Ficus benjamina L (Weeping Fig)

Ficus benjamina L (Weeping Fig)

Product Name: Фикус свисающий, Ficus benjamina, Birkenfeige, higuera benjamina, figuier pleureur, تين بنجامينا, ไทรเบนจามินา, Бенжамин фикуси, Фикус Бенжамин, Benjamin ənciri, انجири бенджамина, fikusas benjaminas, benjaminas fikuss, фікус Бенджаміна, פיקוס בנג'מינה

Synonyms: фикус Бенджамина, плакучий фикус, комнатный фикус, weeping fig, Benjamin fig, house ficus, Ficus nitida, birkenfeige, ficus pleureur, figuier de Benjamin, arbre à caoutchouc nain, شجرة التين المنزلي, ไทรดอกไม้, ไทรตกแต่ง

Parts Used: leaves, bark, fruits, latex, roots

Main Indications for Ficus benjamina Use: acute and chronic inflammatory dermatoses, eczema, psoriasis, bacterial skin infections, skin mycoses, chronic bronchitis, asthmatic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, cough with difficult sputum, periodontitis, gingivitis, stomatitis, chronic pharyngitis, gastric ulcer, duodenitis, diarrhea of infectious and non-infectious etiology, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, chronic venous insufficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin, gout, chronic hepatitis, fatty liver disease.

Use of Ficus benjamina in mixtures and complexes: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic gastritis, pancreatitis, chronic renal failure, systemic lupus erythematosus, Raynaud’s syndrome, atherosclerosis, chronic heart failure, post-stroke rehabilitation, immunodeficiencies, oncological diseases at the stages of supportive therapy.

Pharmacological Properties of Ficus benjamina

antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, bronchodilator, expectorant, antispasmodic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hypotensive, venotonic, analgesic, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, wound-healing, sedative, mild diuretic, anticoagulant, chondroprotective, cardioprotective.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Ficus benjamina

Powder — Ficus benjamina

Indications (Powder): acute and chronic inflammatory dermatoses, eczema, psoriasis, bacterial skin infections, skin mycoses, chronic bronchitis, asthmatic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, periodontitis, gingivitis, stomatitis, chronic pharyngitis, gastric ulcer, duodenitis, diarrhea of infectious etiology, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin, gout, chronic hepatitis, fatty liver disease.

Standard Dosage (Powder): orally, 1.5 grams of powder 2 times a day, with 150 milliliters of warm water, course of 14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): orally, 2 grams of powder 3 times a day for hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin, chronic bronchitis with viscous sputum.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): orally, 3 grams of powder 3 times a day for severe forms of pyoderma, soft tissue abscesses, acute bacterial gastroenteritis.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): orally, 1 gram of powder 1 time a day for chronic liver diseases, metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia, in courses of 20 days with a 10-day break.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): orally from 12 years of age, with body weight from 30 kg — 0.5 grams 2 times a day, with 100 milliliters of warm water.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, acute gastric ulcerative lesions, pregnancy and lactation — no contraindication data registered, children under 12 years of age — contraindicated.

Side Effects (Powder): in case of overdose, nausea, diarrhea, allergic rash possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dosage by 25%, for body weight above 90 kg — increase dosage by 20%.

Preparation method (Powder): take dried plant leaves — 100 grams, grind into a flour-like powder using a mill, sift through a 0.3 mm mesh sieve, package in an airtight glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 10 to 25 °C, in an airtight container, shelf life 24 months, use within 60 days after opening.

Dry Extract — Ficus benjamina

Indications (Dry Extract): acute and chronic inflammatory dermatoses, psoriasis, fungal skin infections, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic hepatitis, fatty liver disease.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 0.5 grams of dry extract 2 times a day, with 100 milliliters of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 0.8 grams of dry extract 3 times a day for hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, chronic bronchitis.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 1 gram of dry extract 3 times a day for acute bacterial infections of skin and soft tissues, acute skin mycoses.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 0.25 grams of dry extract 1 time a day for chronic liver diseases, atherosclerosis, in courses of 20 days with a 10-day break.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): orally from 12 years of age, with body weight from 30 kg — 0.15 grams 2 times a day.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance, pregnancy and lactation — no contraindication data registered, children under 12 years of age — contraindicated.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): in case of overdose, nausea, dizziness, allergic rash possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dosage by 25%, for body weight above 90 kg — increase dosage by 15%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): take dried plant leaves — 500 grams, grind, perform extraction with 70% ethanol (ethanol is used only for extraction and is not a component of the finished preparation) in a raw material-to-solvent ratio of 1:5, infuse for 72 hours at 25 °C, filter, evaporate the solvent in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the alcohol smell completely disappears, dry the extract in a drying oven at 45 °C to a powder state, grind, package in an airtight container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a dry, cool place at a temperature of 5 to 20 °C, in airtight packaging, shelf life 24 months, use within 90 days after opening.

