Family: Moraceae

Scientific name: Ficus sycamorus

Authority: L.

Synonyms: Ficus chanas Forssk., Ficus cocculifolia Baker, Ficus comorensis Warb., Ficus damarensis Engl., Ficus integrifolia Sim., Ficus scabra Sim.

Zulu name: amancongo

Other names: bush fig, strangler fig, sycamore fig, fig mulberry

Plant description: F. sycamorus is a medium-sized to large tree with heart-shaped dark green leaves, edible round fruits that turn yellow or red when ripe and a green or yellow bark with white latex. The plant occurs naturally in the South African woodland habitat near streams.

Uses:

The white latex is applied topically on burns, inflammation, ulcers, and warts. It promotes healing.
The bark is boiled and the decoction is used to treat respiratory infections, such as sore throat, chest infection, and scrofula.
The bark is used to make decoctions to treat infertility, low sperm count, and sterility.
Eating leaves and fruits stimulates lactation. It increases breast milk production.
The fruits are used to prepare alcoholic beverages.
The leaves are mixed with ground nut cakes and eaten as food.
The wood ash is used as an alternative to salt.
The bark is soaked in water and the infusion is used to treat insomnia.
The bark infusion is used to treat pain.
The bark infusion is used to treat epilepsy.
The bark is used to treat diabetes mellitus.
The bark decoction is used to treat excessive menstrual flow.
The leaves are used to treat jaundice.
The roots are used as a laxative.
The seeds help prevent constipation.
The plant is used to treat diarrhoea.
The leaves are used as an antidote for snakebite poison.
The milk latex and bark is used as anthelmintic, against ringworms.
It is cultivated as an ornamental shade plant.

Safety precaution:

Using traditional medicine responsibly can enhance your overall health and well-being. Misuse and abuse can lead to complications. You can inquire about the correct use of traditional medicine from a knowledgeable herbalist and practitioner. You can also visit imithiyesintu.co.za or email: info@imithiyesintu.co.za to learn more about traditional medicine

References and further reading:

Al-Matani, S.K., Al-Wahaibi, R.N. and Hossain, M., 2015. Total flavonoids content and antimicrobial activity of crude extract from leaves of Ficus sycomorus native to Sultanate of Oman. Karbala Int J Mod Sci 1(3), pp.166–71.
Bello, O.M., Ojediran, O.J., Dada, A.O., Olatunya, A.M. and Awakan, O.J., 2015. In Vivo Toxicity Studies and Phytochemical Screening of Stem Bark of Ficus Sycomorus Linn (Moraceae). IOSR J Environ Sci Ver I 9(3): pp.2319–99.
Erhirhie, E.O., Ilodigwe, E.E. and Ihekwereme, C.P., 2018. Ficus Sycomorus L (Moraceae): A review on its Phytopharmacology and toxicity profile. Discovery Phytomedicine, 5(4), pp.64-71.
Ibrahim, G., Abdulmumin, S., Musa, K.Y, and Yaro, A.H., 2008. Anticulvusant Activities of Crude Flavonoid Fraction on the Stem Bark of Ficus sycomorus (Moraceae). J Pharmacol Toxicol 3(5):pp. 351–6.
Kassa, A., Tadele, Y. and Mekasha, Y., 2015. Ficus sycomorus (Sycamore Fig or Shola) Leaf, A Potential Source of Protein for Ruminants: A Review. J Fish Livest Prod [Internet] 3(4):pp.1–9.
Maundu, P, and Tengnas, T., 2005. Useful trees and shrubs for Kenya. World Agroforestry Centre.
Mudi, S.Y, Muhammad, A., Musa, J. and Datti, Y., 2015. Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Leaves and Fruits Extract of Ficus sycomorus. Chem Search J. 6(1).
Njagi, J., Piero, M., Ngeranwa, J., Njagi, E., Kibiti, C. and Njue, W., 2012. Assessment of Antidiabetic Potential of Ficus Sycomorus on Alloxan-induced Diabetic Mice. Int J Diabetes Res. 1(4): pp.47–51.
Offiah, N.V., Makama, S., Elisha, I.L., Makoshi, M.S., Gotep, J.G. and Dawurung, C.J., 2011.. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of animal diarrhoea in Plateau State , BMC Vet Res.
Okpara, J.O., Ochai, C.Z., Shwarpshakka, S.Y., Kaigoma, G.J, and Salihu, A.A., 2017. Phytochemical and Antibacterial Activities of Ficus Sycomorus (Linneaus) leaves and unripe fruits extracts. Int J Sci Appl Res 2(2):pp. 43–56.
Samia, M., Makboul, A., Rofia, M. and Salwa, F.F., 2016. Hypotensive effect of Ficus sycomorusL. on the arterial blood pressure of rabbits. Res Rev J Pharmacogn Phytochem 4(2): pp.1–6.
Wakil, A.M, Sandabe, U.K., Mbaya, A.W., Ngulde, S.I., Sodipo, O.A, and Shettima, M.S., 2016. Evaluation of Trypanocidal efficacy of Aqueous extract of Ficus sycomorus Linn. (Moraceae) stem bark in Albino rats. Vom J Vet Sci11:pp. 58–72.