A Compendious Write-up on Unani Potent Drug: Bargad (Ficus benghalensis)
Syedath Aysha Mehar KPM , Husna Nellengal* , Hafiza Roshan , Majida Nazeem , Nihala Zakariyya
DOI : 10.46890/SL.2021.v02i01.004
Abstract
Traditional medicine is the oldest form of healthcare and is used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Bargad that is found in tropical areas is one of the medicinal herbs used in the Unani System of medicine for the treatment of many diseases. Bargad is a tree with a wide range of multi-dimensional chemical structures and pharmacological actions. It is known as Batinurduand and commonly known as the Banyan tree in English. Bargad is a big tree distributed all over India, with a height of 15-20m and wide in radius. Aerial roots are hanging from the tree, which gives support to its branches. It has a red, round fruits and white milky latex exudates from its bark. All parts of Bargad are used medicinally and it interacts differently on internal and external application. In Unani classical texts, the temperament of Bargad is mentioned as Barid Yabis and its actions are qabiz, muqawwi-e-aza-e-raeesa, mumassik. It’s all parts have a myriad of health benefits some of which are even unpredictable like bark is considered as a tonic and astringent, latex is used in piles, premature ejaculation etc. It is also used in various Unani compound formulations but is mainly used as a single drug. Bargad is also considered as sacred and is popularly used in folk and other traditional medicines. The various chemical constituents present in it include like aerial root contains phytosterolin, leaves contain triterpine and friedelin, the bark contains glucoside and many others. Although only a tiny fraction of existing plant species have been scientifically researched for bioactivities; it is found that it posses antidiabetic, antibacterial, antihelmintic, analgesic, anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory promoting properties. In a glance, this article contains the description, distribution, habitat, preservation, cultivation, medicinal properties, Unani aspect, aspect in other systems and researches done in Bargad, by making use of Unani classical texts and other sources available to us.
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Traditional medicine is the oldest form of healthcare and is used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Bargad that is found in tropical areas is one of the medicinal herbs used in the Unani System of medicine for the treatment of many diseases. Bargad is a tree with a wide range of multi-dimensional chemical structures and pharmacological actions. It is known as Batinurduand and commonly known as the Banyan tree in English. Bargad is a big tree distributed all over India, with a height of 15-20m and wide in radius. Aerial roots are hanging from the tree, which gives support to its branches. It has a red, round fruits and white milky latex exudates from its bark. All parts of Bargad are used medicinally and it interacts differently on internal and external application. In Unani classical texts, the temperament of Bargad is mentioned as Barid Yabis and its actions are qabiz, muqawwi-e-aza-e-raeesa, mumassik. It’s all parts have a myriad of health benefits some of which are even unpredictable like bark is considered as a tonic and astringent, latex is used in piles, premature ejaculation etc. It is also used in various Unani compound formulations but is mainly used as a single drug. Bargad is also considered as sacred and is popularly used in folk and other traditional medicines. The various chemical constituents present in it include like aerial root contains phytosterolin, leaves contain triterpine and friedelin, the bark contains glucoside and many others. Although only a tiny fraction of existing plant species have been scientifically researched for bioactivities; it is found that it posses antidiabetic, antibacterial, antihelmintic, analgesic, anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory promoting properties. In a glance, this article contains the description, distribution, habitat, preservation, cultivation, medicinal properties, Unani aspect, aspect in other systems and researches done in Bargad, by making use of Unani classical texts and other sources available to us.