# Plaksha

> Plaksha (Ficus lacor Buch.-Ham.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Moraceae family. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Ficus lacor Buch.-Ham.
- **Family:** Moraceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. No WHO monograph available. Classified under Panchavalkal (group of five barks) in Ayurvedic formulary.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Plaksha |
| Latin/Botanical | *Ficus lacor Buch.-Ham.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Sorbifolin
- [Scutellarein](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#scutellarein)
- [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/)
- Alpha-amyrin
- Beta-amyrin
- [Lanosterol](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lanosterol)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- Caffeic acid
- [Bergenin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#bergenin)
- Methyl ricinolate
- Leucoanthocyanidins

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and COX [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) mediated by [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) sorbifolin and scutellarein
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) action through alpha-glucosidase inhibition and enhancement of insulin sensitivity by [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids)
- Wound healing through astringent tannin action, [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity and promotion of collagen synthesis
- Immunostimulatory effects via modulation of macrophage activity and enhancement of phagocytic index

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Wound healing and anti-ulcer properties validated through clinical and preclinical studies on non-healing ulcers
- Anti-inflammatory and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) effects confirmed in carrageenan-induced paw edema models
- [Hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic) (bleeding disorder) use validated via in vitro clotting studies and astringent tannin activity
- Anti-diarrheal action confirmed through reduction of gastrointestinal motility in preclinical models

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 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

- No significant toxicity reported in traditional use at recommended Ayurvedic doses; limited formal toxicological studies available
- Latex may be irritant; topical application should be patch-tested first in sensitive individuals. Pregnancy use not studied sufficiently.

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Scutellarein
- Lupeol
- Lanosterol
- Sitosterol
- Bergenin
- Sorbifolin
- 
- Alpha-amyrin
- Beta-amyrin
- 
- Beta-

**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, Kshara (alkali preparation), Lepa (paste), Vaginal douche

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

**Bioavailability:** Plaksha (Ficus lacor/Ficus infectoria) bark contains leucoanthocyanidins and tannins similar to [Nyagrodha](/herb/nyagrodha/). [Leucocyanidin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#leucocyanidin) bioavailability is low (10-20%) due to molecular size and gut hydrolysis. [Friedelin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#friedelin) and other [triterpenes](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenes) show moderate absorption (20-30%). Beta-sitosterol has limited systemic bioavailability (5-10%) but provides local GI and uterine effects. Tannins act locally in GI tract without requiring systemic absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Bark decoction: morning and evening between meals. For gynecological conditions: as directed, often paired with menstrual cycle timing. Kshara: after meals with honey or warm water.

**Standardized Extract:** Plaksha bark extract (8:1) standardized to total tannins >12%, leucoanthocyanidins >2%, beta-sitosterol >0.8%. Kshara with validated pH, alkalinity, and ash content per API.

**Shelf Life:** Dried bark: 24-36 months; Powder: 18-24 months; Extract: 24-36 months; Kshara: 36-48 months; Tablets: 24-36 months

**Storage:** Dried bark: cool, dry, pest-free storage. Powder: airtight, below 25 deg C, RH <55%. Kshara: moisture-proof containers (highly hygroscopic). Use HPMC capsules for tannin compatibility.

**Marker Compounds:** Leucocyanidin, Friedelin, Beta-sitosterol, Beta-sitosterol glucoside, Lupeol, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, [Bergapten](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#bergapten)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction of bark
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration for tannin-rich extract
- Kshara preparation (traditional alkali extraction)
- Acetone-water extraction for [proanthocyanidins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proanthocyanidins)

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) (uterine tonic - [Ashokarishta](/formulation/ashokarishta/)-like combinations)
- Nyagrodha (combined Ficus species for hemorrhage)
- [Udumbara](/herb/udumbara/) (tri-Ficus formula for gynecological health)
- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) (leucorrhea management)
- [Durva](/herb/durva/) (hemostatic combination)

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

## 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.