Department of Pharmacology Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh, UP, India

*Corresponding author:Dr. Shamema A, Department of Pharmacology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh, UP, India. Email Id: shamemasheik1717@gmail.com

Copyright: © Shamema A, et al. 2025. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Information: Submission: 23/06/2025; Accepted: 19/07/2025; Published: 22/07/2025

Ficus carica, a deciduous shrub, often known as fig, has long been used in traditional medicine across many countries. It is indigenous to the Mediterranean and adjacent regions of Asia, but now, it is grown in all parts of the globe including Africa and the Americas and is appreciated not only for its health benefits but also its value in therapy. Various plant components, such as fruit, leaves, latex and bark have been utilized in treating a wide variety of conditions, such as digestive, skin, lung as well as metabolic diseases. The pharmacological activities of F. carica are associated with the wide range of phytochemicals found in this fruit, including volatile compounds, coumarins, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Its conventional assertions have been proved based on scientific research that proved that it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, anticancer, and even antiplatelet actions. It has also shown effectiveness in reducing fever, cholesterol and as well as blood glucose and was found antispasmodic and antimutagenic. In addition, its extracts have been said to have nematicidal and antitubercular activity. The toxicity studies indicate a large safety margin at therapeutic levels of dosage. Its fruit does not only contain a significant amount of valuable nutrients but also turns out a type of functional food, which is due to the action of bioactive compounds. This is a review of existing information on botanical, phytochemical, pharmacological, and agronomical properties of the Ficus carica. Considering the development of herbal therapeutics, the plant is one of the best that can be explored further. Nevertheless, they require further investigations especially clinical trials to complete the mechanism of action and increase the certainty of their use in medicine today.

Ficus carica, a deciduous shrub or tree popularly called Fig. It grows well in warm climates, particularly in the Mediterranean region, Western Asia, and India, such as in Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is part of the Moraceae (mulberry) family, in which its properties in medicinal values are not only limited to the fruits but also the leaves, the bark, and the latex as well [1]. F. carica contains different phytochemical components, namely, flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, triterpenoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds, hence these medicinal properties of this plant have been realized. Ficin, bergapten, and psoralen are some of the major bioactive compounds found in them, which are famous due to their medicinal benefits [2]. Fig has long been considered a remedy against gastrointestinal conditions, skin diseases, and respiratory infections, and it is also known as a weak laxative[3]. More scientific studies proved that it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and hypoglycemic effects [4], including its value in the overall pharmacology and showing its great importance in contemporary herbal medicine.

Ficus carica L. known as the common fig, which belongs to the Moraceae family, is indigenous to the eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia [Figure 1]. It is assumed that it is one of the first types of fruit crops that have been used by people, as it was domesticated more than 11,000 years ago. Figs are an agricultural commodity that is of value in fresh and dried form today. The Middle East, the region of origin of the fig, remains the greatest producer, thus contributing to the world production that is more than 1.3 million tonnes per

year. The Romans brought figs to Britain, and they are now grown as ornamentals in gardens and parks all around the nation [5]

Ficus carica L. belongs to the Moraceae family and the Urticales order, which includes over 1,400 species grouped into approximately 40 genera. The fig plant usually grows to a height of 7 to 10 meters (23 to 33 feet) and resembles a large shrub or small deciduous tree, and is characterized by its smooth, pale bark. The leaves are notably large, each divided into three to five deeply cut lobes. The fig fruit, known as a syconium, is tear-shaped and measures around 3 to 5 centimetres (1–2 inches) in length. Initially green, the skin of the fruit may change to a purplish or brown hue as it ripens. The inner flesh is soft, sweet, and reddish in color, filled with numerous small, crunchy seeds [6] ([Figure 2]. raw fruit of fig; [Figure 3]. dried fig)

Kingdom- Plantae
Subkingdom-Tracheophtyes
Phylum- Spermatophyta
Superdivision- Angiosperms
Division- Eudicots
Class- Dicotyledonae
Order- Utricales
Family- Moraceae
Genus- Ficus
Species: F. carica
5. Vernacular Names
English- Common fig
Ayurveda- Udumbara
Hindi- Anjir

Bengali- Dumur
Kashmir- Unjoor
Tamil- Atthi pazham
Malayalam- Atthi pazha
Kannada- Anjura
Telugu- Bodda/ Atthi pallu

With smooth white bark, Ficus carica is a big shrub, gynodioecious tree that can reach heights of 7 to 10 meters (23 to 33 ft). Its leaves are fragrant and deeply lobed, usually with three to five lobes, measuring 12 to 25 cm (about 4½ to 10 inches) between 10 and 18 cm (4 – 7 inches) in length and width. Its bark is somewhat roughened and grey, and its roots are not adventitious. The fig fruit emerges as the syconium, a fleshy, hollow structure coated with many unisexual blooms [7]. This cup-shaped structure is where the little flowers blossom. Despite being referred to as a fruit, the syconium is a type of fruit known as an infructescence.

