Ficus Exasperata (VAHI), A Tree of High Medicinal Value and Economic Importance – A Review

Ficus exasperata is popularly known as sand paper tree, forest sandpaper fig, white fig or sand paper leaf tree due to its rough surfaces. It is a deciduous and dioecious species of plant in the Mulberry family, Moraceae. Native to tropical Africa and Southern Asia usually growing up to 21 metres tall, but with occasional specimens up to 30 metres. The slightly crooked bole is up to 50 cm in diameter which can be fluted or buttressed. The plant often begins life as an epiphyte, growing on the branch of another tree; as it grows older it sends down aerial roots which after reaching the ground quickly form roots and become much thicker and more vigorous, supplying nutrients to the fig and allowing it to grow faster than the host tree. The aerial roots gradually encircle the host tree, preventing its main trunk from expanding, while at the same time the foliage smothers the foliage of the host. Eventually the host dies, leaving the fig to carry on growing without competition. Ficus exasperata is very widely used in traditional medicine in Africa, being commonly harvested from the wild for local uses. It has several ethnomedicinal uses and insect repellent properties. Its roots, stems and leaves are traditionally employed to manage asthma, dyspnea, venereal diseases, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, intestinal pains, colic, epilepsy and bleeding wounds. Furthermore, its roots, stems and leaves are also used for the treatment of cough and haemorrhoids while the leaves are being employed as sandpaper.