Abstract

FICUS AURICULATA (ELEPHANT EAR FIG): A PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW

Kavitha Chandran C. I.* and K.G. Revikumar

ABSTRACT

The genus Ficus (Moraceae) constitutes one of the largest genera of angiosperms includes with more than 800 species and 2000 varieties of Ficus genus, occurring in most tropical and subtropical forests worldwide. It is collectively known as fig trees and the most well-known species in the genus is the common fig (Ficus auriculata), which produce commercial fruit called fig. Ficus auriculata (Roxburgh fig) is a type of fig tree seen all over Asia noted for its big and round leaves. Leaves are crushed and the paste is applied on the wounds. They are also used in diarrhea and dysentery. Leaves are lopped for fodder. Stem bark juice is effective for diarrhea, cuts and wounds. Fruits are edible and can be made into jams and curries. Roasted figs are taken for diarrhea and dysentery. Root latex is used in mumps, cholera, diarrhea and vomiting. Several tribes in Northern eastern India especially in Manipur use the leaf of Ficus auriculata, traditionally for the treatment of diabetes.

Keywords: Ficus auriculata, Moraceae, fruit, fig tree, Traditional medicine.