Banyan (Bargad): Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects

Introduction

The banyan tree, scientifically known as Ficus benghalensis, is an evergreen tree from the Moraceae family. Known as bargad in hindi and urdu, banyan in english, and bahupada or vat in sanskrit, it is a significant part of Indian history and is even the national tree of India. Every part of the banyan tree, from its fruits and leaves to its roots and bark, contributes to the diverse banyan tree benefits observed in traditional medicine.

Banyan Tree: Nutritional Value and Chemical Constituents

The banyan tree benefits arise from its rich array of phytochemicals and nutrients. The key chemical constituents found in different parts of the tree include:

• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenols
• Bark: Contains terpenoids, phenols, and flavonoids
• Aerial Roots: Packed with sterols, amino acids, and fatty acids
• Fruits: Contains fatty acids and their esters

Banyan tree seeds are highly nutritious, offering a rich source of carbohydrates and proteins. They also provide essential lipids, fibre, and vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E. With a nutritional value of approximately 130 calories per 100 grams, these seeds are also packed with minerals including sodium, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, chromium, copper, and phosphorus.

Properties of Banyan

The various banyan tree benefits include:

• Antioxidant: The presence of flavonoids and tannins give the tree strong antioxidant activity.
• Anti-inflammatory: The bark and aerial roots exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.
• Antimicrobial: The aerial roots demonstrate antimicrobial properties.
• Astringent: The tannin content gives the tree an astringent nature.

Potential Uses and Benefits of Banyan Tree

Here are some of the potential banyan tree health benefits:

1) Potential Uses of Banyan in Diabetes

The banyan tree may aid in diabetes management through its antidiabetic properties, which help lower blood sugar levels. Its bark also has a hypolipidemic effect, potentially reducing blood lipid levels, while its antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress linked to diabetes.

2) Potential Uses of Banyan in Wound Healing

Recent studies have revealed that extracts from the bark and leaves of the banyan tree significantly boost wound healing. These extracts have been found to speed up wound closure and support tissue regeneration, demonstrating their potential effectiveness in wound treatment.

3) Potential Uses of Banyan in Ulcers

Although the banyan tree roots benefits in cases of peptic ulcers are not well studied, compounds such as flavonoids and tannins have shown anti-ulcer effects in animal studies. These compounds are thought to reduce inflammation and protect gastric tissues.

4) Potential Uses of Banyan in Arthritis

Though direct evidence for banyan’s use in arthritis treatment is lacking, plant compounds like flavonoids and chlorogenic acid in banyan bark and leaves show promise. These substances have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective effects in animal models, suggesting potential benefits for arthritis management.

5) Potential Uses of Banyan in Cancer

The banyan tree shows potential in cancer treatment due to its bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and tannins. Research suggests that extracts from the banyan’s bark and leaves possess anti-cancer properties, such as inhibiting tumour growth and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. These effects are attributed to the tree’s ability to modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways.

6) Potential Uses of Banyan for Liver

Extracts from the banyan tree’s bark and leaves contain bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and tannins, which have shown promise in protecting the liver from damage. These compounds may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and support liver function by promoting detoxification and tissue regeneration.

7) Potential Uses of Banyan for Immunity

Extracts from the banyan tree’s bark and leaves, including flavonoids and tannins, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can support immune health. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and modulate immune responses, potentially improving the body’s ability to defend against infections and diseases.

8) Potential Uses of Banyan for the Brain

The banyan tree contains bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and tannins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds may protect brain cells, support cognitive function, and aid in neuroprotection. Animal studies suggest that oral administration of banyan tree roots benefits by reducing anxiety, relaxing muscles, enhancing memory, and modifying seizures. Additionally, the banyan tree fruit benefits include alleviating stress.

9) Potential Uses of Banyan Against Microbes

The banyan tree shows potential antimicrobial properties due to bioactive compounds like flavonoids and tannins. Studies have demonstrated that extracts from the tree’s roots, bark, leaves, and fruit can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. These findings suggest that banyan tree fruit benefits may include combating microbial infections.

How to Use Banyan?

The banyan tree benefits can be utilised in various ways to support overall well-being and health:

• The root and stem bark can be made into a decoction.
• The leaves can be used directly or prepared as extracts.
• The tree’s latex also has medicinal properties.

Side Effects of Banyan

There is no specific data available on the side effects of banyan. However, if you experience any mild or severe adverse reactions after using banyan, it’s important to contact your doctor.

Precautions to Take With Banyan

While banyan tree health benefits are significant, taking certain precautions can help you avoid adverse effects:

• Consult Doctor: Always consult your family doctor or an ayurvedic practitioner before starting any new treatment, and this includes using banyan, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on other medications.
• Avoid Overdosage: To prevent gastrointestinal discomfort and other potential side effects, it is crucial to stick to the dosage recommended by your doctor.
• Pregnancy and Nursing: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a qualified doctor before using banyan extracts to ensure safety.
• Allergy Awareness: If you are allergic to figs or related plants, you should avoid banyan products completely in order to prevent allergic reactions.

Interactions With Other Drugs

While there’s limited information about specific interactions of banyan with other medications, it is always wise to proceed with caution:

• Diabetic Medications: Banyan has the potential to lower blood sugar levels; hence, it could enhance the effects of antidiabetic medications.
• Anticoagulants: Banyan might interact with blood-thinning medications due to its potential effects on blood coagulation, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Conclusion

Banyan trees and their varied products have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, thanks to the numerous health benefits they offer. However, like any other medicinal herb, it’s crucial for users to be aware of potential side effects and precautions to ensure safe consumption. Always remember to consult a doctor before starting any new health regimen. By keeping these precautions in mind, you can enjoy the benefits this mighty tree has to offer safely and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874109000890?via%3Dihub

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8707271/

3. https://japsonline.com/abstract.php?article_id=3977&sts=2

4.https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjpr/article/view/262088/247416#:~:text=Several%20pharmacological%20effects%20have%20been,%2C%20anti%2D%20diabetic%20and%20anthelmintic.

5. https://www.feedipedia.org/node/155

6. https://journals.innovareacademics.in/index.php/ajpcr/article/view/6178

7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309765665_Effect_of_root-extracts_of_Ficus_benghalensis_Banyan_in_memory_anxiety_muscle_co-ordination_and_seizure_in_animal_models#:~:text=Conclusion%20Aerial%20roots%20of%20Ficus,%2C%20and%20seizure%2Dmodifying%20effect.