Paňca Ksīra Vrksa (Ficus Species Used in Ayurvedic Medicine)

Paňca Ksīra Vrksa is significant part of Āyurvedic pharmacy. Milky-latex of five trees is included in this group. The plants mentioned in this group have diverse pharmacological actions. Basically they are astringent and are useful in treating bleeding. This may be pharmacological basis of inclusion of medicinal plants like Ficus bengalensis L. in the treatment of vaginal diseases (yoni roga in Āyurveda) like menorrhagia and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. In addition they have vulnerary and galactagouge properties as per Āyurveda (although it needs scientific validation). Modern investigations have thrown on hypotensive, hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective properties of extracts of these plants. The article reviews Āyurvedic dynamics and modern investigations of constituents of Paňca Ksīra Vrksa