The genus Ficus, commonly called Figs, constitutes an important group of trees, belonging to the family Moraceae. They have immense medicinal value and are distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Species of the family are characterised by alternate or opposite leaves, small petal-less male or female flowers and milky latex. The fruits are multiple as different flowers become joined to form a common receptacle.

   Ficus is a sacred tree of Hindus and Buddhists. Among the varied number of species in the family, the bark of four most important ones constitute the group ‘Nalpamaram’. They are namely, Ficus racemosa L. (Athi), Ficus microcarpa L. (Ithi), Ficus religiosa L. (Arayal), and Ficus benghalensis L. (Peral). The barks of these 4 laticiferous tree species form an essential group of Ayurvedic formulations such as ‘Nalpamaradi tailam’ (oil) and ‘Nalpamaradi choornam’ (powder).

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