The Peepal plant, scientifically known as Ficus religiosa, is primarily found in the hotter parts of India. It has a wide distribution range that stretches from the central Himalayas to Assam, encompassing the Khasi and Mikir hills. Additionally, it can be found in the forests of the Western Ghats, extending from Konkan to Kerala.
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This plant is revered and considered sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is often found growing near temples, monasteries, and other religious sites. Peepal is a deciduous tree that reaches a height of up to 30 meters and has a characteristic gray bark. Its leaves are heart-shaped and have a long, tapering tip.
In terms of chemical constituents, the Peepal plant contains various compounds. Among these include essential oils, piperene, piplartine, piperlongumine, piperlonguminine, pipernonaline, iperundecalidine, and pipercide. These constituents contribute to the medicinal properties of the plant, making it a valuable resource in traditional medicine.
It is worth noting that the information mentioned above is based on the available knowledge and studies conducted on the Peepal plant. The plant’s distribution and chemical constituents may vary depending on various factors such as climate, soil conditions, and local adaptations.