Fig Latex Research Articles

Biological activities of fig latex -loaded cellulose acetate/poly(ethylene oxide) nanofiber for potential therapeutics: Anticancer and antioxidant material

Cancer is a fatal disease, and unfortunately, the anticancer drugs harm normal cells. Plant's extracts are the golden key to solving this issue. In this research, fig latex - from Ficus carica- was encapsulated using cellulose acetate (CA) and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) polymers via electrospinning method (Fig@CA/PEO). Fig@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average fiber diameter was decreased with an increase in latex concentration from 715 nm to 583 nm. FT-IR spectroscopy indicated the presence of fig latex in Fig@CA/PEO nanofibers. Compared to 5-fluorouracil, Fig@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold considered safe towards normal cells (WI-38). Moreover, the nanofiber scaffold was efficient against colon cancer cells (Caco) and liver cancer cells (HepG2) as it demonstrated IC50 values for cells by 23.97 μg/mL and 23.96 μg/mL, respectively. Besides, the nanofiber scaffold revealed mechanistic variations in apoptotic oncogenes; described by the upregulation of BCL2 and P21, combined by downregulation of p53 and TNF. Moreover, the nanofiber scaffold showed antioxidant activity counting 33.4, 36 and 41 % of DPPH scavenging as the fig latex concentration increased. The results demonstrate that the Fig@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold is a promising substitute to traditional chemotherapy.

The Anti-proliferative Effects of Ficus carica Latex on cancer and normal cell

The stems of unripe fig fruits or leaves contain a white liquid called fig latex. Fig latex contains compounds that are effective against cancer cells. It is used for various purposes in folk medicine and has been proven to have superior pharmacological properties in modern studies. The industrial value of latex from a cosmetic perspective is increasing as well. In the current study, the cytotoxic effect of fig latex obtained from Ficus carica was evaluated by MTT analysis on lung cancer (A549), breast cancer (MCF-7), triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), and non-tumorogenic lung (MRC-5) cell lines. All cell lines were treated with various dilutions of fig latex ranging from 1/1500 to 1/12 for 48 hours. In cancer cells, it induced cell death in a concentration-dependent manner, and high doses caused a more serious cytotoxic effect. On the other hand, it showed less cytotoxicity on healthy cells compared to cancer cells. Fig latex IC50 values were found to be 1/26, 1/40, 1/45, and 1/7 for A549, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MRC-5 cells, respectively. Based on our findings, fig latex showed selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells, making it a possible target for future cancer drug development. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential use of fig latex and its bioactive compounds in cancer treatment in terms of their functional properties.

Implementation of plant extracts for cheddar-type cheese production in conjunction with FTIR and Raman spectroscopy comparison

Plant extracts have demonstrated the ability to act as coagulants for milk coagulation at an adequate concentration, wide temperatures and pH ranges. This research is focused on the use of different vegetative extracts such asCitrusaurnatiumflower extract (CAFE), bromelain, fig latex, and melon extract as economical and beneficial coagulants in the development of plant-based cheddar-type cheese. The cheddar-type cheese samples were subjected to physicochemical analysis in comparison to controlled cheese samplesmade fromaceticacid and rennet. The fat, moisture, protein, and salt contents remained the same over the storage period, but a slight decline was observed inpH.The Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) increased with the passage of the ripening period. The FTIR and Raman spectra showed exponential changes and qualitative estimates in the binding and vibrational structure of lipids and protein in plant-based cheeses. The higher FTIR and Raman spectra bands were observed in acid, rennet, bromelain, and CAFE due to their firm and strong texture of cheese while lower spectra were observed in cheese made from melon extract due to weak curdling and textural properties. These plant extracts are economical and easily available alternative sources for cheese production with higher protein and nutritional contents.

Regulatory Effect of Ficus carica Latex on Cell Cycle Progression in Human Papillomavirus-Positive Cervical Cancer Cell Lines: Insights from Gene Expression Analysis.

