Banyan Tree Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects

The use of the banyan tree to treat infections of the gastrointestinal tract is very common. Banyan tree leaves have powerful healing and anti-microbial properties, and can be used for treating disorders like dysentery and chronic diarrhoea. A study concluded that the use of Ficus benghalensis as a dietary supplement can result in numerous health benefits. The fiber content of banyan tree extract (in the form of latex) is quite high, which makes its use in the treatment of constipation.

The root extract of the banyan tree shows prominent antibacterial activity against many bacterial species responsible for tooth decay and gum disorders. The two main strains of bacteria responsible for this are Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans. A study demonstrated that the banyan tree root extract, when mixed in a toothpaste, showed significant gerimicidal (potential to destroy or kill germs) activity, when tested on animal models. Use of the banyan tree may thus be beneficial for oral health and hygiene.

Banyan tree has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory (effective against inflammation, that is, swelling, pain and redness) and analgesic (pain relieving) properties. The use of banyan tree leaf extract against inflammation caused by diseases such as arthritis has been demonstrated. Studies found that the aqueous extract of banyan tree leaves has pain-relieving properties similar to that of morphine. Further in vivo studies are, however, required to acknowledge the full potential of banyan tree extract in this regard.

Ficus benghalensis has been popularly used in the folk medicine of India. The extract from the bark of the banyan tree is a good agent for boosting the immune system. Studies found that this extract contained several bioactive compounds. These bioactive compounds have antioxidant properties and the capacity to neutralise free radicals (that cause damage to the internal organs of the body). They help in boosting the immune system and prevent diseases.

(Read more: Immunity boosting foods)

The use of leaves and extract of the banyan tree has been found in the treatment of vaginal infection, particularly leucorrhoea. Vaginal infection is usually caused due to the microbial flora of the vagina. Banyan tree extract is antimicrobial in nature and thus can be used for the treatment of vaginal infections. The bark or the leaves are crushed to make a powder, which is then mixed with water to prepare a vaginal wash for treatment of the infection.

The extract of the banyan tree leaves and barks have been found to have skin protective properties. It has the capability to block the toxic effects of several allergens (allergy-causing agents) and provide a soothing feeling. It is also used to prevent skin damage.

The leaf extract of banyan tree can be used along with warm milk to prepare a herbal drink to treat conditions like acne and rashes. Dermatologists prescribe concoctions (mixtures) prepared from banyan tree leaves and aloe vera to treat skin allergies and improve skin health. The aqueous extracts of Ficus benghalensis have been found to possess the capacity to heal wounds and are often used in their treatment.

Diabetes is a major health concern gripping the modern world. The use of banyan tree extracts for the treatment of diabetes has been prevalent since the early times. The bioactive compounds present in banyan tree extracts have been used in several preparations to treat diabetes and other related chronic disorders.

Studies have found that these compounds have promising medicinal properties and can be used to develop drugs for the management of diabetes. Further scientific research is, however, required for the extraction of these compounds and to establish their safety as a potential drug.

Different parts of the banyan tree are used to treat several neurological conditions. The fruits of the banyan tree have been found to possess the compound serotonin that can act against anxiety and depression. Further studies have also found that banyan tree extract can aid in the relaxation of the muscle cells. The bioactive compounds also have the ability to enhance memory and moderate the levels of seizure in case of a panic attack.

Leaf extract of banyan tree has been found to lower low-density lipoprotein or LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase the percentage of the high-density lipoprotein or HDL (good cholesterol). Studies have found that lipid levels in the blood have significantly been lowered by the use of medicine containing leaf extracts of Ficus benghalensis.

The leaf extract of banyan tree has larvicidal properties (killing the larvae) against the Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Anopheles subpictus species of mosquito. These mosquitoes act as vectors of diseases such as encephalitis and malaria respectively. The methanolic extract of banyan tree leaves has been found to effective for the control of mosquito species, which can help to prevent and control mosquito-borne diseases.

The extract obtained from the aerial roots also called prop roots of the banyan tree, have been found to possess anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The aerial roots contain several bioactive compounds that are effective against several species of fungi and bacteria. This property of the aerial roots has an immense potential for their use as biocontrol agents against the spread of many diseases and in food preservation.

(Read more: Infection treatment)

Banyan tree can also be used as agents for pollution control. Studies have found that banyan tree has the potential to act against the agents causing air pollution. This property of banyan tree makes it a good agent for maintaining the quality of air in areas with high levels of air pollution. This may help in the prevention of respiratory disorders and ailments in that community or area.

(Read more: Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)