Ficus sycomorus
Sycamore fig
Ficus sycomorus, commonly known as the Sycamore Fig, is a majestic evergreen tree native to Africa and the Middle East. Renowned for its longevity, this versatile plant offers significant medicinal value, with various parts used traditionally to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to skin inflammations and respiratory distress.
- Scientific name: Ficus sycomorus
- Family: Moraceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Rosales and the family Moraceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined 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 sycomorus, is recognized by various common names across different languages and cultures. In Polish, it is referred to as figowiec sykomora, while in French, it is called figuier sycomore. It is known as Сикомор in Russian, and in Hebrew, it is called שקמה. Additionally, in the Egyptian Arabic dialect (Arz), it is called جميز.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Figowiec sykomora | Wikidata |
| fr | figuier sycomore | Wikidata |
| ru | Сикомор | Wikidata |
| he | שקמה | Wikidata |
| arz | جميز | Wikidata |
| ca | sicòmor | Wikidata |
| fi | sykomoriviikuna | Wikidata |
| hu | szikomorfa | Wikidata |
| uk | Сикомор | Wikidata |
| de | Maulbeer-Feige | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of the African continent. In Northern Africa, it can be found growing in both Algeria and Egypt. Its range extends into the Macaronesian islands, specifically within Cape Verde. Furthermore, the species is present in West Tropical Africa, occurring in countries such as Benin. Finally, the distribution continues inland to include the territory of Burkina.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| 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 |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as the cluster fig, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, most notably its leaves and fruits. The leaves are frequently employed in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as inflammation, skin conditions, and digestive issues due to their bioactive compounds. Similarly, the fruits serve as a significant part of the plant's therapeutic profile, often used to aid digestion and provide essential nutrients.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Ficus sycomorus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include quercetin-3-rutinoside.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| quercetin-3-rutinoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Ficus sycomorus has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antiplasmodial, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Cardiovascular.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiplasmodial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antispasmodic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cardiovascular | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Ficus sycomorus has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Herpes Simplex Virus type 1, Plasmodium falciparum, Schistosoma mansoni, antispasmodic, diarrhea.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Plasmodium falciparum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Schistosoma mansoni | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antispasmodic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| psoriasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |