# Nyagrodha

> Nyagrodha (Ficus benghalensis L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Moraceae family. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) and Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia (IHP).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Ficus benghalensis L.
- **Family:** Moraceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) and Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia (IHP). Not included in WHO Selected Medicinal Plants monographs. National tree of India with recognized medicinal value in AYUSH systems.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Nyagrodha |
| Latin/Botanical | *Ficus benghalensis L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Bengalinoside (glucoside)
- [Leucocyanidin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#leucocyanidin)
- Leucopelargonidin
- [Friedelin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#friedelin)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- [Phytosterols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phytosterols)
- Bengalenol
- Bengalenoside
- Triterpene (penfluridol)
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- [Rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin)
- Gallic acid

## How does it work?

- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) activity through leucocyanidin-mediated beta-cell regeneration and enhancement of insulin secretion
- [Hypolipidemic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hypolipidemic) effects via inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and upregulation of hepatic LDL receptors
- Anti-inflammatory action through suppression of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and prostaglandin synthesis
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) activity via enhancement of macrophage phagocytosis and lymphocyte proliferation

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Antidiabetic use confirmed through multiple in vivo studies demonstrating significant hypoglycemic activity
- Anti-diarrheal and dysentery treatment validated via castor oil-induced diarrhea models and [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) testing
- Wound healing confirmed through excision wound models with accelerated closure and collagen synthesis
- [Analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) properties validated in hot plate and tail flick animal models

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Murugesu S, Selamat J, Perumal V 2021. [Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Properties, and Recent Applications of Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34961220/). *Plants (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [34961220](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34961220/) · [doi:10.3390/plants10122749](https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122749)  
  Comprehensive analysis of 80+ compounds from both species confirmed antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic and immunomodulatory activities with identification of leucocyanidin as a key bioactive flavonoid.

*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

- Acute toxicity studies showed LD50 > 2000 mg/kg in rodent models, indicating a wide safety margin at therapeutic doses
- Latex consumption in large quantities may cause gastrointestinal irritation; should be used cautiously during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effects

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Leucocyanidin
- Friedelin
- Sitosterol
- Phytosterols
- Quercetin
- Rutin
- Bengalinoside 
- Leucopelargonidin
- 

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Kwatha (bark decoction), Churna (bark powder), Capsule, Tablet, Lepa (paste), Vaginal pessary, Mouthwash, Ointment

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g bark powder daily; 20-40 mL bark decoction twice daily; 500 mg - 1 g standardized extract twice daily; topical paste as directed

**Bioavailability:** Leucocyanidin and leucopelargonidin (dimeric [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/)) from banyan bark show limited oral bioavailability (10-20%) due to large molecular size and hydrolysis by gut microflora. [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) provide local GI tract effects (astringent, anti-diarrheal) without requiring systemic absorption. Beta-sitosterol has oral bioavailability of 5-10% and benefits from micellar solubilization or phytosome technology.

**Optimal Timing:** Bark decoction: morning and evening, between meals. For diabetes management: 30 minutes before meals. Topical applications: as needed, clean wound area first.

**Standardized Extract:** Nyagrodha bark extract (8:1) standardized to total tannins >15% (as tannic acid), leucocyanidin >2%, beta-sitosterol >1%. Aqueous extract with validated phenolic profile by HPLC.

**Shelf Life:** Dried bark: 24-36 months; Bark powder: 18-24 months; Standardized extract: 24-36 months; Tablets/Capsules: 24-36 months

**Storage:** Dried bark and powder: cool, dry place below 25 deg C, RH <55%, in airtight containers. Extracts: protected from light, below 25 deg C. Use HPMC capsules rather than gelatin to avoid tannin-gelatin interaction.

**Marker Compounds:** Leucocyanidin, Leucopelargonidin, Beta-sitosterol, Friedelin, Beta-sitosterol glucoside, Tannic acid, Gallic acid, Bengalenoside

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional Kwatha)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Acetone-water extraction for [proanthocyanidins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proanthocyanidins)
- Cold maceration for tannin-rich extracts
- Hot water extraction with spray drying for powdered extract

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) (uterine tonic combination)
- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) (gynecological formulations, leucorrhea)
- [Udumbara](/herb/udumbara/) (anti-hemorrhagic synergy)
- Kutaja (anti-diarrheal combination)
- [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) (wound healing paste)

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

## 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.