Indonesia possesses a wealth of traditional medicinal knowledge that forms an important part of its biocultural heritage. However, a significant proportion of this ethnomedicinal wisdom has yet to be systematically documented and scientifically evaluated. One notable example is Ficus septica, commonly known as awar-awar or tobo-tobo, which has been used for generations by the Bugis–Makassar communities of South Sulawesi.

In local healing traditions, the plant is regarded as having "cooling" properties and is widely employed to alleviate ailments associated with excess body heat, including fever, inflammation, and wound-related conditions. Indigenous to Indonesia's limestone karst environments, F. septica has attracted increasing scientific attention throughout Southeast Asia, although the connections among its medicinal value, phytochemical composition, and ecological functions remain insufficiently understood.

To address this knowledge gap, a research team from Indonesia headed by Prof. Ahmad Ismail of Hasanuddin University investigated the species' ecological and cultural significance within Indonesia's biologically rich yet vulnerable karst ecosystems. Their findings were published online on April 4, 2026, in the Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. Explaining the motivation behind the work, Prof. Ismail noted that the study sought to integrate indigenous knowledge with phytochemical and ecological evidence in order to demonstrate how traditional healing practices can contribute to the conservation of biocultural heritage.

The researchers conducted interviews with five knowledgeable community members who described F. septica as a medicinal plant used to restore balance by reducing excessive body heat. They also documented its local classification, methods of preparation, and cultural importance. Laboratory analyses further identified 54 bioactive constituents possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities, thereby providing scientific evidence that supports many of its traditional therapeutic applications.

The investigation also revealed that the ecological importance of F. septica extends well beyond its medicinal uses. As a pioneer species, it is well adapted to the challenging conditions of limestone karst habitats, where it helps stabilize soils, creates suitable microhabitats for other organisms, and facilitates seed dispersal through interactions with fruit-eating animals. These ecological functions make the species an important contributor to ecosystem recovery and long-term landscape resilience.

The study aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its emphasis on safeguarding biodiversity-rich limestone karst habitats supports SDG 15 (Life on Land), while its recognition of traditional medical knowledge, cultural heritage, and community participation in environmental management advances SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Overall, the findings illustrate that Ficus septica represents a dynamic biocultural system in which traditional knowledge, phytochemical properties, and ecological processes reinforce one another. As Prof. Ismail emphasizes, acknowledging the value of culturally important plant species such as F. septica can strengthen locally driven, participatory approaches to biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management.

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