Pharmacognostical profile of Ficus racemosa leaves.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Studies on some pharmacognostical profile of ficus racemosa linn (fam. moraceae) leaves
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Subhash C. Mandal, Pulok K. Mukherjee, Kakali Saha, M. Pal, B.P. Shah
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Studies on some pharmacognostical profile of ficus racemosa linn (fam. moraceae) leaves
Year: 1999
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ficus racemosa Linn, commonly known as a moderate-sized to large spreading tree from the Moraceae family, is widely distributed across India, particularly in West Bengal. It is cultivated for its edible fruits and recognized for its medicinal properties, such as treating dysentery, diabetes, and as an antiseptic mouthwash among others. This study undertook a comprehensive pharmacognostical analysis of the leaves of Ficus racemosa, aimed at establishing identification parameters for future research. The investigation included macroscopic evaluations, ash and extractive value determination, and preliminary phytochemical screenings.
Phytochemical Composition of Ficus Racemosa Leaves
One of the notable findings from the study was the identification of several active metabolites within the leaves of Ficus racemosa. Preliminary phytochemical tests revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and steroids, while alkaloids and anthraquinones were notably absent. Chloroform extracts yielded minimal values, contrasting with more significant extraction yields observed with methanol and water. The thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis demonstrated the presence of a white crystalline steroidal compound. These findings emphasize the therapeutic potential of Ficus racemosa leaves and provide foundational data for further pharmacological explorations.
Conclusion
The pharmacognostical study on Ficus racemosa leaves has established crucial parameters for identification and highlighted its potential beneficial properties stemming from its rich phytochemical composition. The collective findings suggest that the leaves possess significant extractable compounds, which may contribute to the plant's therapeutic applications. Continued investigation and characterization of these compounds are essential for validating the traditional uses of Ficus racemosa and for exploring its possibilities in modern medicine. The contribution of this study is valuable for both academic research and practical applications in herbal medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Ficus racemosa Linn and its uses?
Ficus racemosa Linn is a tree indigenous to India, known for its edible fruits. The leaves are used to treat dysentery, bilious conditions, and as a mouthwash, while the roots and fruits have various medicinal applications, such as in diabetes and stomach ailments.
What pharmacognostical studies were conducted on Ficus racemosa?
The studies included macroscopic examination, ash and extractive value determination, chemical treatment responses, and phytochemical screenings. These help in establishing parameters for identifying Ficus racemosa leaves in future research and applications.
What were the findings on the leaves' chemical properties?
The study found the presence of steroid, saponin, tannin, flavonoid, and reducing sugar in Ficus racemosa leaves. Various extractives showed different properties, with steroidal compounds isolated from the petroleum ether extract.
What methodology was used for extracting properties from the leaves?
Extraction was performed using Soxhlet apparatus with solvents like petroleum ether, benzene, and methanol. Physical constants such as ash values and extractive values were analyzed, along with behaviour towards chemical reagents and under ultraviolet light.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pharmacognostical profile of Ficus racemosa leaves.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Water:
Water is relevant in the context of extractive values where the study presents data on water-soluble extracts from Ficus racemosa leaves. It highlights the importance of water as a solvent in herbal extraction, affecting the concentration and properties of phytochemicals that could be beneficial for therapeutic uses.
2) Pharmacognostical:
Pharmacognostical refers to the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants or other natural sources. In the article, pharmacognostical parameters are defined and studied for Ficus racemosa to provide valuable information for identification, quality control, and the therapeutic potential of the plant in herbal medicine.
3) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical pertains to the chemical compounds produced by plants, which often have biological significance. This study includes phytochemical tests to identify the presence of active metabolites in Ficus racemosa leaves, underscoring the relevance of these compounds in traditional and modern medicine for their health benefits.
4) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid is a class of phytochemicals found in many plants that exhibit various biological properties, including antioxidant activity. The presence of flavonoids in Ficus racemosa leaves, as indicated in the study, suggests potential health benefits and therapeutic uses, which may contribute to the plant's traditional medicinal applications.
5) Sugar:
Sugar refers to reducing sugars detected during the phytochemical investigation of Ficus racemosa leaves. The presence of sugars may indicate potential energy sources and contribute to the flavor profile of herbal preparations made from the plant. They may also have implications for biological activities and therapeutic efficacy.
6) Saha (Sāha, Shaha):
Saha, in the context of this study, refers to one of the authors, Kakali Saha, demonstrating contributions from multiple researchers in investigating Ficus racemosa. The collaboration among various individuals in scientific research is crucial for advancing knowledge and ensuring a comprehensive examination of health-related properties of plant materials.
7) Drug:
Drug denotes substances used for medical treatment. Ficus racemosa, being studied for its pharmacognostical properties, has traditional medicinal applications, indicating its potential status as a therapeutic agent. The inquiry into its chemical properties aids in establishing its efficacy and safety as a herbal remedy.
8) Discussion:
Discussion represents a critical section of scientific research where findings are interpreted and implications are explored. In the study, the discussion encompasses the results concerning the pharmacognostical and phytochemical characteristics of Ficus racemosa, facilitating understanding of its medicinal uses and guiding future research directions.
9) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context refers to the systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge through observation and experimentation. The pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies on Ficus racemosa exemplify how scientific methodologies are employed to validate efficacy and safety, bridging traditional uses with empirical evidence.
10) Mahendra (Māhendra, Mahemdra, Maha-indra):
Mahendra, in the context of this study, refers to Mahendra Pal Singh, whose work in Indian medicinal plants is cited. This connection highlights the tradition of referencing established knowledge in scientific literature, reinforcing the integration of historical data with contemporary research in herbal pharmacology.
11) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine originating in India that emphasizes natural remedies and holistic health approaches. The relevance of Ficus racemosa in traditional Ayurvedic practices underlines its potential pharmacological properties, reflecting the importance of integrating ancient medicinal wisdom with modern scientific investigations.
12) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is an ancient Tamil system of medicine, similar to Ayurveda, focusing on herbal treatments and holistic health. References to Siddha practices in the study of Ficus racemosa point to the plant's relevance in traditional medicinal systems, advocating the exploration of its potential therapeutic applications within this framework.
13) Acrid:
Acrid describes a sharp, pungent taste or odor often associated with certain plants. The study notes that Ficus racemosa leaves possess a slightly acrid taste, which may provide insights into its organoleptic properties. This characteristic can influence consumer acceptance and therapeutic applications of herbal formulations.