Ficus septica
Ficus septica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ficus septica is a botanical species that has gained significant scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic potential. Research focusing on its leaf and stem components has revealed potent anticancer and cytotoxic activities. Specifically, methanolic leaf extracts and ethanol fractional solutions (EFS) have been studied for their ability to influence critical cancer conditions such as angiogenesis and cell migration. These biological effects are closely linked to the presence of specialized chemical compounds, including 10R,13aR-Tylocrebrine N-oxide and 10S,13aR-tylocrebrine N-oxide. Consequently, the plant serves as a vital subject in the ongoing search for effective natural agents against cancer progression.
- Synonyms
- Ficus Leucopleura · Ficus Leucantatoma · 24 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Moraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Ficus septica is a versatile plant known by several distinct regional names. It is most commonly referred to as the Angular fruit fig due to its unique physical characteristics. In various local dialects, you may also encounter it called Awar-Awar or Awili. Other traditional designations include Bâr-abâr and the specific term Guobalapis fikusas. These diverse names highlight the plant's widespread presence across different cultures and landscapes.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Ficus septica is a botanical species that has been documented under several different taxonomic names throughout its history. Scientific literature identifies various synonyms for this plant, including the designation Covellia leucantatoma. Other recognized variations include Covellia leucopleura and Covellia radiata, reflecting different historical classifications. Furthermore, the plant has been referred to as Covellia rapiformis in certain botanical contexts. Finally, the name Covellia stictocarpa serves as another valid synonym within its complex taxonomic relationships.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Ficus septica is a distinctive species that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It follows the biological order Rosales, which connects it to many other diverse plant groups. Furthermore, it is a member of the Moraceae family, a group known for its significant botanical variety. Ultimately, this species is identified by its placement within the widely recognized genus Ficus.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Ficus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Ficus septica exhibits a widespread distribution that spans across diverse ecological zones in Asia. In temperate regions, the species can be found throughout Eastern Asia, including the Nansei-shoto islands and Taiwan. The plant also thrives in tropical environments, particularly within the Malesia region. Its presence is notably recorded across the lush landscapes of Borneo and Jawa. Furthermore, it extends its reach into the Lesser Sunda Islands, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to varying climates.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Ficus septica is a notable plant characterized by its distinct growth form as a tree. This species is entirely self-supporting, allowing it to maintain a sturdy and upright presence in its natural habitat. In terms of stature, the plant typically reaches a minimum height of 10 meters. Many specimens grow even larger, often meeting a minimum height of 15 meters as they mature. Ultimately, these trees can reach an impressive maximum height of 25 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Ficus septica is an Indonesian medicinal plant that has demonstrated significant potential in the field of oncology. Research indicates that the n-hexane insoluble fraction of its leaves possesses notable anticancer activity, particularly through its ability to inhibit angiogenesis in models of cancer growth. Furthermore, the plant contains the alkaloid tylophorine, which has been identified as a key cytotoxic component. Studies also show that extracts of F. septica exhibit strong cytotoxic properties that can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin against triple-negative breast cancer cells. These combined findings highlight the plant's promising role as a candidate for developing new therapeutic agents against malignant diseases.
Compounds
Ficus septica is a traditional Indonesian medicinal plant recognized for its potential to treat various illnesses, including cancer. Research has identified that this plant contains the cytotoxic alkaloid known as tylophorine. Studies utilizing the chicken chorioallantoic membrane model demonstrate that both the plant's leaf extracts and tylophorine exhibit significant antiangiogenic activity. By inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels, these components address a pivotal factor in malignant cancer growth and progression. Ultimately, these findings highlight the therapeutic promise of Ficus septica as a candidate for anticancer development.
Conditions
Ficus septica demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by effectively treating 4T1 cells through enhanced cytotoxic effects when combined with doxorubicin. The plant extracts also serve to treat ROS expression by providing a suppressing effect that may reduce nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, Ficus septica acts to treat angiogenesis by inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels. Specifically, it treats angiogenesis activity in chicken CAM induced by bFGF through its n-hexane insoluble fraction and tylophorine component. Ultimately, the study confirms that Ficus septica exerts a potent antiangiogenic effect on chicken CAM induced by bFGF.
Preparations
Ficus septica is prepared as EFS to evaluate its anti-cancer properties and nephroprotective potential in combination with doxorubicin. This plant is also prepared as a methanol extract from its stems to isolate various phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids. Additionally, Ficus septica is prepared as methanolic leaf extracts for phytochemical profiling through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. These different preparation methods allow researchers to explore the plant's diverse medicinal and chemical characteristics. Through these specific extractions, the biological activities and chemical compositions of the species are effectively studied.
Parts used
Ficus septica is a versatile medicinal plant that contains various bioactive components within its distinct anatomical structures. Research has identified numerous aminocaprophenone and pyrrolidine-type alkaloids specifically within the leaves of the species. These leaf extracts have demonstrated significant potential in anticancer studies, particularly through their antiangiogenic effects. Furthermore, the stems of Ficus septica serve as a rich source of phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids, including several newly discovered compounds. By utilizing both the leaves and stems, scientists can continue to explore the plant's vast pharmacological possibilities.