Food and medicinal values of some Ficus species
Authors/Creators
- 1. Department of Botany, MLSM College, Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, India
- 2. Department of Botany, Sri Jagadguru Renukacharya College of Science, Arts and Commerce, Karnataka, Bengaluru, India
- 3. Department of Botany, S.D. College, Barnala, Punjab, India
- 4. Biodiversity and Conservation Lab. Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha, India
Description
In Indian mythology, the Ficus species play an important role in India. Some Ficus species play a vital role and have a religious significance in rituals like the peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) which is worshipped in India. The Ficus species have many food and medicinal values. It has some bioactive compounds which is used to treat many aliments like diabetes, piles, toothaches, gum problems and skin infections. Figs are consumed by many avian species. The conservation of Ficus species is also the conservation of wasp and avian species. A particular wasp pollinates specific Ficus species. Keeping the importance of Ficus species as food, medicine and in ecological balance, an attempt has been made to enumerate some common Ficus species of India along with their food and medicinal values. A total of 20 species of Ficus are reported here with their importance. The chapter highlights the importance of Ficus species as a source of optional food and medicinal agents.