Ficus platyphylla

Ficus platyphylla, commonly known as the Broad-leaved Fig, is a versatile medicinal plant prized in traditional healing practices. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is frequently utilized to treat skin ailments, inflammation, and respiratory issues. Its bioactive compounds offer significant potential for developing modern pharmacological treatments.

  • Scientific name: Ficus platyphylla
  • Family: Moraceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Rosales, falling into the family Moraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Ficus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Rosales WCVP
Family Moraceae WCVP
Genus Ficus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Ficus platyphylla, is referred to by various local names depending on the linguistic group. In Fulfulde, it is commonly called Dundeehi, while in Dagbani, it is known as Galinʒiɛɣu, and in Bissa, it is identified as Nkaba.
Language Common Name Source
ff Dundeehi Wikidata
dag Galinʒiɛɣu Wikidata
bm Nkaba Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented across several distinct nations, including Benin and Burkina. Additionally, the species can be found spanning through the territory of Gambia. The range also extends into the coastal areas of Ghana. Finally, the distribution includes the westernmost reaches of Guinea-Bissau.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Niger WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Ficus platyphylla, is recognized for its diverse medicinal properties, which are often derived from specific anatomical structures. Among its various components, the stem bark is a particularly significant part used in traditional healing practices. This bark contains bioactive compounds that are extracted to treat various ailments, making it a vital element in the pharmacological application of the species.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 4 ★★☆☆☆

Chemicals

Ficus platyphylla has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, tannins, cis-vaccenic acid, glycoside, oleic acid.

Total chemicals
10
Scientific sources
12

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cis-vaccenic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
glycoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oleic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
steroids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
trans-13-octadecenoic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Ficus platyphylla has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Anticonvulsant, Psychoactive.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticonvulsant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Psychoactive 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Ficus platyphylla has 12 reported medicinal uses identified across 19 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include depression, epilepsy, inflammation, pain, psychoses.

Total uses
12
Scientific sources
19

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
depression 3 ★★☆☆☆
epilepsy 3 ★★☆☆☆
inflammation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 2 ★☆☆☆☆
psychoses 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cognitive dysfunctions 1 ★☆☆☆☆
insomnia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
myoclonic jerks 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oxidative stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