# Udumbara

> Udumbara (Ficus racemosa Linn.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Moraceae family. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Ficus racemosa Linn.
- **Family:** Moraceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Not included in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants as of 2025. Recognized in AYUSH systems of India.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Udumbara |
| Latin/Botanical | *Ficus racemosa Linn.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Bergenin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#bergenin)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/)
- [Friedelin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#friedelin)
- Ceryl behenate
- Gluacol
- Ferulic acid
- [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/)
- [Coumarin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarin)
- Racemosic acid
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) (ellagic acid derivatives)

## How does it work?

- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) action via beta-sitosterol-mediated enhancement of insulin secretion and improvement of peripheral [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) uptake
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) effect through bergenin-mediated reduction of liver enzyme levels and suppression of oxidative stress biomarkers
- Anti-diarrheal activity through tannin-mediated astringent effects on intestinal mucosa and reduction of intestinal motility
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) action via free radical scavenging by phenolics, [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) and bergenin

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Antidiabetic activity validated in alloxan and STZ-induced diabetic animal models with significant blood glucose reduction
- Anti-diarrheal properties confirmed through castor oil-induced diarrhea models showing significant reduction in frequency and volume
- Wound healing activity demonstrated in excision and incision wound models with improved collagen deposition and epithelialization
- Gastroprotective activity validated against aspirin and ethanol-induced gastric ulcer 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

- Toxicity studies in rodent models show no significant adverse effects at doses up to 2000 mg/kg body weight (acute oral toxicity)
- Latex may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; internal use of latex should be supervised due to potential purgative effects at high doses

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Kashaya (astringent wash), Capsule, Tablet, Svarasa (latex/juice), Lepa (paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g bark powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; latex: 5-10 drops with honey

**Bioavailability:** Ficusin and [psoralen](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#psoralen) (furocoumarins) have moderate oral bioavailability (~25-35%). [Leucocyanidin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#leucocyanidin) and other condensed tannins are poorly absorbed systemically but exert potent local astringent effects on mucosa. beta-Sitosterol has moderate absorption (~10-15%) enhanced by lipid co-administration. Latex proteases (ficin-like [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes)) are active topically but denatured in GI tract.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for GI astringent action; after meals for general tonic; external application as needed

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract standardized to >12% total tannins (as tannic acid equivalent); >0.3% beta-sitosterol by HPLC; >0.1% psoralen by HPLC

**Shelf Life:** Bark powder: 18-24 months; Capsules/Tablets: 24-36 months; Decoction: prepare fresh; Latex: 6-12 months (refrigerated)

**Storage:** Bark powder in airtight containers at 15-25 deg C, protected from moisture and insects. Latex stored in amber glass at 2-8 deg C with preservative (0.1% sodium benzoate).

**Marker Compounds:** Ficusin, Psoralen, [Bergapten](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#bergapten), Leucocyanidin, beta-Sitosterol, [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Lupeol, Ficin

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction of bark
- Hydroethanolic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Cold water maceration for mucilaginous fraction
- Latex collection (scoring bark)
- Methanol extraction for furocoumarin enrichment

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) (Saraca asoca) - synergistic uterine tonic for menorrhagia
- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) (Symplocos racemosa) - astringent synergy for gynecological conditions
- [Nyagrodha](/herb/nyagrodha/) (Ficus benghalensis) - Panchavalkal combination (five bark formula)
- Gular bark in Panchvalkal with Ashvattha, [Plaksha](/herb/plaksha/), Parisha

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

## 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.