Logo-jhp
J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2025;14(4): 426-434.
doi: 10.34172/jhp.2025.52927
  Abstract View: 362
  PDF Download: 15

Original Article

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of Ficus religiosa stem bark extracts, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, and antipyretic activities

Samiha Mehnaz 1 ORCID logo, A.H.M. Nazmul Hasan 1* ORCID logo, Sanjeeda Ahmed 1 ORCID logo, Md. Khokon Miah Akanda 1 ORCID logo, Md. Hamiduzzaman 1 ORCID logo

1 Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka, Bangladesh
*Corresponding Author: A.H.M. Nazmul Hasan, Email: nazmul_0155@yahoo.com

Abstract

Introduction: Ficus religiosa has traditionally been used for skin ailments, menstrual disorders, infections, and inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to explore its antioxidant capacity, anti-microbial activity, thrombolytic potential, anti-inflammatory effects, and antipyretic activity.

Methods: Antioxidant potential of methanolic and n-hexane extracts was assessed through total phenol, flavonoid, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assays. Anti-microbial activity was tested on selected microbes, cytotoxicity on brine shrimp, and anti-inflammatory properties through membrane-stabilizing potential. Analgesic, antidiarrheal and antipyretic effects were evaluated in mice.

Results: The methanol extract had higher total flavonoid and antioxidant capacity content than the n-hexane extract. Both extracts showed substantial total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant content. Methanol and n-hexane extracts showed free radical scavenging capacity against DPPH (IC50: 24.524 μg/mL and 319.669 μg/mL) and NO (IC50: 463.45 μg/mL and 69.45 μg/mL). n-Hexane extract exhibited antimicrobial efficacy against all tested pathogens. At 250 µg/disc, there was a 7 mm zone of inhibition against Pseudomonas spp. and Candida albicans and an 8 mm zone of inhibition against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus aureus. Methanol extract had greater anti-inflammatory and thrombolytic activity than n-hexane extract. Maximum antidiarrheal activity was shown by methanol extract (83.48% defecation inhibition, P˂0.001), whereas n-hexane extract demonstrated notable peripheral analgesic activity (72.55% writhing inhibition, P˂0.01).

Conclusion: The extract of F. religiosa stem bark has significant therapeutic potential, which might be explored to develop natural remedies for inflammation, microbial infections, and oxidative stress-related disorders. Further study is needed to evaluate its isolated bioactive components.


Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:

Medicinal properties exhibited by the stem bark of Ficus religiosa in both in-vitro and in-vivo methods were noteworthy, providing a good option for bioassay-guided isolation and characterization of its active substances. Moreover, this study might also guide the establishment of this plant as a medicinal one.

Please cite this paper as: Samiha M, Hasan AN, Sanjeeda A, Akanda MKM, Hamiduzzaman M. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of Ficus religiosa stem bark extracts, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, and antipyretic activities. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2025;14(4):426-434. doi: 10.34172/jhp.2025.52927.

First Name
Last Name
Email Address
Comments
Security code


Abstract View: 186

Your browser does not support the canvas element.


PDF Download: 15

Your browser does not support the canvas element.

Submitted: 25 Jan 2025
Revision: 14 Jul 2025
Accepted: 16 Jul 2025
ePublished: 01 Oct 2025
EndNote EndNote

(Enw Format - Win & Mac)

BibTeX BibTeX

(Bib Format - Win & Mac)

Bookends Bookends

(Ris Format - Mac only)

EasyBib EasyBib

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Medlars Medlars

(Txt Format - Win & Mac)

Mendeley Web Mendeley Web
Mendeley Mendeley

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Papers Papers

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

ProCite ProCite

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Reference Manager Reference Manager

(Ris Format - Win only)

Refworks Refworks

(Refworks Format - Win & Mac)

Zotero Zotero

(Ris Format - Firefox Plugin)