Cervical cancer presents a significant global health concern with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) identified as the main cause of this cancer. Although current treatment methods for cervical cancer can eliminate lesions, preventing metastatic spread and minimizing tissue damage remain a major challenge. Therefore, the development of a safer and innovative therapeutic approach is of the utmost importance. Natural products like fig latex, derived from the Ficus carica tree, have demonstrated promising anti-cancer properties when tested on cervical cancer cell lines. However, the specific mechanisms by which fig latex exerts its effects are still unknown. In this study, we conducted RNA-Seq analysis to explore how fig latex may counteract carcinogenesis in HPV-positive cervical cancer cell lines, namely, CaSki (HPV type 16-positive) and HeLa (HPV type 18-positive). Our results from this investigation indicate that fig latex influences the expression of genes associated with the development and progression of cervical cancer, including pathways related to "Nonsense-Mediated Decay (NMD)", "Cell Cycle regulation", "Transcriptional Regulation by TP53", and "Apoptotic Process". This selective impact of fig latex on cancer-related pathways suggests a potential novel therapeutic approach for HPV-related cervical cancer.

Ficus carica Latex Modulates Immunity-Linked Gene Expression in Human Papillomavirus Positive Cervical Cancer Cell Lines: Evidence from RNA Seq Transcriptome Analysis.

Cervical carcinogenesis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, and the role of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) as a possible risk factor in the development of this cancer is well recognized. Despite the availability of multi-therapeutic approaches, there is still major concern regarding the prevention of metastatic dissemination and excessive tissue injuries. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a safer and more efficient treatment modality. Ficus carica, a natural plant, has shown potential therapeutic properties through its fruit latex when applied to HPV-positive cervical cancer cell lines. However, the mechanisms of action of Ficus carica (fig) latex are not well understood. This study aims to provide a deeper insight into the biological activities of fig latex on human cervical cancer cell lines expressing high-risk HPV types 16 and 18. The data obtained from this study reveal that fig latex influences the expression of genes involved in "Class I MHC-mediated antigen presentation" as well as "Antigen processing: Ubiquitination and Proteasome degradation". These genes play a crucial role in host immune surveillance and the resolution of infection. Notably, Western blot analysis corroborated these findings, demonstrating an increase in the expression of MHC class I in HeLa cells after fig latex treatment. Findings from this study suggest that fig latex may enhance T cell responses against oncogenic HPV, which could be beneficial for the clearance of early-stage cancer.

Interpreting the production, characterization and antioxidant potential of plant proteases

Cheese has become an important food item that may provide great nutritional benefits to consumers all over the world. Rennet is the most important milk coagulant obtained from calf stomach but nowadays due to lesser availability of ruminant stomach, higher rennet prices, religious concerns (Islamism; Halal / Haram) or the ban of recombinant calf rennet has given rise to the need for other substitutes than rennet. The present study was conducted to develop vegetative extracts of Citrus aurantium flowers, fig, pineapple, and melon extract as vegetative coagulants as an economical, easily available and halal source and their evaluation on basis of pH, dry matter protein content, milk clotting, and proteolytic activities potential in comparison with rennet and acid. The protein contents of CAFE, fig latex and bromelain were much greater than melon extract. The trend in milk clotting activity (MCA), proteolytic activity (PA) and MCA/PA ratio was rennet > acid > bromelain ˃ CAFE ˃ fig latex> melon extract. ORAC assay for antioxidant potential of extracts showed the following trend: fig latex 592 µM (TE)>CAFE 566 µM (TE)>bromelain 130 µM (TE)> melon extract 120 µM (TE) using Trolox as standard. These plant extracts proved a better substitute for animal rennet in the cheese industry.

