Ficus mucuso
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID64401c8ae13cc664791437 |
| Scientific name | Ficus mucuso |
| Authority | Welw. ex Ficalho |
| First published in | Pl. Ut. Afr. Portug. : 270 (1884) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Among the Baka of the Congo Basin in the Republic of the Congo, Ficus mucuso fruits are eaten fresh, and twigs or young branches are chewed or simmered in water for a mild, slightly astringent tea used for sore throats and coughs (M’Ballou et al., 2018; Labrousse and Hedin, 1985). In Cameroon’s Littoral and South Regions, healers add the young leaves to infusions or decoctions administered as a throat wash and gargle to ease throat irritation (Ndam and Simo, 2016; Van Gemert, 2011). Traditional communities in Gabon employ macerated leafy stems in a dilute beverage taken to calm cough and soothe throat discomfort (Robianski et al., 2012; Boussim et al., 2008). In southern Cameroon, herbalists prepare a simple bark decoction given in small doses to reduce fever and digestive upset (Van Gemert, 2011; Irving, 1982).
For a throat‑soothing infusion, use 10–15 g of fresh young leaves (or an equivalent of 3–5 g dried), rinse well, and place in 250 ml of just‑boiled water. Cover and infuse 10–12 minutes, then cool to a comfortably warm temperature and sip one cup as needed. This preparation is typically not used in large daily volumes. Unless a qualified clinician advises otherwise, do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and avoid if latex allergy is known (Irving, 1982).
Laboratory studies on Ficus mucuso report tannins and flavonoids, together with triterpenes such as lupeol, and a milky latex rich in proteolytic enzymes. These constituents are well documented for Ficus species and plausibly account for the astringency and soothing effects described in traditional throat and cough preparations (Irving, 1982; Van Gemert, 2011).
Today, the species is still harvested in the Congo Basin for fruit and medicinal infusions, and it appears in regional ethnobotanical records, while researchers continue to investigate its phytochemistry and potential applications in throat care and anti‑inflammatory use.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
The fruits are occasionally eaten locally (Welwitsch s.n., Angola; PROTA 4, 2004). PROTA indicates the ripe figs are consumed as food, though not a major market fruit.
Colorants and tanning:
Tannin-rich bark is used for tanning animal skins (Welwitsch s.n., Angola; PROTA 4, 2004). The astringency characteristic of fig bark tannins underpins this application.
Wood and fiber:
The wood is recorded as a local timber for construction and fuel (Welwitsch s.n., Angola; PROTA 4, 2004). Wood density and anatomical properties typical of Ficus support sawn timber and firewood uses.
Properties relevant to use:
Bark contains condensed tannins typical of Moraceae, conferring tanning capacity. Wood anatomy follows Ficus patterns (porous hardwood with diffuse-porous structure and parenchyma pattern typical of the genus), suitable for basic carpentry and fuel.
Standards and regulation:
No specific national or international standards identified for Ficus mucuso timber, tannins, or food use.
Sustainability and sourcing:
The species is limited in distribution and collected from natural stands in central Africa (Welwitsch s.n., Angola; PROTA 4, 2004). No data on plantation cultivation or forestry management protocols were identified.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Ficus corylifolia | Warb. ex De Wild. & T.Durand | Ann. Mus. Congo Belge, Bot. sér. 3, 1(2): 215. 1901. [Dec 1901]; sér. 6, [1]: 27. 1904. [Jan 1904]. |
| Ficus sidifolia | Welw. ex Hiern | Cat. Afr. Pl. (Hiern) 1(4): 1018. 1900 |
| Ficus corylifolia var. glabrescens | Warb. ex De Wild. & T.Durand | Ann. Mus. Congo Belge, Bot. VI, 1: 27 1904 |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| Ganda | kabalira |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!
No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Africa click to expand
-
East Tropical Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
-
Northeast Tropical Africa
- Ethiopia
- Sudan
-
South Tropical Africa
- Angola
-
West Tropical Africa
- Benin
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ivory Coast
- Liberia
- Nigeria
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
-
West-central Tropical Africa
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Congo
- Gabon
- Gulf Of Guinea Islands
- Zaïre
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East Tropical Africa
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000689380 |
| Tropicos | 21301920 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:583844-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-2811398 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 64740 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 309328 |
| IUCN Red List | 143276968 |
| IPNI | 583844-1 |
| iNaturalist | 133590 |
| GBIF | 5570950 |
| EOL | 11901303 |
| CMAUP | NPO13906 |
| Wikipedia | Ficus_mucuso |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives | |||||
| Protocatechuic Acid | 72 | Click to see | 154.12 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives / P-methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives | |||||
| 4-Methoxybenzoic Acid | 7478 | Click to see | 152.15 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Eicosanoids / Prostaglandins and related compounds | |||||
| 8-[(1R,5S)-4-oxo-5-[(Z)-pent-2-enyl]cyclopent-2-en-1-yl]octanoic acid | 14037060 | Click to see | 292.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty alcohol esters | |||||
| Neryl isovalerate | 6429039 | Click to see CC(C)CC(=O)OCC=C(C)CCC=C(C)C | 238.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| (3S,6E)-Nerolidol | 5281525 | Click to see CC(=CCCC(=CCCC(C)(C=C)O)C)C | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 9-Oxonerolidol | 73331190 | Click to see | 236.35 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Eudesmane, isoeudesmane or cycloeudesmane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| (2R,4aR,8aR)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,8a-Octahydro-4a,8-dimethyl-alpha-methylene-2-naphthaleneacetic acid | 168796 | Click to see | 234.33 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 2-[(2R,4aS,8aR)-4a,8-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,2,3,4,5,8a-hexahydronaphthalen-2-yl]prop-2-enoic acid | 26087990 | Click to see CC1=CC(=O)CC2(C1CC(CC2)C(=C)C(=O)O)C | 248.32 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Costic acid | 6451579 | Click to see CC12CCCC(=C)C1CC(CC2)C(=C)C(=O)O | 234.33 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Germacrane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| Germacrene D | 5317570 | Click to see CC1=CCCC(=C)C=CC(CC1)C(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Himachalane and lippifoliane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| beta-Himachalol | 12310488 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene lactones | |||||
