Ficus religiosa, also known as the sacred fig or peepal tree, has been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda and Unani, to manage gastrointestinal disorders including dysentery. The bark, leaves, and fruit of the plant are often mentioned in classical texts and ethnobotanical surveys as remedies for diarrhea and dysentery. The traditional use is primarily based on empirical knowledge and reports of local healers who administer decoctions or powders of the plant as an astringent and antimicrobial agent.

Scientific studies investigating the anti-dysenteric properties of Ficus religiosa are limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have indicated that extracts of the plant may possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which could theoretically contribute to its efficacy in treating infectious diarrhea or dysentery. For example, extracts have shown activity against certain bacterial pathogens and have demonstrated some antidiarrheal effects in animal models. Nevertheless, these findings are preliminary, and there is a lack of robust clinical evidence in humans directly supporting its effectiveness for dysentery.

Thus, the use of Ficus religiosa for dysentery is primarily justified by traditional practice, with limited preclinical evidence to support the claims. More rigorous scientific studies are required to validate its safety and efficacy for this indication.