Banyan (Bargad): Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects

Introduction

The banyan tree, scientifically known as Ficus benghalensis, is an evergreen tree from the Moraceae family. Known as bargad in hindi and urdu, banyan in english, and bahupada or vat in sanskrit, it is a significant part of Indian history and is even the national tree of India. Every part of the banyan tree, from its fruits and leaves to its roots and bark, contributes to the diverse banyan tree benefits observed in traditional medicine.

Banyan Tree: Nutritional Value and Chemical Constituents

The banyan tree benefits arise from its rich array of phytochemicals and nutrients. The key chemical constituents found in different parts of the tree include:

• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenols
• Bark: Contains terpenoids, phenols, and flavonoids
• Aerial Roots: Packed with sterols, amino acids, and fatty acids
• Fruits: Contains fatty acids and their esters

Banyan tree seeds are highly nutritious, offering a rich source of carbohydrates and proteins. They also provide essential lipids, fibre, and vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E. With a nutritional value of approximately 130 calories per 100 grams, these seeds are also packed with minerals including sodium, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, chromium, copper, and phosphorus.

Properties of Banyan

The various banyan tree benefits include:

• Antioxidant: The presence of flavonoids and tannins give the tree strong antioxidant activity.
• Anti-inflammatory: The bark and aerial roots exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.
• Antimicrobial: The aerial roots demonstrate antimicrobial properties.
• Astringent: The tannin content gives the tree an astringent nature.

Uses and Benefits of Banyan Tree

Here are some of the potential banyan tree health benefits:

1) Diabetes

The banyan tree may aid in diabetes management through its antidiabetic properties, which help lower blood sugar levels. Its bark also has a hypolipidemic effect, potentially reducing blood lipid levels, while its antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress linked to diabetes.

2) Wound Healing

Recent studies have revealed that extracts from the bark and leaves of the banyan tree significantly boost wound healing. These extracts have been found to speed up wound closure and support tissue regeneration, demonstrating their potential effectiveness in wound treatment.

3) Ulcers

Although the banyan tree roots benefits in cases of peptic ulcers are not well studied, compounds such as flavonoids and tannins have shown anti-ulcer effects in animal studies. These compounds are thought to reduce inflammation and protect gastric tissues.

4)Arthritis

Though direct evidence for banyan’s use in arthritis treatment is lacking, plant compounds like flavonoids and chlorogenic acid in banyan bark and leaves show promise. These substances have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective effects in animal models, suggesting potential benefits for arthritis management.

5) Immunity

Extracts from the banyan tree’s bark and leaves, including flavonoids and tannins, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can support immune health. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and modulate immune responses, potentially improving the body’s ability to defend against infections and diseases.

6) Brain

The banyan tree contains bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and tannins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds may protect brain cells, support cognitive function, and aid in neuroprotection. Animal studies suggest that oral administration of banyan tree roots benefits by reducing anxiety, relaxing muscles, enhancing memory, and modifying seizures. Additionally, the banyan tree fruit benefits include alleviating stress.

7) Against Microbes

The banyan tree shows potential antimicrobial properties due to bioactive compounds like flavonoids and tannins. Studies have demonstrated that extracts from the tree’s roots, bark, leaves, and fruit can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. These findings suggest that banyan tree fruit benefits may include combating microbial infections.

Which Parts of Banyan Can be Used?

The banyan tree benefits can be utilised in various ways to support overall well-being and health:

• The root and stem bark can be made into a decoction.
• The leaves can be used directly or prepared as extracts.
• The tree’s latex also has medicinal properties.

Precautions to Take With Banyan

While banyan tree health benefits are significant, taking certain precautions can help you avoid adverse effects:

• Consult Doctor: Always consult your family doctor or an ayurvedic practitioner before starting any new treatment, and this includes using banyan, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on other medications.
• Avoid Overdosage: To prevent gastrointestinal discomfort and other potential side effects, it is crucial to stick to the dosage recommended by your doctor.
• Pregnancy and Nursing: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a qualified doctor before using banyan extracts to ensure safety.
• Allergy Awareness: If you are allergic to figs or related plants, you should avoid banyan products completely in order to prevent allergic reactions.

Interactions With Other Drugs

While there’s limited information about specific interactions of banyan with other medications, it is always wise to proceed with caution:

• Diabetic Medications: Banyan has the potential to lower blood sugar levels; hence, it could enhance the effects of antidiabetic medications.
• Anticoagulants: Banyan might interact with blood-thinning medications due to its potential effects on blood coagulation, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Conclusion

Banyan trees and their varied products have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, thanks to the numerous health benefits they offer. However, like any other medicinal herb, it’s crucial for users to be aware of potential side effects and precautions to ensure safe consumption. Always remember to consult a doctor before starting any new health regimen. By keeping these precautions in mind, you can enjoy the benefits this mighty tree has to offer safely and effectively.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

1. Singh, R. K., Mehta, S., Jaiswal, D., Rai, P. K., & Watal, G. (2009). Antidiabetic effect of Ficus bengalensis aerial roots in experimental animals. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 123(1), 110–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.02.017https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874109000890?via%3Dihub

2. Murugesu, S., Selamat, J., & Perumal, V. (2021). Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Properties, and Recent Applications of Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa. Plants, 10(12), 2749. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122749https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8707271/

3. Singh, P., Dhankhar, J., Kapoor, R. K., Kumar, D., Bhatia, S., Harrasi, A. A.-, & Sharma, A. (2023). Ficus benghalensis—A comprehensive review on pharmacological research, nanotechnological applications, and patents. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 13,(10), 059–082. https://doi.org/10.7324/japs.2023.134426https://japsonline.com/abstract.php?article_id=3977&sts=2

4. Vimala, G., & Shoba, F. (2015). Determination of nutritive value and mineral elements of ficus benghalensis Linn. Seed. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 8, 156–159.https://journals.innovareacademics.in/index.php/ajpcr/article/view/6178