Ficus Carica Research Articles

A Journey Along the Boulevard of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Sources, with Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Potential: Bee Venom, Cobra Venom, Ficus carica

Animal venom and plant extracts have been used since ancient times in traditional medicine worldwide. Natural components, valued for their safety and effectiveness, have been consistently used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. We propose a journey along the boulevard of active compounds from natural sources, where bee venom (BV), cobra venom (CV), and Ficus carica reveal their individual therapeutic and cosmetic properties. The originality of this review lies in exploring the synergy of these bioactive sources, an approach that has not been presented in the literature. Although BV, CV, and Ficus carica have different origins and compositions, they have multiple common pharmacological and cosmetic actions, which make them ideal for inclusion in various products that can be used for skin care and health in general. Their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and regenerative properties give them an essential role in the creation of potential innovative and effective products in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. Although many plant extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Ficus carica was chosen due to its complex biochemical composition, which provides valuable benefits in skin regeneration and protection against oxidative stress. According to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), Ficus carica is used in the form of an extract of fruits, leaves, juice, bark or stem, each having specific applicability in topical formulations; due to the diversity of bioactive compounds, it can amplify the effectiveness of BV and CV, helping to enhance their beneficial effects and reducing the risk of adverse effects, due to its well-tolerated nature. Thus, this combination of natural ingredients opens up new perspectives in the development of innovative products, optimizing efficiency and maintaining a favorable safety profile. In this context, due to the reported experimental results, the three natural sources caught our attention, and we conceived the present work, which is a review made following the analysis of the current progress in the study of the bioactive compounds present in BV, CV, and Ficus carica. We focused on the novelties regarding pharmacological and cosmetic actions presented in the literature, and we highlighted the safety profile, as well as the modern approaches regarding the delivery and transport systems of the active substances from the three natural sources, and we evaluated their prospects in therapeutic and cosmetic use. This paper not only expands our knowledge of bioactive compounds, but it can also generate new ideas and motivations for the research and development of innovative treatments and skincare methods.

From Beer to Cheese: Characterization of Caseinolytic and Milk-Clotting Activities of Proteases Derived from Brewer’s Spent Grain (BSG)

This study explores the extraction and characterization of proteolytic enzymes from brewer’s spent grain (BSG) and their potential as sustainable coagulants in the dairy industry. BSG samples from various beer types (Blonde Ale, IPA, Kölsch, Honey, and Porter) were obtained from two artisanal breweries in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Optimization of caseinolytic activity (CA) and protein extraction was conducted using a Plackett–Burman design, followed by a Box–Behnken design. Optimal protein concentration was achieved at intermediate pH and high temperature, while CA peaked at pH 8.0. The specific caseinolytic activity (SCA) varied among the extracts, with BSG3 showing the highest activity (99.6 U mg−1) and BSG1 the lowest (60.4 U mg−1). Protease inhibitor assays suggested the presence of aspartic, serine, metallo, and cysteine proteases. BSG3 and BSG4 showed the highest hydrolysis rates for α-casein (70% and 78%). For κ-casein, BSG1, BSG2, and BSG3 demonstrated moderate activity (56.5%, 49%, and 55.8), while BSG4 and BSG5 exhibited the lowest activity. Additionally, the milk-clotting activity (MCA) of BSG extracts was comparable to plant-based coagulants like Cynara cardunculus and Ficus carica. These findings highlight the potential of BSG-derived proteases as alternative coagulants for cheese production, offering a sustainable link between the brewing and dairy industries.

Characterization and Biological In Vitro Screening of Probiotic Yeast Strains Isolated from Algerian Fruits.

Interest in Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts as biotechnological agents is growing worldwide. Here, Kluyveromyces marxianus GBC2 and two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains FBZ4 and FBK9 were isolated from pomegranate (Punica granatum) and fig (Ficus carica), respectively, and extensively characterized for their probiotic attributes and health benefits. Overall, these strains were found to be γ-hemolytic, non-cytotoxic against Caco-2 cells, and sensitive to therapeutic antifungals. In terms of probiotic characterization, the strains were able to survive at pH 2 and in 1% bile and had high hydrophobicity and self-aggregation properties, which could explain their ability to form biofilm on a polystyrene and adhere to Caco-2 cells. Adhesion rates of 23.52%, 14.05%, and 9.44% were recorded at 37 °C for K. marxianus GBC2, S. cerevisiae FBK9, and S. cerevisiae FBZ4, respectively. Furthermore, biological screening showed a cholesterol assimilation of 54.32% for K. marxianus GBC2 and almost 33% for both Saccharomyces, more than 73% α-amylase inhibition, and good antioxidant potential for all strains; however, only K. marxianus GBC2 showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. In light of these findings, the strains could be potential candidates for the development of novel functional foods and for probiotic applications.