Fig latex inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria invading human diabetic wounds and accelerates wound closure in diabetic mice

Impaired wound healing is one of the most critical complications associated with diabetes mellitus. Infections and foot ulcers are major causes of morbidity for diabetic patients. The current treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, commonly used antibiotics, is associated with the development of bacterial resistance. Hence, novel and more effective natural therapeutic antibacterial agents are urgently needed and should be developed against the pathogenic bacteria inhabiting diabetic wounds. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the impact of fig latex on pathogenic bacteria and its ability to promote the healing process of diabetic wounds. The pathogenic bacteria were isolated from patients with diabetic foot ulcers admitted to Assiut University Hospital. Fig latex was collected from trees in the Assiut region, and its chemical composition was analyzed using GC‒MS. The antibacterial efficacy of fig latex was assessed on the isolated bacteria. An in vivo study to investigate the effect of fig latex on diabetic wound healing was performed using three mouse groups: nondiabetic control mice, diabetic mice and diabetic mice treated with fig latex. The influence of fig latex on the expression levels of β-defensin-1, PECAM-1, CCL2 and ZO-1 and collagen formation was investigated. The GC‒MS analysis demonstrated the presence of triterpenoids, comprising more than 90% of the total latex content. Furthermore, using a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model, topical treatment of diabetic wound tissues with fig latex was shown to accelerate and improve wound closure by increasing the expression levels of β-defensin-1, collagen, and PECAM-1 compared to untreated diabetic wounds. Additionally, fig latex decreased the expression levels of ZO-1 and CCL2.

Isolation, purification and partial characterization of ficin from Ficus carica latex

This study aimed at the isolation, purification and characterization of fig latex ficin. Samples were collected from fruit joint with the fig tree. Supernatant was decanted from fig latex after centrifugation at 3000 rpm which represents crude enzyme extract. Latex content was concentrated by sucrose powder. Purification steps were carried out with ion-exchange and gel filtration using DEAE- cellulose and sephadex G-50 columns respectively. Enzyme yield and purification folds were 51.688% and 15.635 respectively with specific activity 148.336 U/mg. By using gel filtration, molecular weight of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 22.725 Da. The pH at which ficin showing activity ranged between 6-8.5. Ficin showed a good stability in pH ranging between 6-8. Optimum temperature for activity and stability were 50 C○ and 25-40 C○ respectively. Activation energy for substrate conversion of this enzyme was calculated to be 10.22 Kca/mol.

Thermostable ficin from jelly fig (Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang) latex: purification, identification and characterization

The achenes/seeds of endemic jelly fig (Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang) fruit have been applied to prepare a traditional beverage in Taiwan. Upon fruit harvest, jelly fig latex exuded from stalks was discarded. Protease activity was monitored in its latex. Proteases capable of hydrolyzing proteins have many application aspects based on diverse characteristics. Commercial plant proteases are frequently from latex. The latex protease of jelly fig, termed FaFicin, was purified to homogeneity with a molecular mass of ~32 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. According to liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric analyses, the expected protein band of protease was matched to ficin A, ficin B or chymopapain from common fig or papaya. Iodoacetamide, an inhibitor of cysteine protease, inhibited its protease activity completely. Hence FaFicin was identified as a papain-like cysteine protease (PLCP), exhibiting more than 80% and 70% activity as assayed at pH5-8 and 40-70 °C, respectively. It maintained ~89% of initial activity after 120 min at 55 °C and pH7. Moreover, FaFicin could degrade the myosin and actin of meat, and clot milk. The ficin FaFicin was obtained, purified and identified as a PLCP member from agricultural waste: jelly fig latex. It possessed activity under a wide range of pH values and temperature, and exhibited excellent thermostability. Based on its initial evaluation as a meat tenderizer and milk clotting reagent, the application of FaFicin was possible, which may extend utilization of jelly fig. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Determination of Antifungal Activity Against Invasive Candidiasis Agents and Trace Element Content of Fig Tree Latex Samples Obtained From Trabzon Province