Tincture — Ficus benjamina

Indications (Tincture): chronic bronchitis, asthmatic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, cough with difficult sputum, periodontitis, gingivitis, chronic pharyngitis, acute bacterial skin infections, skin mycoses, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin, gout, chronic hepatitis.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): orally, 20 drops of alcohol tincture 3 times a day, diluted in 50 milliliters of warm water, course of 14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): orally, 30 drops 3 times a day for chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): orally, 40 drops 3 times a day for severe forms of acute bacterial skin infections, purulent soft tissue lesions.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): orally, 15 drops 1 time a day for chronic respiratory diseases, in courses of 20 days with a 10-day break.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): orally from 14 years of age, 5–10 drops 2 times a day, diluted in 50 milliliters of warm water.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, chronic alcoholism, acute liver diseases, pregnancy and lactation — no contraindication data registered, children under 14 years of age — contraindicated.

Side Effects (Tincture): in case of overdose, dizziness, nausea, allergic reaction possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dosage by 20%, for body weight above 90 kg — increase dosage by 15%.

Preparation method (Tincture): take dried plant leaves — 100 grams, grind, place in a glass container, pour 500 milliliters of 40% ethyl alcohol (ethanol is used only as an extractant and is not a component of the finished preparation), infuse in a dark place at 20–25 °C for 10 days, shaking periodically, filter, dispense into dark glass bottles, if necessary, evaporate to reduce alcohol strength and completely eliminate the smell for external use.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of 5 to 20 °C, in tightly closed containers, shelf life 24 months, use within 90 days after opening.

Oil Infusion — Ficus benjamina

Indications (Oil Infusion): acute and chronic inflammatory dermatoses, eczema, psoriasis, bacterial skin infections, skin mycoses, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin, gout, chronic bronchitis, asthmatic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic pharyngitis.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally, apply a thin layer 2 times a day to affected skin areas; for inhalation — 3 milliliters of oil infusion in an inhaler per 200 milliliters of hot water.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally 3–4 times a day during exacerbation of inflammatory dermatoses; for rheumatoid arthritis — compresses with oil infusion for 2–3 hours.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally 5–6 times a day; for inhalation — no more than 5 milliliters of infusion per 200 milliliters of hot water.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally 1 time a day for prevention of recurrence of chronic skin diseases, in courses of 15 days with a 15-day break.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally from 6 years of age, apply a thin layer 1 time a day, avoiding mucous membranes.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance, deep open wounds, third-degree burns, pregnancy and lactation — no contraindication data registered, children under 6 years of age — contraindicated.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): in case of overdose, skin irritation, itching, redness possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required for external use.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): take fresh or dried plant leaves — 50 grams, grind, pour 200 milliliters of coconut oil, place in a water bath and heat at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C for 4 hours, stirring every 15 minutes, cool, filter through cheesecloth, dispense into dark glass bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of 5 to 20 °C, in tightly closed containers, shelf life 12 months, use within 30 days after opening.

Ointment — Ficus benjamina

Indications (Ointment): acute and chronic inflammatory dermatoses, eczema, psoriasis, bacterial skin infections, skin mycoses, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis of inflammatory origin, gout, neuralgia, myalgia of inflammatory origin.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): externally, apply a thin layer to affected skin areas or joint areas 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): externally 3–4 times a day during exacerbation of inflammatory dermatoses; for rheumatoid arthritis and gout — applications under a bandage for 2–3 hours.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): externally up to 5 times a day on limited skin areas for severe inflammatory processes.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): externally 1 time a day in courses of 15 days with a 15-day break for chronic dermatoses and joint diseases in remission.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): externally from 6 years of age, apply a thin layer 1 time a day, avoiding mucous membranes and the eye area.

Contraindications (Ointment): individual intolerance, deep open wounds, third-degree burns, pregnancy and lactation — no contraindication data registered, children under 6 years of age — contraindicated.

Side Effects (Ointment): in case of overdose, skin irritation, itching, local redness possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required for external use.