Bioecological Parameters of the Black Fig Fly, Silba adipata (Diptera: Lonchaeidae), Collected from Fig Crops in Mexico

This study assessed several bioecological aspects of the black fig fly, Silba adipata McAlpine (Diptera: Lonchaeidae), the main pest of fig (Ficus carica L.). Figs were collected from eight sites in the Mexican states of Michoacán (Plan de Ayala, Los Tejones, Antúnez, Tangancícuaro, Indaparapeo, El Carrizal, and Charapendo) and Morelos (Telixtac). No infestation was recorded in figs collected in Charapendo, but, in the remaining sites, it was variable (2–33%). Figs from Plan de Ayala and El Carrizal were longer and contained more larvae than those from Telixtac and Los Tejones. Some figs (≤12) collected in Telixtac and Los Tejones contained few pupae or adults. The survival of larval and pupal stages (≤86%) and the proportion of females (40–53%) were determined at the sites where the infestation of figs was >6% (Telixtac, El Carrizal, Plan de Ayala, and Los Tejones). In the second part of this study, the development of individuals collected in Los Tejones was analyzed under constant conditions. The estimated larval duration time was between 13 and 15 d, whereas pupae lasted 11 d. The survival rate and longevity of females and males were very similar. Our results could help design a program for integrated pest management against S. adipata.

STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF FICUS CARICA PLANT AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS BACTERIA

Objective: Antibiotic resistance is an important epidemiological problem that is on the global agenda and solutions are sought. As the morbidity and mortality rates caused by this problem increase every year, studies on developing new alternative active molecules are gaining momentum. Theoretical Framework: Determining the antibacterial activity of the fig (Ficus carica), which has bioactive content and is the first in production in the world, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strain, which is the leading antibiotic resistance, by computer-based molecular docking studies. Method: The binding energies of the interaction of the protein that causes antibiotic resistance in MRSA strains with the molecules of the fig plant were detected. Among the molecules with high binding energy in the protein-ligand structure, those are suitable for the drug likeness parameters were evaluated. Results and Discussion: Molecules with high affinity and sufficient bioavailability of bioactive molecules found in fig can be developed and used in alternative antibiotic studies. The findings obtained will support in vivo and in vitro studies on the antibacterial activity of figs and bring different perspective to new studies. Research Implications: Molecular docking study with 177 active molecules of the Ficus carica plant, 4 candidate active molecules that passed the druglikeness parameters and showed high binding energy were determined as quercetin, kaempherol, coumarins and riboflavin. Originality/Value: It is envisaged that the studies of these candidate molecules, which have been identified, will contribute greatly to experimental studies in terms of both time and cost.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the Common Fig (Ficus carica L.) R2R3-MYB Genes Reveals Their Structure, Evolution, and Roles in Fruit Color Variation.

The R2R3-MYB transcription factor (TF) family is crucial for regulating plant growth, stress response, and fruit ripening. Although this TF family has been examined in a multitude of plants, the R2R3-MYB TFs in Ficus carica, a Mediterranean fruit species, have yet to be characterized. This study identified and classified 63 R2R3-MYB genes (FcMYB1 to FcMYB63) in the F. carica genome. We analyzed these genes for physicochemical properties, conserved motifs, phylogenetic relationships, gene architecture, selection pressure, and gene expression profiles and networks. The genes were classified into 29 clades, with members of the same clade showing similar exon-intron structures and motif compositions. Of the 54 orthologous gene pairs shared with mulberry (Morus notabilis), 52 evolved under negative selection, while two pairs (FcMYB55/MnMYB20 and FcMYB59/MnMYB31) experienced diversifying selection. RNA-Seq analysis showed that FcMYB26, FcMYB33, and FcMYB34 were significantly overexpressed in fig fruit peel during maturation phase III. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) indicated that these genes are part of an expression module associated with the anthocyanin pathway. RT-qPCR validation confirmed these findings and revealed that the Tunisian cultivars 'Zidi' and 'Soltani' have cultivar-specific R2R3-FcMYB genes highly overexpressed during the final stage of fruit maturation and color acquisition. These genes likely influence cultivar-specific pigment synthesis. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the R2R3-MYB TF family in fig, offering a framework for selecting genes related to fruit peel color in breeding programs.