Serrated and petiolated leaves have cordate bases, palmate lobed, undulate and irregularly dentate edges, acute to obtuse apexes, scabrous-pubescent surfaces, and obovate, nearly orbiculate, or ovate leaf blades. The epidermis, a distinct cortex, and the conducting tissue—represented by two rings of phloem and xylem elements— make up the petiole. The bifacial blade features a fascicular vascular system and a heterogeneous, hipostomatic mesophyll. A single- layered hypodermis containing lithocysts and cystoliths follows the upper epidermis. The petiole and blade also have simple one-celled non-glandular trichomes and anomocytic stomata.

Male flowers have four joined sepals with lanceolate lobes, and four filamentous stamens with oblong, protruding anthers. Females have pedicellate flowers, four sepals, lanceolate-oblong lobes, a lateral-styled ovary, and either an entire or two-fid stigma. Figs are typically pyriform-obovoid, glabrous or briefly hispid, yellowish to brownish violet, and 2–5 (-8) cm in diameter[8].

The optimal requirement for the cultivation of F. carica is described in [Table 1] [9]

Raw figs consist primarily of water (approximately 79%). Upon drying, the water content of figs reduces to approximately 30%, which leads to a concentration of their nutritional components. Nutrition obtained from a 100 g serving of dried figs is mentioned below in [Table 2] [10,11].

Phytochemical investigations of Ficus carica have identified a wide range of bioactive constituents distributed across various parts of the plant. These comprise a number of volatile components, including other secondary metabolites, include ketones, esters, aldehydes, aliphatic alcohols, and hydrocarbons, as well as phenolic

compounds, phytosterols, organic acids, triterpenoids, anthocyanins, and coumarins (Figure 4). Interestingly, it has been discovered that various portions of the species include volatile chemicals, organic acids, and phenolic acids [12].
Quercetin-3-O-glucoside, ferulic acid, 3-O- and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acids, and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside are among the phenolic acids that have been extracted from the water-based extract of F. carica leaves. Additionally, organic acids, including citric, fumaric, quinic, malic, oxalic, and shikimic acids, were obtained from the same extracts. Furthermore, coumarin was isolated using the separation of methanol extracts of F. carica leaves guided by bioassay[13]
Volatile compounds in F. carica leaves have been found to encompass various chemical classes, including aldehydes, alcohols, esters, ketones, and other miscellaneous compounds, with psoralen identified as a key component [14]

The fruits and bark of F. carica have also been found to contain up to fifteen different anthocyanin pigments, predominantly pelargonidin derivatives and cyanidin as the aglycone structure[15]
Likewise, the pulp and peel have been found to contain phenolic acids, including 3-O- and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acids, ferulic acid, and compounds of quercetin, as well as coumarins like bergapten and psoralen. (Figure 3.8). Besides, the fruits contained such types of sugars as glucose, sucrose, fructose, anthocyanins among other phenolic compounds[16]

Studies on the acute toxicity of F. carica extracts in ethanol, petroleum, as well as chloroform revealed that a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight was safer [17]. Another study, conducted in accordance with OECG recommendations 423, found no toxicity until a dose of 2000 mg/kg body mass and was deemed safer at the suggested therapeutic doses[18].

Ficus carica has traditionally been valued for its emollient, soothing, cooling, laxative, and nutritive properties[19]
In traditional medicine, the edible fruits are frequently used to cure ailments such as hemorrhoids, insect bites, gout, ulcers, and various skin issues, including warts and viral infections[20,21]
These fruits have also been recommended for managing constipation, supporting nutrition during pregnancy, and reducing both mental and physical fatigue[22]
Traditionally, they have been regarded as antipyretic, tonic, purgative, alexipharmic (detoxifying), aphrodisiac, lithontriptic (stone-dissolving), anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and diuretic[23]
The plant has been used for managing pharyngitis, gastritis, bronchitis, dry cough, weakness, paralysis, excessive thirst, liver and spleen disorders, chest pain, and even conditions such as leprosy and nosebleeds. It has also been used to promote hair growth[15]
The root has traditionally served as a tonic and has been applied in the treatment of leukoderma and ringworm [12].

The antioxidant potential of F. carica fruit was evaluated across six commercial fig varieties of different colors (black, red, yellow, and green). Analysis was done on parameters such flavonoids, anthocyanins, antioxidant capacity, as well as total polyphenol concentration. The antioxidant activity was assessed using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method. The fruits, particularly those with higher concentrations of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic substances, had strong antioxidant potential. Different anthocyanin proportions were seen using RP-LC, although all varieties analysed showed comparable patterns. The main aglycone was identified in numerous studies as cyanidin. The primary anthocyanin in all fruits was cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside (C3R), according to NMR data [10,24].

