Ficus sur Forssk.

Laboratory study

The extracts show antioxidant, enzyme and cytotoxic activities; methanolic leaf extract shows moderate HHV-1 activity. In vitro findings, without a validated human treatment.

Laboratory study

The South African DPPH/FRAP tests provide a chemical lead but do not demonstrate that eating figs treats anaemia, infection or ageing. An interesting molecule does not establish whole-extract safety.

Laboratory study

The Ivorian-material study uses 10 g dry material per 200 mL solvent: a 1:20 mass/volume ratio. It compares overnight methanolic maceration with a 15-minute aqueous infusion. An analytical protocol, not a preparation for consumption.

Plant part

Dried leaves and stem bark

Laboratory study

Ogunlaja and colleagues isolated epicatechin, lupeol and β-sitosterol from fruit; β-sitosterol and pheophytin a from leaves. The laboratory solvents used do not allow these profiles to be automatically transferred to an akpeteshie macerate or a hydrosol.

Literature synthesis

Soft, poorly durable wood; bark fibre and brown dye are documented. Bark recovers poorly after harvesting. At Odo, favour fallen material; avoid structural use and ring-barking living trees.

Animal study

A Nigerian team studied ethanolic bark extract in rodent seizure and sedation models. This pharmacological signal supports research; it validates neither an epilepsy remedy nor a sleep tea.

Literature synthesis

An Ethiopian study compares eleven soil indicators at three distances from trees. Some values, including total carbon, calcium and cation exchange capacity, are high beneath large old Ficus sur; most simple species or distance effects are not significant.

Traditional account

PROTA reports digestive, respiratory and reproductive uses, plus fertility symbolism; leaves serve as good-luck charms in Uganda. None of these uses is assigned to Busua without local testimony.