Ficus auriculata (Moraceae) Roxburgh Fig

Ficus auriculata (Roxburgh Fig)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Ficus auriculata

Family: Moraceae

Genus: Ficus

Related Herbs from the same family:

(Refer to the list under Ficus racemosa, as the family is the same. Key related herbs include Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis, and Ficus racemosa.)

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Ficus auriculata | English: Roxburgh Fig, Elephant Ear Fig | Sanskrit: Phalgu, Timir | Hindi: Timla, Jagnya Dumur | Tamil: Kalathi | Telugu: Brahma Medi | Kannada: Kadatai | Malayalam: Kallathi | Marathi: Tibri | Bengali: Joggo Dumur | Nepali: Nebhara |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Cooling,Astringent, Laxative (ripe fruit), Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Galactagogue, Stomachic.

Medicinal Parts:

The fruit(both ripe and unripe), bark, and latex are used medicinally.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Tannins: Present in the bark and unripe fruit. Their actions are Astringent and Antioxidant.

Flavonoids: Their primary actions are Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory. They also contribute to Antidiabetic effects.

Dietary Fiber: High in the fruit. Its action is Laxative (in ripe fruit) and it supports digestive health.

Vitamins and Minerals: The fruit is a good source of Vitamin C and minerals. This supports its role as a Nutritive Tonic.

Phytosterols: May contribute to the Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic potential of the plant.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Daha (Burning Sensation) & Trishna (Excessive Thirst)

Formulation: Ripe fruit.

Preparation & Use: The ripe fruit is consumed for its sweet, cooling juice, which is very effective at quenching thirst and reducing internal heat.

Reasoning: The fruit has a Sheeta (cooling) potency, which directly pacifies Pitta dosha, alleviating burning sensations and thirst.

Vibandha (Constipation)

Formulation: Ripe fruit.

Preparation & Use: Eating the ripe fruit acts as a mild laxative, relieving constipation.

Reasoning: The dietary fiber in the ripe fruit adds bulk to the stool and promotes bowel movements.

Stanyajanana (Galactagogue)

Formulation: Ripe fruit or leaf vegetable.

Preparation & Use: The ripe fruits and the tender leaves, cooked as a vegetable, are given to nursing mothers to improve milk flow.

Reasoning: It acts as a nutritive tonic, providing essential fluids and nutrients required for lactation.

Prameha (Diabetes)

Formulation: Bark decoction or leaf extract.

Preparation & Use: Similar to F. racemosa, the bark and leaves are used in traditional preparations to help manage blood sugar levels.

Reasoning: The flavonoids and other compounds help improve glucose metabolism.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

The fruit is widely eaten raw, made into jams, or used in curries. The young leaves and shoots are cooked as a vegetable.

Cooling Fruit Juice for Summer

Purpose: To quench thirst and cool the body.

Preparation & Use:

· Extract the pulp from ripe F. auriculata fruits.

· Mix with water, a pinch of rock salt, and a squeeze of lemon.

· Drink as a refreshing beverage.

Tender Leaf Stir-fry (Saag)

Purpose: A nutritious green vegetable, especially for lactating mothers.

Preparation & Use:

· Clean and chop the tender leaves and shoots.

· Stir-fry with mustard oil, garlic, and cumin seeds.

· Cook until tender and serve with rice.

Ripe Fruit Jam

Purpose: A delicious way to preserve and consume the fruit.

Preparation & Use:

· Cook the ripe fruit pulp with jaggery or sugar until it thickens.

· Add cardamom for flavor.

· Use as a spread or sweet condiment.

7. Disclaimer:

Ficus auriculatais safe when consumed as a food. The unripe fruit is astringent and may cause constipation if eaten in excess. The medicinal use of the bark for diabetes should be done under guidance, as it can lower blood sugar levels. As with any natural remedy, consult a healthcare provider before using it for therapeutic purposes.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

· Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

· Indian Medicinal Plants by K.R. Kirtikar and B.D. Basu

· The Wealth of India

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Ficus racemosa (Cluster Fig)

* Species:Ficus racemosa | Family: Moraceae | Genus: Ficus

* Similarities:As closely related figs, they share almost identical medicinal profiles: cooling, astringent, galactagogue, and antidiabetic. They are often used interchangeably in regional traditions.

2. Ficus carica (Common Fig)

* Species:Ficus carica | Family: Moraceae | Genus: Ficus

* Similarities:Both produce edible figs with laxative (ripe) and astringent (unripe) properties. They are nutritive, cooling, and support digestive health.

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