Preparation method (Ointment): take dry leaf powder — 20 grams, coconut oil — 70 grams, beeswax — 10 grams, heat the oil in a water bath to 50 °C, add leaf powder, mix thoroughly, heat for 30 minutes, add beeswax, stir until completely dissolved, cool to 40 °C, dispense into sterile jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 5 to 20 °C, in tightly closed containers, shelf life 12 months, use within 60 days after opening.

Cream — Ficus benjamina

Indications (Cream): dry eczema, psoriasis in remission, chronic inflammatory dermatoses, skin mycoses, pigmented spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, skin photoaging, seborrheic dermatitis.

Standard Dosage (Cream): externally, apply a thin layer to affected skin areas or areas of hyperpigmentation 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): externally 3 times a day for pronounced dry skin, hyperpigmentation, skin mycoses.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): externally up to 4 times a day on limited skin areas for pronounced changes.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): externally 1 time a day at night for prevention of dry skin, photoaging, pigmented spots, in courses of 30 days with a 30-day break.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): externally from 6 years of age, apply a thin layer 1 time a day, avoiding mucous membranes and the eye area.

Contraindications (Cream): individual intolerance, acute purulent skin diseases, pregnancy and lactation — no contraindication data registered, children under 6 years of age — contraindicated.

Side Effects (Cream): in case of overdose, skin irritation, itching, allergic reaction possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required for external use.

Preparation method (Cream): take leaf oil infusion — 50 grams, beeswax — 5 grams, distilled water — 40 grams, plant-based emulsifier — 5 grams, heat the oil phase (infusion and wax) to 65 °C, heat the water phase to 65 °C, pour the water phase into the oil phase with constant stirring, whip until a homogeneous emulsion forms, cool to 35 °C, dispense into sterile jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 5 to 15 °C, in tightly closed containers, shelf life 6 months, use within 30 days after opening.

Cosmetic Serum — Ficus benjamina

Indications (Cosmetic Serum): skin hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, skin photoaging, dry skin, dull complexion, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, rosacea in remission, fine wrinkles.

Standard Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): externally, apply 3–4 drops of serum to cleansed facial and neck skin 1–2 times a day, gently spreading until fully absorbed.

Enhanced Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): externally, 5–6 drops of serum 2 times a day for pronounced hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory spots, signs of photoaging.

Maximum Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): externally, 7–8 drops of serum 2 times a day for pronounced pigmentation changes and signs of skin aging.

Preventive Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): externally, 2–3 drops of serum 1 time a day at night for prevention of photoaging and pigmentation, in courses of 30 days with a 30-day break.

Pediatric Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): externally from 14 years of age, for seborrheic dermatitis and hyperpigmentation — 1–2 drops 1 time a day, avoiding the eye area and mucous membranes.

Contraindications (Cosmetic Serum): individual intolerance, acute purulent skin processes, pregnancy and lactation — no contraindication data registered, children under 14 years of age — contraindicated.

Side Effects (Cosmetic Serum): in case of overdose, skin irritation, itching, allergic reaction possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required for external use.

Preparation method (Cosmetic Serum): take leaf extract — 10 grams, leaf hydrolate — 70 grams, vegetable glycerin — 10 grams, hyaluronic acid — 0.5 grams, coconut oil — 5 grams, serum emulsifier — 0.5 grams, vitamin E — 0.5 grams, combine the water phase (hydrolate, glycerin, hyaluronic acid) and the oil phase (coconut oil, extract, vitamin E) at 40 °C, whip until homogeneous, dispense into sterile bottles with a dispenser.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a refrigerator at a temperature of 4 to 8 °C, in tightly closed containers, shelf life 3 months, use within 30 days after opening.

Sunscreen Form — Ficus benjamina

Indications (Sunscreen Form): photodermatitis, prevention of skin photoaging, pigmented spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, prevention of skin cancer in at-risk patients, skin protection in diseases accompanied by photosensitivity (systemic lupus erythematosus, porphyria).

Standard Dosage (Sunscreen Form): externally, apply 20 minutes before sun exposure in a thin, even layer to exposed skin areas, reapply every 2 hours of sun exposure.

Enhanced Dosage (Sunscreen Form): externally, reapply every 90 minutes during intense sun exposure, when used at the beach or in the mountains.

Maximum Dosage (Sunscreen Form): externally, up to 6 applications per day to exposed skin areas when the UV index is high (8 and above).