Use of different levels of plant growth regulators on rooting of cutting in fig (Ficus carica L.)

Use of different levels of plant growth regulators on rooting of cutting in fig (Ficus carica L.)

Effect of different levels of plant growth regulators on rooting of cutting in fig (Ficus carica L.)

Effect of different levels of plant growth regulators on rooting of cutting in fig (Ficus carica L.)

Metagenomic Analysis of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Endophytic Bacteria as a Source of Flavonoids

Metagenomic Analysis of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Endophytic Bacteria as a Source of Flavonoids

Application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi for Improved Growth and Acclimatization of Micropropagated Fegra Fig (Ficus palmata Forssk.) Plantlets

Fegra fig (Ficus palmata) is an important fruit-yielding crop and potential rootstock for grafting Ficus carica. The acclimatization phase is a pivotal step during the micropropagation of plants. During this study, the mycorrhization of micropropagated fegra fig plants with two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; Gigaspora margarita and Gigaspora albida) to enhance their growth and survival during the acclimatization stage was investigated. The AMF were mixed in equal proportions and the acclimatizing fegra fig plantlets were treated for 8 weeks. The leaf pigments, i.e., chlorophyll a [2.56 mg·g−1 fresh weight (FW)], chlorophyll b (1.08 mg·g−1 FW), total chlorophyll (3.67 mg·g−1 FW), and carotenoid (1.34 mg·g−1 FW), of AMF-treated plants were higher than those of non-AMF plants. The number of stomata per unit was higher in the AMF-treated plants (16.00), the density of stomata per unit area (88.40 mm2) of AMF-treated plants was similar to that of non-AMF treated plants, and the number of epidermal cells (79.00) was higher in the AMF-treated plants. The AMF-treated plants were taller and had more leaves, a greater leaf area, and higher shoot FW and dry weight. The AMF-treated plants also had the greatest total root length values, greatest surface areas of roots, and greatest total root volume and diameter compared to those of non-AMF plants. Additionally, the AMF-treated plants had a 100% survival rate, whereas a survival rate of 95% was recorded for non-AMF plants. These findings emphasize the importance of biological acclimatization of micropropagated fegra fig plants with AMF.

First report of the genera Neotegonotus Newkirk & Keifer and Boczekiana Petanovic (Acari: Eriophyidae: Phyllocoptinae) from Saudi Arabia with the description of two new species

Two genera, Neotegonotus Newkirk & Keifer and Boczekiana Petanovic (Eriophyidae: Phyllocoptinae) are recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia with two new species; N. saudiensis sp. nov. collected from Ficus carica L. (Moraceae) and B. bahahensis sp. nov. collected from Anthemis rascheyana Boiss (Asteraceae) described and illustrated based on females. Both species are vagrants on abaxial leaf surface causing no apparent damage to their host plants.

Ficus carica Puree Exerts a Higher Antioxidative Profile in Hypoxic Lungs after Intermittently Inducing Hypoxia in Sprague–Dawley Rats

Abstract Background: The body produces more hypoxia-inducible factor and reactive oxygen species in response to hypoxic situations because they cause unbalanced oxygen levels. Ficus carica provides numerous benefits because of its high antioxidant and mineral content. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which F. carica consumption confers this protective benefit remains incompletely understood. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate how F. carica puree (FCP) can affect the antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the lung by mitigating the effects of intermittent hypoxia (IH). Methods: Thirty Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups negative control (NC), untreated; positive control (PC), treated with aquadest; FCP1; FCP2; and FCP3, which received FCP at doses of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mL/200 g body weight. The treatment was administered for 4 weeks before inducing IH (10% O2 and 90% N2) into all groups (except NC) for 4 h for 7 days. Furthermore, hemoglobin (Hb) level, lung MDA level, and lung superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity were assessed. Results: The Hb level did not exhibit a significant increase under IH conditions. Conversely, the PC group exhibited the least activity of lung antioxidant enzymes and the highest lung MDA levels. In addition, the FCP intervention group exhibited lower MDA levels than the PC group and ameliorated relative lung weight loss. Conclusion: All FCP intervention groups showed lower MDA levels and higher SOD levels compared to the PC group, suggesting that FCP could mitigate the effects of hypoxia in rat lungs.

Optimization attributes of fig (<i>Ficus carica</i> L.) salad dressing enrichment by <i>Mentha pulegium</i> L. extract and carboxymethyl cellulose

Common salad dressings led to further calories for consumers owing to high fat in their formulations. The aim of this research is to produce low-calorie salad dressing with high nutritional value and reduced fat. Box-Behnken designs were applied including figs (Ficus carica L.) (40 to 80%), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (0.25 to 1.25%) and Mentha pulegium L. (MPL) extract (0.01 to 0.05%) as independent variables. The total soluble solids (TSS), pH, viscosity, stability, peroxide index and sensory evaluations were performed; afterwards, calorie, and fatty acids (FA) were evaluated, and also scanning electron microscopy was carried out. The optimal conditions were obtained for salad dressing formulations with the highest TSS (40.3479%), viscosity (15898.75 cP), stability (94.2994%) and sensory (4.6282) and also the lowest pH (4.6032) and peroxide (0.9778 mEq/kg oil) related to fig (65.4545%), CMC (1.995%) and MPL (0.01%) concentrations, respectively. The optimal sample reduced 6-fold the calories compared to control and also demonstrated the maximum monounsaturated FAs with uniform distribution for particles. Fig salad dressing produced as a low-calorie product has the potential to be used by consumers.

Retraction Note: Synergistic effects of Ficus Carica extract and extra virgin olive oil against oxidative injury, cytokine liberation, and inflammation mediated by 5-Fluorouracil in cardiac and renal tissues of male albino rats.

Retraction Note: Synergistic effects of Ficus Carica extract and extra virgin olive oil against oxidative injury, cytokine liberation, and inflammation mediated by 5-Fluorouracil in cardiac and renal tissues of male albino rats.

Braiding Fruits and Flowers as a Wish of Prosperity and Victory over Death in the Carved Festoons of Ancient Rome

Plant motifs had a significant role in ancient cultures, with decorative, artistic, and communicative values. However, little knowledge exists of the botanical composition of festoons, widely used in Greek-Roman art. We analysed 81 festoons, exclusively from sculpture artworks, collected from 13 museums and archaeological sites in Rome (1st century BC–3rd century AD). Using iconographic sources and previous data, we identified the represented species and analysed their abundance and composition using statistical methods (Cluster Analysis, Principal Components Analysis) and diversity indexes (Shannon and Evenness). We documented 3081 botanical elements, identifying 30 taxa, in which fruits with leaves (45%) or alone (10%) represented the most common ones. Laurus nobilis and Quercus cfr. robur were the most frequently depicted species, followed by “pomes” (Pyrus, Malus, Cydonia), Vitis vinifera, Punica granatum, and Ficus carica. Festoons with one or two species can be easily distinguished from those with multiple species, often arranged with figs or vine branches at the ends, with symbolic aims related to fertility, rebirth, and abundance values. A balanced botanical composition also exists, with flowers typically in the middle and a species distribution that is not casual. The results enriched our comprehension of ancient Roman society, considering funerary and celebrative events.

