Phytopharmacological study of Ficus glomerata – Review

Abstract

Plants used as a source of medicine throughout the world. The present review covers the taxonomy, habitat, dis- tribution and pharmacological activities of Ficus glomerata. Ficus glomerata commonly known as Gular or Udum- bara, found all parts of India. Atharvaveda considers this as a divine plant and much used in religious sacrifice. Whole parts of the plant are rich source of bioactive component, which provide miraculous medicinal uses to the plant. Bark, leaves and unripe fruits etc are used externally and internally to cure many diseases like dysentery, menorrhagia, haemoptysis etc. Moreover, it is also useful in treatment of asthma, piles and skin diseases. The ex- tract of the different plant part showed antioxidant, hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, immu- nomodulatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-ulcer, anti-diarrheal and anti - HIV-1 integrase activities.