Composition and biological activities of Ficus carica latex

Abstract

Ficus carica tree produces a white sap traditionally used to treat various diseases as a safe and economical product. Anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antiparasitic, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, and hepatoprotective activities are pharmacologically proved for Ficus carica latex. Ficus carica latex contains metabolites, including proteins, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, phenolics, terpenoids, sterols, volatile components, fatty acids, amino acids, and proteases. Most latex pharmacological activities are attributed to its phenolic contents, including flavonoids, coumarins, xanthones, and phenolic acids. Moreover, Ficus carica latex contains many enzyme activities such as proteases and chitinase enzymes involved in the antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Therefore, the worth of fig latex expanded, moreover the pharmacological actions to many industrial applications. For instance, Ficus carica latex is used as an alternative to animal enzymes employed in milk clotting in cheese production, meat tenderization, bioactive peptides production, and natural rubber production.