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Ficus benghalenensis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Rosales and the family Moraceae. It is further identified by its genus, Ficus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Rosales | WCVP |
| Family | Moraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Ficus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several island territories. In the Middle Atlantic Ocean, it can be found on the island of St. Helena. Its presence extends into the Western Indian Ocean, where it inhabits the Chagos Archipelago. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed among the islands of Mauritius and Réunion. Finally, its range includes the island of Rodrigues within the same oceanic region.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Atlantic Ocean | St.Helena | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Chagos Archipelago | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Réunion | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Rodrigues | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Afghanistan | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Iran | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Palestine | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
Chemicals
Ficus benghalensis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include aflatoxins, carpachromene.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aflatoxins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| carpachromene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Ficus benghalensis has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum, wounds.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Plasmodium falciparum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |