FolkKB

Bengal banyan

Ficus benghalensis

Ficus benghalensis is a tree species frequently cited in the medicinal practices of the Tharu people. It is traditionally employed as an astringent, anodyne, and alterative to address conditions such as fever, dysentery, diabetes, diarrhea, abscesses, and eye complaints. Scientific reviews suggest potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties due to various bioactive compounds. Some studies also indicate that beta-amylase from the fruit may degrade bacterial biofilms. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
dysentery · astringent
Traditions
traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • dysentery traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • astringent traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diabetes traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diarrhea traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • abscess traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • alterative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • anodyne traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • atrophy traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bleeding traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bruises traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cachexia traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cholera traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • eye complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • feet traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • fever traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • The study found that β-amylase from Ficus benghalensis fruit effectively degrades biofilms of several bacteria. D PMID
  • The study found that a Ni-NiO-MnOx/Graphene Oxide catalyst can selectively depolymerize lignin from Ficus benghalensis to produce vanillin with high yield and purity under mild conditions. D PMID
  • This study reviews the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer potentials of Ficus benghalensis, highlighting its diverse bioactive compounds. D PMID
  • Ficus benghalensis was one of the most frequently cited plant species with 156 use reports among the Tharu people. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Bengal banyan?

Bengal banyan (Ficus benghalensis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Bengal banyan traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Bengal banyan for: dysentery, astringent, diabetes, diarrhea, abscess, alterative. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Bengal banyan?

Bengal banyan appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Bengal banyan?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Bengal banyan; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that β-amylase from Ficus benghalensis fruit effectively degrades biofilms of several bacteria.

How strong is the evidence for Bengal banyan?

The strongest finding for Bengal banyan carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Bengal banyan safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Bengal banyan in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Bengal banyan interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Bengal banyan in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Bengal banyan?

Bengal banyan is also known as: Фикус бенгальский, Figuier des banians.

Is Bengal banyan a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Ficus benghalensis β-amylase: A potent biofilm-degrading enzyme with broad-Spectrum activity against nosocomial and foodborne pathogens. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Ethnobotanical knowledge of Tharu people living nearby Koshi River and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR), eastern Nepal. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Selective Reductive Depolymerization of Lignin to Vanillin over a Ni-NiO-MnOx/Graphene Oxide Heterojunction Catalyst. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Pharmacological and Phytochemical Insights Into Ficus benghalensis (Indian Banyan): Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Potentials. literature abstract metadata

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