Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis) Aerial Root Extract for Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Gingivitis

The aerial root of the Banyan Tree was tested and assessed for its anti-inflammatory effects in the case of Gingivitis.The collection and identification of the plant material involved gathering the main aerial parts of the Banyan tree from a local area.The outer surface of the aerial root of *Ficus benghalensis* is gray in color, while the cut surface is reddish-brown and rough, with longitudinal and transverse cracks, as well as rows of lenticels.The fracture surface shows a fibrous, tough bark, and the wood portion is short.The anatomy of the roots showed a well-defined secondary growth pattern.The physiochemical properties of *Ficus benghalensis* were analyzed, including loss on drying, ash values, and extractive values.The aqueous extract was found to contain flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, proteins, and carbohydrates.The total alkaloid content was calculated in terms of atropine equivalent (mg/100mg) based on a calibration curve.The total flavonoid content in the test samples was determined using a calibration plot (Y = 0.0162x + 0.0044, R² = 0.999) and expressed as milligrams of quercetin equivalent (QE) per gram of dried plant material.Group III, which received the extract (EMM) at a dose of 400 mg/kg from the aerial roots of *Ficus benghalensis*, showed a higher percentage of paw edema inhibition compared to Group II (ESM) and Group IV (EDM) that received other extracts of the same plant.However, both groups treated with the extract exhibited lower anti-inflammatory activity than the positive control.