Candidiasis is a major health concern causing both morbidity and mortality. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant fungi associated with life-threatening systemic mycoses, led a constant need for new antifungal agents. Herbal medicines have been tried for this purpose for centuries. The antifungal effect of fig tree latex has been reported and some trace elements such as zinc were associated with antifungal effects. The aim of this study was to determine the trace element content and in-vitro antifungal activity of fig tree latex sample against C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. Krusei. Fig tree latex samples were obtained from four different fig tree at Trabzon province in July 2019. The broth microdilution technique was performed to investigate antifungal activity against standard Candida strains and trace elements level were detected with Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analyzer. The most powerful antifungal activity was reached at a concentration of 0.5 for C. albicans and C. tropicalis, and at a concentration of 0.125 for C. krusei and C. glabrata in fig tree latex. According to trace element analysis, magnesium had the highest level, followed by calcium and phosphorus. Selenium, aluminium, lead and nickel levels were too low to be measured. As a conclusion, fig tree latex has an antifungal potential against Candida species and this may be caused by the high level of magnesium that it contains, however more studies are needed to understand the therapeutic effects of fig tree latex.

Extraction and Analysis of Natural Rubber from the Latex of Ficus carica, Artocarpus heterophyllus and Polymer Analysis of Durio zibethinus

In tropical fruits such as durian (Durio zibethinus) and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), only one quarter to one third of the fruit is edible. Finding more ways to industrially use the other components of the fruit can reduce the waste burned or dumped in landfills. Another fruit tree of interest that can also grow in Austria is the fig tree (Ficus carica). Currently, the fruits are the main product of that plant; however, components in the latex of the tree are of interest too. The latex is known to contain natural rubber, which could potentially be used for industrial applications. Jackfruit trees also produce latex, which contains natural rubber. In both cases, the natural rubber has different properties compared to the conventionally used rubber from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). This could provide new opportunities in various applications. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to analyze the properties of the natural rubber obtained from the jackfruit and fig trees. Additionally, durian fruit also produces a sticky liquid, so the same experiments were also carried out with durian samples. The experimental procedure included extraction with acetone and cyclohexane as well as polymer length determination with gel permeation chromatography and polymer analysis with differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that in both jackfruit and fig tree latex, there is natural rubber of similar polymer length. Durian pulp also contains a polymer; however, with these experiments, it could not be identified. Further research is required to identify the durian polymer and to confirm the results of this experiment.

Antitumor Activity and Immunomodulatory Effects of Ficus carica Latex

Introduction: There are limited studies on the anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects of the fig fruit latex. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of fig fruit latex on several cancer cell lines as well as its effect on lymphocytes proliferation and cytokines secretion. Methods: After preparing a methanolic extract from fig latex, its effect on various cancer cell lines including Fen (bladder cancer), K562 (myeloid leukemia), Hela (cervix carcinoma), Jurkat (lymphoid leukemia) and Raji (lymphoma) was examined by MTT colorimetric assay. For evaluating the effects of extract on lymphocyte proliferation and viability, BrdU assay and flow cytometry staining were used. Cytokine secretion was measured by ELISA assay. Results: The extract showed the strongest activity against K562 cell line (IC50, 234 µg/ml) and the least activity against Hela cells (IC50 >1000 µg/ml). On evaluation of the immunomodulatory effect of fig by BrdU assay, a reduction in lymphocytes proliferation by increasing the concentration of the extract was observed; proliferation index from 1.2±0.06 at 0.1 µg/ml of the extract reached to 0.13±0.2 at 800 µg/ml. In flow cytometry analysis, a significant cytotoxic effect at concentrations ≥400 µg/ml was observed. The extract at 100 and 200µg/ml had the ability to reduce secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 cytokines. Conclusion: Fig latex extract showed cytotoxicity on different cells particularly K562 leukemia cells which implied its anticancer activity. This extract at lower concentrations reduced lymphocytes proliferation and cytokine production which showed its immunoinhibitory effects and suggested its possible beneficial in treatment of immune-mediated diseases.

Bighead Carp: Effect of Drying Methods, Protein Hydrolysis Using Enzymes and Technical Methods and Study Fraction of Protein Peptides

In last few years, there has been an increased effort to develop some advanced technologies of protein hydrolysis and fractionation in protein aquatic products. Using different protein enzymes with different extraction methods can lead to improve the yield of protein hydrolysis. In this review we studied the effect of different drying methods on chemical composition of bighead carp. Ficin enzyme was studied as proteolytic enzyme of fig latex. Whereas the properties of papain and bromelin have been quite thoroughly studied, relatively little is known about the properties of ficin. Also used different methods of extraction to show the effect of extraction on protein hydrolysis, this study highlights many of protein and peptides fractionation, such as electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which have experienced significant development over the past few years.

