Ithi

Overview

Ficus microcarpa is a well-known traditional medicinal plant.
Commonly known as Indian Laurel, it is distributed across the hotter parts of India.
Nalpamaram is an ayurvedic combination of four ficus tree barks used to treat skin diseases and for cosmetic purposes.
Ithi is one of the members of Nalpamaram.

Ficus microcarpa is native to tropical Asia, Southern China, Taiwan, islands of the Western Pacific, and Australia, requiring a warm and humid atmosphere. It can withstand temperatures close to 0 °C.
A tropical tree with smooth light-gray bark and oblanceolate leaves, it can grow to about forty feet (twelve meters) tall and with an equal crown spread in Mediterranean climates. In favourable banyan habitats, it grows much larger, producing numerous prop roots.

The bark contains tannin, wax, and saponin. Sterols, terpenoids, glycoside, flavonoids, polyphenols, proteins, and carbohydrates are present in various plant parts.
The phytochemistry is well-studied, revealing triterpenoids, fatty alcohol, steroids, coumarin, flavane, 4-hydroxybenzoates, and a carotenoid-like compound in Ficus microcarpa bark (FMB).
Antioxidant and antibacterial potential are identified in plant phenolics like protocatechuic acid, catechol, p-vinylguaiacol, syringol, p-propylphenol, vanillin, and syringaldehyde in FMB.

Dried leaves, aerial roots, and bark are used in traditional and folklore remedies to treat diverse ailments.
The plant’s latex, containing chitinase, exhibits antifungal properties.
Used to cleanse blood, lower blood sugar levels, and as a remedy for leprosy, vaginal diseases, haemorrhoids, and phlegm.
Traditionally, the bark is employed in the treatment of diabetes, ulcers, burning sensation, haemorrhages, itching, liver disease, toothache, and ulcers.

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