Ficus benghalensis Linn.: A Comprehensive Review of its Ethnobotany, Bioactive Compounds, Pharmacological Applications, Safety profile and Future Directions for Obesity Therapy

Ficus benghalensis Linn or the great Indian banyan tree, has a long history of its usage in traditional medicine/herbal medicine due to its wide array of therapeutic properties, including antidiabetic, antihypertensive, insecticidal, and antimicrobial effects. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the plant's ethnobotanical significance, bioactive constituents, and pharmacological applications, with a particular focus on its potential in obesity therapy. Through an extensive literature survey from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, this review highlights the plant’s rich composition of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, sterols, and alkaloids. These compounds have demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory effects, which are essential for managing obesity and related metabolic disorders. By exploring the mechanisms through which Ficus benghalensis interacts with biological pathways, such as lipid metabolism, adipocyte differentiation, and insulin sensitivity, this review aims to provide a diverse understanding of its therapeutic potential in combating obesity. The findings suggest that Ficus benghalensis could serve as a promising natural alternative for obesity management and its associated complication.