Ficus simplicissima

BotanicalBest taken away from food

What is it

Ficus simplicissima, sometimes called hispid fig, is a tropical fig species used in Vietnamese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian traditional medicine. The root is the most commonly used part.

How it works

Hispid fig roots contain triterpenes, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. Preclinical studies suggest anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic activity, but human clinical evidence is sparse. Traditional uses include joint health, fatigue, and male sexual support. Modern pharmacological mechanisms have not been well established in peer-reviewed literature.

Dosage

There is no established daily intake recommendation. Traditional decoction doses use 10 to 30 g of dried root.

When and how to take it

Traditional decoctions are typically taken between meals. Follow product label guidance for modern extracts.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Hispid fig root extract

Used in regional Asian herbal blends; sometimes sold as a dried root or hydroalcoholic extract.

Standardization uncommon.

Safety

Limited modern safety data. Traditional use suggests reasonable tolerance. Concentrated extracts have not been well studied.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data. Consult a clinician if you take prescription medications.

Interactions

No significant interactions formally reported.

Frequently asked questions

What is hispid fig used for?⌄

Traditional uses include joint support, fatigue, and male sexual support. Modern clinical evidence is limited.

Is it safe?⌄

Traditional use suggests reasonable acute tolerance. Specific safety data is sparse, so avoid in pregnancy.

References

Ficus simplicissima on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Ficus simplicissima on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Ficus simplicissima (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Ficus simplicissima with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.