Two novel closteroviruses, fig virus A and fig virus B, identified by the analysis of the high-throughput RNA-sequencing data of fig (Ficus carica) latex.

Closteroviruses (the genus Closterovirus, the family Closteroviridae) are RNA viruses that infect and cause viral diseases in many economically important plants. Genome sequences of two novel closteroviruses named fig virus A (FiVA) and fig virus B (FiVB) were identified in high-throughput sequencing data obtained from a fig latex sample. FiVA and FiVB genomes, whose lengths are 19,333 bp and 18,741 bp, respectively, were predicted to have 14 shared open reading frames, nine of which had homologs in other closteroviruses. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that FiVA and FiVB are novel closteroviruses forming a strong subclade with fig mild mottle-associated virus within the genus Closterovirus. FiVA and FiVB genome sequences identified in this study are useful resources for investigating the evolution of closterovirus genome organization. Keywords: fig virus A; fig virus B; Closterovirus; common fig; Ficus carica.

Broad range of substrate specificities in papain and fig latex enzymes preparations improve enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes

Numerous applications of proteolytic enzymes include dissociation of fermented meat products for the enumeration of `foodborne pathogenic bacteria. The use of trypsin for this cause is abandoned due to the high concentration of the enzyme affecting released bacteria. Papain, as a suggested replacement, and fig latex preparation with high extent of papain-like enzymes have the potential to be applied for bacteria enumeration. Both enzymatic preparations, originating from papaya and fig, showed a broader range of substrate specificities including gelatinolytic activity, especially prominent in the case of ficin and attributed to both, cysteine protease ficin and serine protease by the analysis of 2D zymography with specific inhibitors. The activity towards native collagen, mild in the case of papain, and extensive in the case of fig latex was proved by structural analysis of digested collagen by infrared spectroscopy. Further exploration of their potential for dissociation of fermented meat products showed that both papain and fig latex enzymes are stable in the presence of detergents Tween 20 and Triton X-100 and effective in the enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes. Gelatenolytic activity, and at least partial collagenolytic activity and stability in procedure conditions make papaya and fig latex proteases potent for this application in significantly lower concentrations than previously used enzymes. As a mixture of proteolytic enzymes with divergent characteristics, fig latex preparation shows higher efficiency in Listeria monocytogenes release than papain, conserved even in the presence of stronger non-ionic detergent Triton X-100.

Ficus Carica L. Latex: Possible Chemo-Preventive, Apoptotic Activity and Safety Assessment.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the third cause of cancer-related mortality with the low 5-year survival in which more than 50 percent of patients have recurrent cancer within 2 years of treatment. The present study investigated the cytotoxicity and lethal dose of Ficus carica L. (Figure) latex and phytochemical composition of effective fraction. Figure latex was collected in summer and 4 fractions of Figure latex were prepared. The cytotoxic effect of each fraction was studied and the most effective fraction was selected for apoptosis assay, acute toxicity study, and phytochemical analysis using column chromatography. The isolated compounds were identified by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass spectroscopy. Chloroform fraction was the most effective fraction with the IC50 value of 0.219 and 0.748 mg/mL for HepG2 and NIH cell lines, respectively. Presence of cells in early apoptotic phase was documented by flow cytometry assay. Single dose administration of 2g/kg of fraction did not cause any death. Phytochemical analyses confirmed presence of lupeol acetate and lupeol palmitate in chloroform fraction. The present study revealed that the chloroform fraction is not only 3.4 times more toxic in HepG2 cell line but also has low in-vivo toxicity which could be considered as a good candidate for a chemo-preventive agent.

Isolation, identification, and stability of Ficin 1c isoform from fig latex

Purified alkaline ficin isoform, identified as Ficin 1c regarding fig transcriptome, shows decreased stability compared to the ficin isoform mixture.

