# Ashwattha

> Ashwattha (Ficus religiosa L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Moraceae family. coli, and Candida albicans validated via disc diffusion and MIC assays Listed in WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy as a plant used in traditional medicine systems; included in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Ficus religiosa L.
- **Family:** Moraceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy as a plant used in traditional medicine systems; included in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. No specific WHO monograph dedicated to F. religiosa as of 2025.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Ashwattha |
| Latin/Botanical | *Ficus religiosa L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- Methyl oleanolate
- [Lanosterol](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lanosterol)
- [Bergapten](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#bergapten) (furanocoumarin)
- Caffeic acid
- [Bergenin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#bergenin)
- Lupin-3-one
- n-Octacosanol
- Leucoanthocyanidins
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- [Myricetin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myricetin)
- [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/)

## How does it work?

- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) action through alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase inhibition by [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) and phenolics
- Anti-inflammatory activity via COX-2 inhibition and suppression of NF-kB signaling by bergapten and [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- [Neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) effects through acetylcholinesterase inhibition and [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/)-mediated reduction of oxidative neuronal damage
- Wound healing via promotion of fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis and angiogenesis

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Antidiabetic activity confirmed in multiple in vivo studies showing significant blood [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) reduction in alloxan-induced diabetic models
- Wound healing properties validated through preclinical studies demonstrating accelerated epithelialization and increased tensile strength
- Anti-inflammatory and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) effects confirmed in carrageenan-induced paw edema and acetic acid-induced writhing models
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Candida albicans validated via disc diffusion and MIC assays

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Chen M, Liu J, Zou S and others 2025. [A review on the ethnopharmacology, metabolites, pharmacological uses, and toxicology of Ficus hirta (Moraceae) Vahl](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40385474/). *Frontiers in pharmacology*. PMID [40385474](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40385474/) · [doi:10.3389/fphar.2025.1545348](https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1545348)  
  Identified novel phenolic sesquiterpenes, furanocoumarins and flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) with potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective mechanisms across Ficus species including F. religiosa.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Oral supplementation of leaf extract at high doses adversely affected behavioral aspects in male albino mice models; dose-dependent caution recommended
- Generally regarded as safe in traditional therapeutic doses; no significant acute toxicity reported in standard pharmacological studies up to 2000 mg/kg in rodent models

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Stigmasterol
- Sitosterol
- Lanosterol
- Bergapten
- Bergenin
- Quercetin
- Myricetin
- Kaempferol

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (bark powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Twak Kwatha (bark decoction), Ghana Vati, Kshirapaka (bark boiled in milk)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g bark powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 500mg-1g extract capsule; fruit powder 3-5g

**Bioavailability:** Moderate oral bioavailability. Ficus religiosa bark contains bergapten (~45% bioavailability), [phytosterols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phytosterols) (moderate absorption, enhanced by bile salts), and tannins. Leaf [serotonin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#serotonin) content is notable but oral serotonin is largely degraded by MAO in gut wall and liver. Bark [sterols](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sterols) (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol) show 5-10% absorption, enhanced by co-administration with lecithin. [Coumarin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarin) compounds are well absorbed.

**Optimal Timing:** Bark decoction morning and evening for diabetes and wounds. Fruit powder with honey before meals. Kshirapaka at bedtime.

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract standardized to minimum 2% bergapten and minimum 3% beta-sitosterol. Total phenolic content minimum 15%. Leaf extract (research grade) with documented serotonin content.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (bark powder); 3 years (capsules/tablets); 5 years (Ghana Vati)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C. Airtight containers. Bark stores well due to high tannin content (natural preservative effect).

**Marker Compounds:** Bergapten, Beta-sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Lanosterol, n-Octacosanol, Leucoanthocyanidin, [Leucocyanidin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#leucocyanidin), [Phytol](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phytol), Serotonin (leaves)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (1:8, reduced to 1/4)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) for flavonoid and tannin enrichment
- Methanol extraction for phenolic profiling
- Kshirapaka for lipophilic constituent extraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Udumbara](/herb/udumbara/) (Ficus glomerata) and [Nyagrodha](/herb/nyagrodha/) (Ficus benghalensis) in Panchavalkala Kwatha
- With [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) for wound healing
- With [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) for female reproductive disorders
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-diabetic applications

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/ashwattha/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.