Objective: To evaluate the phytochemical constituents and the antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of Ficus benghalensis seed locally prescribed as a diet for peptic ulcer.Methods: Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total phenolics, flavonoids and tannins were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extract of the plant was assessed against DPPH, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation and reducing power assay using standard protocols.Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavones, tannins, carbohydrates, saponins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, quinones, terpenoids and coumarins. The total tannin content of the ethanolic seed extract was high (127.121.508 TEg), followed by phenolics (80.461.868 GEg) and flavonoids (39.231.205 QEg). The activities of plant extract against DPPH, nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation were concentration dependent with IC50 values of 446.9, 596.0 and 557.0 µg respectively. The reducing ability of F. benghalensis was found to be 418.34 at 1000 μg.Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence that the crude extract of Ficus benghalensis is a potential source of natural antioxidants, and this justifies its use in folkloric medicine.Â
