A Threatened Introduced Species ( Ficus benghalensis L.) in Ismailia, Egypt

Abstract

The genus Ficus belongs to Moraceae (Mulberry family). It is comprised of around 1000 species from pantropica land subtropical origins; plants of the family are on the whole woody, ranging from trees and shrubs to climbers. F. benghalensis has many common names as Indian banyan tree, East Indian fig tree, and vada tree, banyan tree is considered sacred by Hindus and is largely grown near temples. It is a large and extensive growing tree of the Indian subcontinent. Ficus compound showed significant antioxidant effect, which might be ascribed to their polyphenolic nature. The stem bark of Ficus benghalensis L. and Ficus racemosa L. are utilized in India for the treatment of diabetes and various different illnesses. The bark of Ficus benghalensis decreased fasting blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin. The fruit of Ficus ben-ghalensis is used in folk medicine for respiratory disorders and certain skin disease.