The use of Bengal Fig (Ficus benghalensis) in the treatment of cholera is primarily rooted in traditional medicine systems, especially Ayurveda and folk medicine in the Indian subcontinent. Historically, various parts of the Bengal Fig tree, including the bark, latex, and leaves, have been recommended for gastrointestinal ailments such as diarrhea and dysentery, which are symptoms also seen in cholera. In traditional texts, preparations using Bengal Fig bark or latex were sometimes administered to manage excessive fluid loss and to attempt to restore digestive health.

However, scientific validation of these uses is limited. Modern pharmacological studies on Ficus benghalensis have found some antimicrobial and anti-diarrheal activities in extracts, but there is no robust clinical evidence specifically supporting its efficacy against Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium responsible for cholera. The traditional use likely persists due to the general astringent and anti-diarrheal properties attributed to the plant, rather than specific anti-cholera activity. Overall, while Bengal Fig is historically used for digestive complaints, its direct relevance and effectiveness in treating cholera remain unproven by rigorous scientific research.