Ficus virens

HABIT: Ficus virens eventually establishes itself as a tree that can reach up to 35 m in height, although it may also grow independent. The leaves of this deciduous species are spirally-arranged, hairless, and have entire laminas that can be egg-shaped, oblong or elliptical. The petioles are yellowish green. F. virens intermittently sheds all its leaves, and during the period of new leaf growth that lasts a few days, the stipules are also shed. Following these leaf flushes, more syconia are produced.

CONSERVATION STATUS: Evaluated as 'Least Concern' by IUCN.

MEDICINAL USES: There is limited research available on the pharmacological activities of Ficus virens. However, some studies have investigated its potential medicinal properties. F. virens leaves exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects activities. Ficus virens bark extract showed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in mice. Ficus virens extract also had significant antidiabetic effects in diabetic rats. The extract was found to lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

(Patel, M. H., Desai, B. S., Jha, S. K., Patel, D. P., Mehta, A. A., & Garde, Y. A. (2023). Phytochemical, pharmacognosy and ethnobotanical importance of the Ficus virens Aiton.)

ETHNOBOTANICAL USES: Fruits and young sprouts are used as food, same leaf as a fodder and the trees are used in the Agri-Horticulture shade tree in coffee plantations; ornamental tree along avenues; host tree for lac insects. In addition to being a source of edible syconia, the new foliage of Ficus virens can be consumed as a vegetable and pickle. Furthermore, the leaves contain antioxidants and exhibit free-radical scavenging activity, making them potentially useful in the prevention and treatment of human diseases. The species also has the potential to be used for phytoremediation of metals, and individual trees are capable of intercepting heavy metal pollutants from the atmosphere.

(Patel, M. H., Desai, B. S., Jha, S. K., Patel, D. P., Mehta, A. A., & Garde, Y. A. (2023). Phytochemical, pharmacognosy and ethnobotanical importance of the Ficus virens Aiton.)