A substantial antibacterial activity against oral bacteria was demonstrated by the methanol extract of F. carica fruit, with MIC values that range from 0.156 to 5 mg/ml and MBC values of 0.313 to 5 mg/ml. The extracts showed synergistic effects when F. carica was combined with antibiotics such as ampicillin or gentamicin. The antibacterial capabilities of F. carica latex extract against five distinct bacterial species as well as seven distinct fungus strains were investigated in vitro using the disc-diffusion method [25].

At 500 g/ml, Candida albicans was totally suppressed (100%) and Cryptococcus neoformans suffered, according to the methanol fraction’s MIC results. Methanolic extract also significantly suppressed Microsporum canis, especially in the extracts of methanol and ethyl acetate.

Petroleum ether extracts from F. carica leaves, especially in the extracts of ethyl acetate and methanol. The extract significantly countered the drug-induced liver damage by improving biochemical, histological, and functional parameters[26].

The leaf extract dramatically lowered blood sugar levels in streptozotocin-diabetic mice when either intraperitoneally or orally. Treated animals showed reduced weight loss and improved survival rates, which were linked to elevated plasma insulin levels. The findings unequivocally demonstrate the hypoglycemic impact of F. carica’s aqueous extract [27].

It has been demonstrated that a mixture of 6-O-acyl-â-D-glucosylâ- sitosterols, primarily palmitoyl and linoleyl with traces of stearyl and oleyl, is a strong cytotoxic agent from the latex of soybeans and figs (Ficus carica). Spectroscopic methods (NMR, MS) were utilised to confirm identity, and chemical synthesis was employed to confirm it. The proliferation of numerous cancer cell lines was inhibited in vitro by both natural and synthetic substances[28]

The antimutagenic properties of F. carica plant extract were evaluated against ambient xenobiotics. It reduced mutation rates caused by NAF in rat bone marrow cells, chlorophyll mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana, and MNNG-induced genetic changes in Vicia faba cells. The findings suggest that F. carica extract can protect against the genotoxic effects of environmental agents [29].

In rabbit jejunum tissue, the antispasmodic properties of aqueous ethanolic extracts from ripe, dried F. carica fruit were evaluated. Analogous to the activity of cromakalim, the extract eased spontaneous as well as low-potassium (25 mM)-induced contraction without influencing high-potassium (80 mM)-induced contractions. Alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, saponins, sterols, as well as terpenes may all contribute to its action by activating the K-ATP channel[30].

In human platelet-rich plasma, the ability of F. carica to prevent platelet aggregation was assessed in relation to ADP and adrenaline. The extract prevented aggregation at doses of 0.6 as well as 1.2 kcal/ ml. Interestingly, ficin, a bioactive compound in the plant, is also known for its hemostatic role via Factor X activation[30].

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, Panagrellus redivivus, as well as Caenorhabditis elegans were the nematodes used to investigate the nematicidal effects of methanol extracts from 40 plant species. The highest nematicidal activity was demonstrated by the Ficus carica L. leaf extract, which resulted in 72-hour mortality rates of 74.3%, 96.2%, and 98.4%, respectively. A coumarin was produced using bioassay-directed fractionation. Based on spectroscopic data, the substance was identified as psoralen. Against the nematodes put to the test, it exhibited nematicidal activity[31].

At doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, the ethanolic extract of Ficus carica effectively decreased both the normal body temperature and the increased body temperature caused by yeast. The effect lasted for five hours after the medication was given. Ficus carica ethanol extract exhibited antipyretic properties similar to those of the widely used antipyretic drug paracetamol (150 mg/kg body weight, p.o.)[32]

Using a colorimetric experiment, a methanolic extract of Ficus carica leaves has demonstrated inhibition against Mycobacterium TB, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1600μg/ml[26]

A novel study was conducted to show that the leaf extract of Ficus carica (1.7, 2.5, and 3.3μl) has modulated the action of insulin and stimulated the lipolytic action. It has significantly (P < 0.001) reduced insulin-induced cholesterol secretion and triglyceride content in hepatocytes[33]. Another study, in which rats were given high-fat diet for 12 weeks, test groups were given ethanolic extract of Ficus pulp, with a positive control group given Atorvastatin for the last 8 weeks. Baseline values of body weight, lipid profile, and LDL/HDL ratio was measured at the 4th, 8th, and 12th week of the experiment. They have demonstrated that the pulp of Ficus carica has significantly improved fasting lipid profile, LDL/HDL ratio, and significantly increased HDL compared to Atorvastatin-treated groups, concluding that Ficus carica has marked anti-hyperlipidemic properties[34]

Ficus carica is a deciduous shrub or tree with a long history of medicinal and traditional uses. We conclude that F. carica is a treasure to modern medicine, with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and various other properties that are helpful in treating the human population. This review has shed light on its agronomy, cultivation, and medicinal uses, which will be helpful for future researchers to explore the versatility of this plant and uncover its full therapeutic potential. Furthermore, researches are needed to fully explain the molecular mechanism and compounds responsible for its action, and inculcating such compounds in clinical trial for their efficient usage.

We hereby thank all the authors, institutions, and publishers of the articles from which the review was written.