Preventive Dosage (Sunscreen Form): externally, apply 1 time a day during normal outdoor activity; for chronic photosensitivity diseases — daily 20 minutes before going outside, year-round.

Pediatric Dosage (Sunscreen Form): externally from 6 years of age, apply once every 2–3 hours when in the sun, avoiding the eye area and mucous membranes.

Contraindications (Sunscreen Form): individual intolerance to components, acute purulent skin processes, pregnancy and lactation — no contraindication data registered, children under 6 years of age — contraindicated.

Side Effects (Sunscreen Form): in case of overdose, skin irritation, allergic reaction, burning sensation possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required for external use.

Preparation method (Sunscreen Form): take leaf oil infusion — 30 grams, micronized zinc oxide — 20 grams, coconut oil — 40 grams, beeswax — 8 grams, vitamin E — 2 grams, combine the oil infusion, coconut oil and beeswax, heat in a water bath to 60 °C, add zinc oxide and vitamin E, mix thoroughly, cool to 40 °C, dispense into sterile tubes.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a dark place at a temperature of 5 to 20 °C, in tightly closed containers, shelf life 12 months, use within 60 days after opening.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Ficus benjamina

In a study on mice (Mus musculus), the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) for the ethyl acetate fraction of Ficus benjamina leaf extract was ≈ 2454 mg/kg body weight in males, while for females the LD₅₀ could not be determined (falls into the pseudo-LD₅₀ category) bohrium.com+8researchgate.net+8sciencebiology.org+8.

A study was also conducted on Wistar rats (Lorke method), where the LD₅₀ for the aqueous (hydroalcoholic) extract exceeds 5000 mg/kg, with no fatal cases registered researchgate.net; https://www.researchgate.net/p...

Pharmacodynamics — Ficus benjamina

Experimental data indicate that Ficus benjamina extracts exhibit pronounced antioxidant activity, contributing to a reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines at both local and systemic levels, along with a modulating effect on the immune system MDPI+12PMC+12PubMed+12. Inhibitory effects on IL-6 and IL-8 secretion have been confirmed, reflecting potential anti-inflammatory action at the cellular level MDPI+2PubMed+2. Furthermore, isolated fractions of the extract demonstrate antimicrobial activity, including the ability to suppress the growth of target bacteria, including resistant and biofilm-forming strains, indicating local antimicrobial action MDPI+10MDPI+10ScienceDirect+10. Pro-wound-healing activity at the level of tissue regeneration and associated accelerated cellular wound healing has been noted MDPI+2PubMed+2. Analgesic and antipyretic effects have also been identified, indicating systemic action through neurogenic and cytokine-induced pathways of pain and thermal regulation ResearchGate+11Scilight Press+11Sciltp Media+11.

According to a meta-analysis on the genus Ficus, to which F. benjamina belongs, representatives demonstrate a wide range of bioactivities — antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticonvulsant, immunomodulatory, as well as potential for neuroprotective and metabolic effects on target systems such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system Wiley Online Library+11PubMed+11ResearchGate+11. Among the bioactive molecules identified are flavonoids, phenolic acids (caffeic, cinnamic), terpenoids, and sterols. These components can interact with enzymes, mediators, and receptors, exerting modulating and protective effects both locally and systemically, which is confirmed by results on the inhibition of COX-related inflammatory processes and modulation of neurotransmission Sciltp MediaResearchGatePubMed.

Thus, the pharmacodynamics of Ficus benjamina is characterized by a complex target system — including the immune, nervous, and skin systems — and the manifestation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, antipyretic, and regenerative (pro-wound-healing) effects, achieved through interactions with inflammatory mediators, cellular receptors, and enzyme systems both locally and systemically Scilight PressPMCMDPIPubMed

Pharmacokinetics — Ficus benjamina

Reliable data on the pharmacokinetics of Ficus benjamina are lacking, but general patterns suggest pathways of absorption and elimination of active substances. Flavonoids and phenolic acids present in the extracts, when administered orally, are likely absorbed through the gastrointestinal mucosa, undergo phase I/II metabolism in the liver, including possible glucuronidation and sulfation, and are excreted in bile and urine. Upon external application (ointment, cream, serum), local absorption through the epidermis allows only a small fraction to enter systemic circulation, with transdermal delivery of bioflavonoids and terpenoids, their accumulation in skin layers, and potential interaction with local microflora and skin enzymes. It is also hypothesized that with inhalational or nasal administration, penetration through the respiratory mucous membranes with subsequent distribution through the vascular system may occur.

