Evidence supporting the use of: Ficus religiosa
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ficus religiosa, also known as the sacred fig or "Peepal tree," has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine in India and other parts of Asia. Traditional healers have used various parts of the tree—including the leaves, bark, and seeds—for their purported sedative and calming properties. In Ayurveda, Ficus religiosa is sometimes recommended to help with sleep disturbances and conditions like insomnia, often as part of polyherbal formulations or as a decoction of the leaves or bark.
However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. There are a few preclinical studies suggesting that extracts from Ficus religiosa may have central nervous system depressant and anxiolytic effects in animal models, which could potentially support its traditional use for promoting sleep. For example, some studies report mild sedative or tranquilizing effects in rodents, but the number of studies is small, and data from human clinical trials are lacking. No major pharmacological guidelines or clinical recommendations currently support its use for insomnia based on robust scientific evidence.
In summary, the use of Ficus religiosa for insomnia is primarily justified by traditional practices rather than strong scientific evidence. While some preliminary animal studies provide weak support, more rigorous research, especially human studies, is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for treating insomnia.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
Other health conditions supported by Ficus religiosa
Abdominal PainAnxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysentery
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Eye Infections
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Migraine
Pain (general remedies for)
Poisoning (general)
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scars / Scar Tissue
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress