Preliminary Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Studies on Aerial Roots of Ficus Benghalensis Linn

In 2015, a study was conducted on the aerial roots of Ficus benghalensis Linn, a plant known for its immunomodulatory, anti-bacterial, and hair growth promoting activities. The study aimed to evaluate the sectional microscopy, powder characteristics, and preliminary phytochemical screening of the plant's aerial roots. The results showed the presence of cork cells, phloem, and xylem in the sectional microscopy. The powder characteristics revealed calcium oxalate crystals and lignified fibers. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins. An extract rich in flavonoids was prepared from the aerial roots for further quantitative analysis of total flavonoid and total phenolic content.