Family : Moraceae

English : Banyan Tree

Hindi : Bat

Gujarati : Vada

Sanskrit : Nyagrodh, Vat

Part used : Aerial Root

Botanical Description: A very large tree upto 30m in height with widely spreading branches bearing many aerial roots functionaing as prop roots, bark greenish white; leaves simple, alternate, often in clusters at ends of branches , stipulate, 10-20cm long and 5-12.5cm broad, entire, coriaceous, strongly 3-7 ribbed from the base; the fruit receptacles are axillary, sessile in pairs, brick red when ripe, enclosing male ,female and gall flowers; fruits small, crustaceous achenes, enclosed in the common fleshy receptacles. Flowering and fruiting from July to March.

It is found throughout India.

Modern Pharmacological Action:Different parts of the tree have been found to possess medicinal properties; leaves are good for ulcers, aerial roots are useful in treating gonorrhea, seeds and fruits are used as cooling agent and tonic as well. A water extract of bark of the plant has been shown to possess a hypoglycemic effect. The antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of FB has been reported in hypercholesterolaemic rabbits.