Udumbara

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Udumbara
Latin/Botanical	Ficus racemosa Linn.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Bergenin
• Beta-sitosterol
• Lupeol
• Friedelin
• Ceryl behenate
• Gluacol
• Ferulic acid
• Kaempferol
• Coumarin
• Racemosic acid
• Tannins (ellagic acid derivatives)

How does it work?

• Antidiabetic action via beta-sitosterol-mediated enhancement of insulin secretion and improvement of peripheral glucose uptake
• 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 action via free radical scavenging by phenolics, 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 (furocoumarins) have moderate oral bioavailability (~25-35%). 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) 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, Leucocyanidin, beta-Sitosterol, 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 (Saraca asoca) - synergistic uterine tonic for menorrhagia
• Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) - astringent synergy for gynecological conditions
• Nyagrodha (Ficus benghalensis) - Panchavalkal combination (five bark formula)
• Gular bark in Panchvalkal with Ashvattha, Plaksha, Parisha