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 · other entries in this family
Order	Rosales
Pharmacopoeia status	Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. No WHO monograph available. Classified under Panchavalkal (group of five barks) in Ayurvedic formulary.
Taxon identifiers	GBIF 5572206 · Wikidata Q5446612 · NCBI Taxonomy 66384

Names and identification

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

Key Phytochemical Constituents

Sorbifolin
Scutellarein
Lupeol
Alpha-amyrin
Beta-amyrin
Lanosterol
Beta-sitosterol
Caffeic acid
Bergenin
Methyl ricinolate
Leucoanthocyanidins

How does it work?

Anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and COX enzymes mediated by flavonoids sorbifolin and scutellarein
Antidiabetic action through alpha-glucosidase inhibition and enhancement of insulin sensitivity by triterpenoids
Wound healing through astringent tannin action, 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 effects confirmed in carrageenan-induced paw edema models
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. Leucocyanidin bioavailability is low (10-20%) due to molecular size and gut hydrolysis. Friedelin and other 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

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

Synergistic Combinations

Ashoka (uterine tonic - Ashokarishta-like combinations)
Nyagrodha (combined Ficus species for hemorrhage)
Udumbara (tri-Ficus formula for gynecological health)
Lodhra (leucorrhea management)
Durva (hemostatic combination)

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