Antitumoral activity of Ficus carica L. on colorectal cancer cell lines

In traditional medicine, Ficus carica (also known as fig) latex is recognized as a remedy with various therapeutic effects. In the present study we investigated the antitumor activity of Ficus carica extracts and latex. We evaluated the effects of increasing concentrations of Ficus carica extracts and latex on HCT-116 and HT-29 human colorectal cell proliferation using MTT assay and apoptosis induction by evaluating PARP cleavage by Western blot analysis. Peel, pulp, leaves, whole fruit and latex extracts of Ficus carica exerted significant antiproliferative effects on HCT-116 (IC50 values 239, 343, 177, 299, 206 µg/ml) and HT-29 cells (IC50 values 207, 249, 230, 261, 182 µg/ml) after 48h of treatment. Furthermore, treatment with different extracts of Ficus carica induced apoptosis in both HT-29 and HCT-116 cancer cells. Leaves and latex extracts of Ficus carica showed the strongest antiproliferative activities. Overall, our results showed that these natural products are strong apoptosis inducers which suggest their use of for therapeutic purposes.

Inhibitory Effect of Ficin Derived from Fig Latex on Inflammation and Melanin Production in Skin Cells

Ficin isolated from fig tree latex is a unique enzyme having both protease and peroxidase activities. Recently, it has been revealed that peroxidase activity of ficin is about 60% or more at pH 4.5 ∼ 5.0 which is the pH of normal skin. However, other efficacy studies and mechanisms of action about ficin are not well known. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, and whitening effects of ficin through in vitro studies. First, the antioxidant activity of ficin was confirmed by DPPH and H2O2 assays. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was about 78.7% level of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) at the same concentration of 1,000 µg/mL and the H2O2 scavenging activity was about 72.3 ± 4.1% of L-ascorbic acid. Second, ficin suppressed NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (at concentration of 10, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL, NO production was 90.5 ± 0.5%, 77.3 ± 0.5%, 67.9 ± 1.1%, and 59.6 ± 0.5%, respectively, compared to the control). Ficin could inhibit mRNA and protein expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), implying its anti-inflammatory activity. To evaluate inhibitory effect of ficin on inflammation signaling pathway, we determined whether ficin could inhibit phosphorylation of inflammatory signaling proteins such as IκB and NF-κB as well as MAPKs (ERK, JNK, p38). Third, we verified the whitening effect of ficin. After B16F10 cells (mouse melanoma cells) were treated with α-MSH (200 nM) along with ficin at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 20 µg/mL for 96 h, melanin contents were increased to 227.1 ± 5.9% by α-MSH alone, but decreased to 197.9 ± 2.4, 107.3 ± 0.9, and 105.2 ± 0.9% in the presence of ficin at 5, 10, and 20 µg/mL, respectively. These results suggest that ficin could be used as a good cosmetic material with enzyme stabilization and cell penetration technology in the future.

Biological activities of Ficus carica latex for potential therapeutics in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related cervical cancers

Infection caused by high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are implicated in the aetiology of cervical cancer. Although current methods of treatment for cervical cancer can ablate lesions, preventing metastatic disseminations and excessive tissue injuries still remains a major concern. Hence, development of a safer and more efficient treatment modality is of vital importance. Natural products from plants are one of the principal sources of precursors to lead compounds with direct pharmaceutical application across all disease classes. One of these plants is Ficus carica, whose fruit latex, when applied on HPV-induced skin warts, has shown potential as a possible cure for this virus related lesions. This study explores the in vitro biological activities of fig latex and elucidates its possible mechanisms of action on cervical cancer cell lines CaSki and HeLa positive for HPV type 16 and 18, respectively. Our data shows that fig latex inhibits properties that are associated with HPV-positive cervical cancer transformed cells such as rapid growth and invasion and substantially downregulated the expression of p16 and HPV onco-proteins E6, E7. These findings suggest Ficus carica latex has the potential to be used in the development of therapeutic modalities for the possible treatment, cure and prevention of HPV related cervical cancer.