Preventive roles of phytochemicals from Ficus carica in diabetes and its secondary complications

Abstract

Diabetes has become a major metabolic disorder in the last few decades. It is manifested as dysregulation of glucose metabolism at one of the steps involving transport, absorption, and metabolic regulation by insulin. Changes in lifestyle and food consumption habits have also increased the number of people with diabetes. Some physicians prescribe synthetic drugs, controlled dietary plans, and regular exercises as part of diabetes management. Increased glucose level brings about several biochemical changes in the body. Structural alteration and functional loss of biomolecules are the consequences of changes brought about by glucose. Glycation is one of the major modifications of the long-lived proteins and other nitrogen-containing compounds. It leads to the generation of advanced glycation end products and free radicals under hyperglycaemic conditions. Scientists have continuously searched for a drug that could control the adverse effects of high glucose concentration, glycation, and oxidative stress. The focus is on looking for natural products or formulations as they are less harmful and more cost-effective than synthetic drugs. Among medicinal plants, Ficus carica has been widely used since ancient times and possesses many health-promoting activities like antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiobesity, anti-inflammatory, etc. These beneficial traits are due to various secondary metabolites, including phenolic acids, amino acids, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, volatile components, and other bioactive compounds. Latex contains a major amount of these compounds with some presence in leaves, fruit, and root. In this book chapter, the importance of Ficus carica phytochemicals in preventing diabetes, glycation, oxidative stress, and secondary complication of diabetes will be reviewed.