Ficus insipida (Moraceae): Ethnobotany and ecology of an Amazonian anthelmintic
Economic Botany
1990
Journal Article
44
4
534-536
ethnobotany human health medicinal plants plants parasites parasitism trees Ficus insipida Moraceae inventories abundance sustainable use of natural resources non-timber forest products Ese Eja native communities indigenous communities ecology distributions Madre de Dios Bibliography
Ficus insipida (oje), is the most widespread of the neotropical non-strangling figs. It is well-known among the local inhabitants due to its antihelmintic effects of its latex, which seems to be caused by the enzyme ficin. Near Iquitos (Peru), the latex was commercially exploited earlier this century for export as a vermifuge; at present time there is a world market for dried latex, as digestive aid, as a meat tenderizer and as child-proofing in beer. Due to this commercial pressure the species is already extinct in some locations of western Amazon. In spite of the situation of the species, the need of an anthelmintic for the Amazonian human population has been increasing, since many groups of indians, pertaining to missions and communities have been affected by sanitary problems. In most villages over 90% of individuals are infected by parasites and the most affected are children, who sometimes die due to this infection. Clinical studies have proved that the latex of F. insipida is a safe and highly effective remedy for intestinal helminthiasis. This work presents the results of an inventory made in 50 ha of the main forest types in TRZ where the density of F. insipida was evaluated as well as the possibilities that individuals of this species reach their maturity without perturbations of human activities and that of storing viable seeds to establishing nurseries. Suggestions to promote the sustainable use of the species are offered, based in a 4-month study, and on the uses that the ethnic group Ese-Ejá, living in this region, gives to it.