Metabolism of active components likely involves phase I/II reactions in the liver, with the participation of hepatocyte enzymes, and elimination of metabolites via the kidneys (urine) and liver (bile). Some elimination through the skin is possible with topical application. Accumulation in tissues, especially skin, may occur with prolonged use of topical forms.

Thus, the pharmacokinetics of Ficus benjamina is based on classical pathways of absorption (oral, transdermal, mucosal), metabolism in the liver, and elimination via the kidneys and bile, along with local effects upon external application PubMedScilight Press.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Ficus benjamina

Extracts of Ficus benjamina contain flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and sterols, which modulate enzyme systems, including cyclooxygenases (COX-1, COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX), leading to a reduction in the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, leukotrienes) and cytokines. Flavonoids (e.g., catechin, gallocatechin) suppress prostaglandin synthesis, while tannins and phenols additionally reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which underlies the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects at both local and systemic levels Sciltp Media+2PMC+2

Phytochemical studies have also shown a reduction in the secretion of cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 upon exposure of the extract to human dermal fibroblasts, indicating modulation of the immune response and anti-inflammatory action at the cellular level; additional in silico models confirm the interaction of active compounds (e.g., caffeic acid) with enzymes, signaling molecules (MAPK1, MAPK8), transporters (SULT1A1), and inflammatory mediators (MIF, ALOX5) at the molecular level PMC

Due to the antioxidant capacity of the extract’s active compounds, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are neutralized, leading to inhibition of the NF-κB-dependent transcriptional cascade and reduced production of pro-inflammatory mediators, including COX-2, iNOS, and related cytokines. The anti-inflammatory action and polyphenols present in extracts of other Ficus species support this effect, including regulation of MAPK and STAT signaling pathways pubs.acs.org+15MDPI+15ResearchGate+15

Thus, the proposed mechanisms of action include inhibition of inflammatory enzymes (COX, LOX), suppression of cytokines (IL-6, IL-8), inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades, antioxidant protection against ROS, as well as molecular interactions with metabolism enzymes and inflammatory mediators. These mechanisms underlie the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory potential of the plant Sciltp MediaPMCMDPI

Synergy — Ficus benjamina

Scientific publications currently contain no direct evidence of synergistic interaction of Ficus benjamina with other plants or compounds. However, data on similar species (e.g., flavonoid and phenolic compounds from Ficus) demonstrate enhanced enzymatic and cytokine-modulating activity when combined with antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory plant components, suggesting potential additive or modulating interactions at the level of receptor and signaling cascades, such as MAPK and NF-κB ResearchGate+5scilit.com+5PMC+5

Given the lack of direct data for F. benjamina, any claims of synergy remain hypothetical and require in vitro or in vivo confirmation ResearchGatescilit.com

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Ficus benjamina

Ficus benjamina is traditionally used in the folk and medical practices of Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Africa, the islands of Oceania, and some regions of South America. The plant has its greatest ethnobotanical significance in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, where it is used in medicinal preparations and ritual practices. In Thai traditional medicine, the leaves and latex of F. benjamina are used to prepare infusions, decoctions, and pastes, applied externally and internally; in some areas of Laos and Cambodia, the leaves and bark serve as components of hot compresses and steam inhalations. In Indian Ayurvedic practice, latex is considered a concentrated substance for external use, and the fruits — as an element in powders and pastes. In the traditions of Malay and Indonesian healers, the plant is often used in the form of fresh juice or mashed leaves applied to the skin.

Historical references to the use of Ficus benjamina are found in written sources from Southeast Asia no later than the 16th century, particularly in Malay medical compilations and Thai royal herbals. Archaeoethnobotanical data indicate the presence of representatives of the genus Ficus in rituals and medicine as early as the pre-Islamic period in the Malay Archipelago. Among some peoples of Southeast Asia, the tree was considered sacred, symbolizing resilience and strength, and was planted near temples and houses for protection from evil spirits.

In Thai and Lao culture, Ficus benjamina is used in rituals of cleansing space and people: branches with leaves are used to fan ceremony participants, and smoke from burnt plant parts — as a means of expelling negative energy. In Balinese and Javanese tradition, the tree serves as a decorative and sacred element, participating in temple offerings. In the Philippines and some parts of India, latex was used for household purposes — for repairing ceramics and as an adhesive substance in crafts. In some regions, the plant served as an element of divination rituals, where leaves were placed in water and their behavior observed to interpret the future.