Investigation of insecticide residues in fig and health risk assessment

This study aimed to detect insecticide, acaricide, and nematicide residues in 92 fresh and 50 dried fig samples collected from locations with intensive fig, Ficus carica L. (Rosales: Moraceae) production in Aydın, Türkiye in 2022. The analysis method was validated according to SANTE 11312/2021 guidelines. The recoveries ranged between 70% and 120%, with repeatability (RSDr) and within-laboratory reproducibility (RSDwR) ≤ 20% and expanded measurement uncertainties below 50% for all insecticides indicating satisfactory analytical performance. In total, 114 different insecticides were screened, revealing residues in 27 samples. Bifenazate was detected in 13 samples, etoxazole in 3 samples, spiromesifen in 5 samples, and both bifenazate and spiromesifen in 6 samples. No detectable residues were found in the dried fig samples. All samples in which bifenazate was detected were above the European Union Maximum Residue Limits (EU-MRL). Etoxazole and spiromesifen, unauthorized in figs, showed etoxazole residues above EU-MRLs, while spiromesifen residues were below EU-MRLs. The acute and chronic health risk indices for the insecticides were found to be below 1, indicating low health risks associated with fig consumption. The risk assessment suggests that fig consumption is safe for consumers.

Papain-like cysteine protease gene family in fig (Ficus carica L.): genome-wide analysis and expression patterns

Papain-like cysteine protease gene family in fig (<i>Ficus carica</i> L.): genome-wide analysis and expression patterns

Polygalacturonases gene family analysis identified FcPG12 as the key player in fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit softening

Polygalacturonases gene family analysis identified <i>FcPG12</i> as the key player in fig (<i>Ficus carica</i> L.) fruit softening

The Role of the most Important Fruits in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases in Persian Traditional Medicine

Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of health problems worldwide. CVD are defined as conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Mortality due to cardiovascular diseases has increased in recent years. However, they can be easily controlled by reducing risk factors, including lipid profile, blood pressure, tobacco, alcohol, and low physical activity. Fruits have an important role in improving the risk factors of CVD. Ancient medical sources can play an important role in generating ideas for new research. In this study, the most common fruits that have been recommended by Persian traditional physicians in patients with CVD were reviewed. New documents supporting these effects were also extracted through a search on electronic databases. The findings showed that some fruits have a therapeutic role in CVD, according to Persian traditional medicine. Old Persian traditional physicians, such as Avicenna, advised fruits, including apples, lemon, pomegranate, pineapple, quince, cucumber, plums, and citron, for the treatment of CVDs. Several studies have been carried out on the effects of the above fruits, including apple (Malus pumila), pomegranate (Punica granatum), pineapple (Ananas comosus), Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), fig (Ficus carica L.), and olive (Olea europaea). Modulation of signaling pathways and molecular properties that leads to reducing lipid metabolism disorders, correcting endothelial dysfunction, reducing blood pressure, reducing oxidative stress, and suppressing inflammation responses are the major mechanisms conducted by these fruits in preventing CVD. These pieces of evidence show that the opinion of Iranian medicine physicians regarding choosing fruits for treating CVD is worthy of consideration and an entry for deriving hypotheses for future studies.

Riparian vegetation entraps macroplastics along the entire river course: implications for eco-safety activities and mitigation strategies

Macroplastic litter causes detrimental effects on freshwater biota affecting human health. Despite the significant role of rivers in transporting plastic waste, most plastics remain in fluvial ecosystems, accumulating in infrastructure, river sediment, and (riverbank) vegetated areas. However, the entrapment of plastics by riparian vegetation was overlooked, particularly in upper and middle river courses. For the first time, we aimed to quantify the entrapment of plastics by riparian vegetation along the entire river course. Sampling riparian areas in the upper, middle, and lower river courses in central Italy, we found 1,548 macrolitter items, with vegetation entrapping 93.9% of total litter. Riverbank and riparian plastics acted as long-term indicators of river plastics. We emphasized the trapping efficiency at the species level highlighting that the best plastic trapper species were trees, shrubs and reeds (Populus spp., Salix spp., Rubus ulmifolius, Phragmites australis, and Ficus carica), blocking 85.4% of the total macrolitter entrapped by plants. Plastic pieces, bags, bandages, sanitary items, and packaging were among the most trapped types. Furthermore, vegetation in the lower river course exhibited greater plastic entrapment compared to the upper and middle courses, following the fact that all the river courses contribute to plastic pollution. Recognizing the potential of riparian vegetation as a valuable ecosystem service in trapping macroplastics, further research should explore the characteristics and structures of riparian communities involved in this process. By developing eco-safe practices and mitigation strategies based on these findings, we might contribute significantly to managing, conserving, and restoring riverine ecosystems.