Antioxidant Activity and Alpha-glucosidase Inhibition of 70% Ethanol Extracts from Fig Leaves and Figs (Ficus racemosa L.)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study highlights the therapeutic potential of fig leaves and fruits (Ficus racemosa L.) in Vietnam. Phytochemical analyses identified key bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, and reducing agents. Ripe fruits exhibited elevated levels of anthocyanosides, proanthocyanidins, and cardiac glycosides, while fig leaves contained additional polyuronic compounds. Antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition were evaluated using 70% ethanol extracts. The extracts from leaves demonstrated the strongest activity, with IC50 values of 26.02 µg/mL for DPPH and 27.64 µg/mL for α-glucosidase inhibition. In contrast, ripe and unripe fruit extracts showed lower efficacy, with IC50 values of 48.36 µg/mL and 102.44 µg/mL (ripe) and 51.03 µg/mL and 197.89 µg/mL (unripe), respectively. Compared with ascorbic acid (vitamin C), a strong antioxidant control, vitamin C demonstrated an IC50 value of 2.63 µg/mL in the DPPH assay, which was significantly more potent than fig leaves and fruits. However, in the α-glucosidase inhibition assay, leaf extract (IC50 = 27.64 µg/mL) exhibited stronger activity than acarbose (IC50 = 126 µg/mL), as a positive control. These results highlight the potential of F. racemosa L. as a source for developing therapeutic products to combat oxidative stress and diabetes.
DOI: 10.3775/jie.104.118
Authors: Trung-Dung HUYNH-NGOC, Linh Xuan NGUYEN, Yen Ngoc NGUYEN, Thu-Hang Thi QUACH, Quy Phu NGUYEN, Thu HUYNH
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Award: G7204550233
OpenAlex ID: W4414600061