In vitro and in vivo evaluation of Ficus religiosa stem bark extracts, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, and antipyretic activities

Introduction: Ficus religiosa has traditionally been used for skin ailments, menstrual disorders, infections, and inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to explore its antioxidant capacity, anti-microbial activity, thrombolytic potential, anti-inflammatory effects, and antipyretic activity. Methods: Antioxidant potential of methanolic and n-hexane extracts was assessed through total phenol, flavonoid, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assays. Anti-microbial activity was tested on selected microbes, cytotoxicity on brine shrimp, and anti-inflammatory properties through membrane-stabilizing potential. Analgesic, antidiarrheal and antipyretic effects were evaluated in mice. Results: The methanol extract had higher total flavonoid and antioxidant capacity content than the n-hexane extract. Both extracts showed substantial total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant content. Methanol and n-hexane extracts showed free radical scavenging capacity against DPPH (IC50: 24.524 μg/mL and 319.669 μg/mL) and NO (IC50: 463.45 μg/mL and 69.45 μg/mL). n-Hexane extract exhibited antimicrobial efficacy against all tested pathogens. At 250 µg/disc, there was a 7 mm zone of inhibition against Pseudomonas spp. and Candida albicans and an 8 mm zone of inhibition against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus aureus. Methanol extract had greater anti-inflammatory and thrombolytic activity than n-hexane extract. Maximum antidiarrheal activity was shown by methanol extract (83.48% defecation inhibition, P˂0.001), whereas n-hexane extract demonstrated notable peripheral analgesic activity (72.55% writhing inhibition, P˂0.01). Conclusion: The extract of F. religiosa stem bark has significant therapeutic potential, which might be explored to develop natural remedies for inflammation, microbial infections, and oxidative stress-related disorders. Further study is needed to evaluate its isolated bioactive components.