A REVIEW ON FICUS CARICA PLANT (KEY IJP************426)

• Sanidhya Kardile

Abstract

Ficus carica, the common fig is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to Moraceae or mulberry family and it is widely seen in the regions of sub-tropical and tropical countries. Ficus carica commonly is known as edible fig or anjir in hindi. Different parts like fruits, seeds, leaves, tender, bark, shoots and latex have many medicinal applications and its constituents have confirmed their role in diseases prevention and treatment. The dried fruits of F. carica have been reported as an important source of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds. The plant has been used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments related to digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory systems, and also cancer. Additionally, it is also used in gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract infection. A high number of phenolic compounds was found in whole fruit (n 19), peel (n 26), pulp (n 24) and leaves (n 42). Quercetin-3-O-rutioside was reported as the major individual phenolic compound in whole figs. Phytochemical studies on the leaves and fruits of the plant have shown that they are rich in phenolics, organic acids, and volatile compounds. However, there is little information on the phytochemicals present in the stem and root. Reports on the biological activities of the plant are mainly on its crude extracts which have been proven to possess many biological activities. Some of the most interesting therapeutic effects include anticancer, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antimicrobial activities.