Medicinal Importance of Ficus exasperata
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Ficus exasperata Tree |
Medicinal
uses of Ficus exasperata
Ficus exasperata has high medicinal importance as it
is used for the treatment of various ailments and diseases. The plant has high
concentrations of alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids. While the stem of Ficus
exasperata is rich in alkaloids and tannins, the leaves have higher proportions
of saponins, flavonoids and cyanogenic glycosides.
Sap
The sap of F. exasperata is sticky, amber colored,
non-milky and viscid. It is primarily used for the treatment of eye ailments
(such as sores and infections), general healing and stomach problems. The stem
sap of F. exasperata is applied locally for treating warts. In Ghana, the sap
is also used in blood clotting.
Bark
The bark of F. exasperata is smooth and is
whitish-grey in color. It is an excellent abortifacient and is used in various
medicinal purposes. The bark is boiled and the liquid is used to enhance quick
and easy expulsion of the after-birth in humans and cows. Also, the scrapings
of the bark help to stimulate and anoint the body. In various other countries,
the bark is used to treat leprous sores, hemorrhoids and debility.
Root
The root of F. exasperata is used both alone and in
conjunction with root and leaf. It finds its use in the treatment of
respiratory disorders (such as asthma and dyspnea) and other venereal
disorders.
Leaf
Leaves of F. exasperata are rough, stiff, leathery
in texture and ovate-elliptical in shape. The leaf extract of the plant is used
in medication for managing arterial blood pressure (hypertension), arthritis,
epilepsy, rheumatism, bleeding, intestinal pain, colics chest complications and
wounds as well as for ringworms. The leaves are also used to treat various
livestock diseases. Experiments show that the aqueous leaf extract of F.
exasperata has several pathological effects: anti-inflammatory,
anti-ulcerogenic, anti-nociceptive and anti-pyretic effects. Also, ethanolic
extract of the leaves of F. exasperata has anti-oxidative properties that
enhance its tolerance level against arthritis.
aqueous leaf extract of F. exasperata has several pathological effects: anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic,......
ReplyDeleteA good write-up. Just change the word "pathological" to 'Medicinal' as this explains better, what you mean by anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic,....
Thanks.
I am a Veterinary Doctor.
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