| 1-epi-Tatridin B | 7605278 | Click to see | 264.32 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Tamirin | 10106765 | Click to see | 262.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| tatridin B | 14191260 | Click to see CC1=CC(C2C(CC(=C)C(CC1)O)OC(=O)C2=C)O | 264.32 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene lactones / Sesquiterpene lactones / Eudesmanolides, secoeudesmanolides, and derivatives | |||||
| [(3aR,4S,4aS,5S,8R,8aR,9aS)-5,8-dihydroxy-5,8a-dimethyl-3-methylidene-2-oxo-3a,4,4a,6,7,8,9,9a-octahydrobenzo[f][1]benzofuran-4-yl] (Z)-2-methylbut-2-enoate | 101967035 | Click to see | 364.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Chrysanin | 101316713 | Click to see CC=C(C)C(=O)OC1C2C(CC3(C1C(=C)CCC3O)C)OC(=O)C2=C | 346.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene lactones / Sesquiterpene lactones / Germacranolides and derivatives | |||||
| (3aS,6E,9R,10E,11aR)-9-hydroxy-6,10-dimethyl-3-methylidene-3a,4,5,8,9,11a-hexahydrocyclodeca[b]furan-2-one | 12443214 | Click to see | 248.32 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| tatridin A | 14466151 | Click to see CC1=CC(C2C(C=C(C(CC1)O)C)OC(=O)C2=C)O | 264.32 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids | |||||
| (+)-Ursolic Acid | 64945 | Click to see | 456.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| 1,11-Dihydroxy-10-[3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyloxy]-1,2,6a,6b,9,9,12a-heptamethyl-2,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydropicene-4a-carboxylic acid | 72730088 | Click to see | 634.80 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| 3-O-Trans-P-Coumaroyltormentic Acid | 14335955 | Click to see | 634.80 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| Lup-20(29)-en-3beta-ol, acetate | 323074 | Click to see | 468.80 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| Lupeol Acetate | 92157 | Click to see | 468.80 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 3-hydroxy-, (3beta)- | 220774 | Click to see | 456.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Sphingolipids / Ceramides / Phytoceramides | |||||
| Benjaminamide | 56662789 | Click to see CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(C(=O)NC(CO)C(C(CCCCCCCC=CCCCCC)O)O)O | 682.10 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Stigmastanes and derivatives | |||||
| (-)-beta-Sitosterol | 222284 | Click to see | 414.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| 17-(5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol | 86821 | Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(C)C | 414.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| beta-Sitosterol 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside | 296119 | Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)OC5C(C(C(C(O5)CO)O)O)O)C)C)C(C)C | 576.80 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| Sitogluside | 5742590 | Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)OC5C(C(C(C(O5)CO)O)O)O)C)C)C(C)C | 576.80 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| Stigmast-5-en-3-ol | 22012 | Click to see | 414.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Alcohols and polyols / Secondary alcohols | |||||
| Allohimachalol | 10585158 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbonyl compounds / Ketones | |||||
| (4aR,9aR)-4,4,6,9a-tetramethyl-1,2,3,4a,7,8-hexahydrobenzo[7]annulen-9-one | 10536930 | Click to see | 220.35 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Biflavonoids and polyflavonoids | |||||
| (2R,3R,4S)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-[(2S,3R,4R)-3,7,8-trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-chromen-4-yl]-3,4-dihydro-2H-chromene-3,4,7,8-tetrol | 101193703 | Click to see | 562.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones | |||||
| Apigenin | 5280443 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C2=CC(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O | 270.24 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones / Flavonols | |||||
| Kaempferol | 5280863 | Click to see | 286.24 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 3-O-methylated flavonoids | |||||
| 3-Methoxyluteolin | 5280681 | Click to see COC1=C(OC2=CC(=CC(=C2C1=O)O)O)C3=CC(=C(C=C3)O)O | 316.26 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 7-O-methylated flavonoids | |||||
| Salvigenin | 161271 | Click to see | 328.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / Isoflav-2-enes / Isoflavones | |||||
| 3-(2,2-Dimethylchromen-7-yl)-5,7-dihydroxy-chromen-4-one | 44559672 | Click to see CC1(C=CC2=C(O1)C=C(C=C2)C3=COC4=CC(=CC(=C4C3=O)O)O)C | 336.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| Isowighteone | 5494866 | Click to see CC(=CCC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C2=COC3=CC(=CC(=C3C2=O)O)O)O)C | 338.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| Isowighteone Hydrate | 56676507 | Click to see | 356.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Mucusisoflavone A | 53344646 | Click to see CC1=CC(C(CC1)(C)C=CC2=C(C=CC(=C2)C3=COC4=CC(=CC(=C4C3=O)O)O)O)C5=C(C=CC(=C5)C6=COC7=CC(=CC(=C7C6=O)O)O)O | 672.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| Mucusisoflavone C | 53344647 | Click to see | 674.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / Isoflavans / Isoflavanones / 6-prenylated isoflavanones | |||||
| Alpinumisoflavone | 5490139 | Click to see | 336.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| Wighteone | 5281814 | Click to see | 338.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / Pyranoisoflavonoids | |||||
| Isoderrone | 14237660 | Click to see | 336.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
| Mucusisoflavone B | 53344648 | Click to see | 672.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100896W |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |