Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-arthritic Activity of Ficus carica Leaves

Arthritis is one of the foremost health troubles worldwide, leading causes of disability in western and developing countries. Therapies developed along the principles of western medicine are often limited in efficacy, carry the risk of adverse effects, and are often too costly, especially for the developing world. Therefore, treating arthritis with plant derived compounds which are accessible and do not require laborious pharmaceutical synthesis seems highly attractive. Ficus carica (Common Figs) is the one of the important medicinal plant in Moraceae family. Ficus carica root and leaves are used in the native system of medicine in different disorders such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, inflammatory and cardiovascular disorders and as antispasmodic. Since there is no scientific evidence for antiinflammatory and antiarthritic activity of Ficus carica, therefore current research is aimed to evaluate the antiinflammatory and antiarthritic activity of Ficus carica. Anti-arthritic activity of aqueous extract of Ficus carica was studied significantly by using in vitro inhibition of protein denaturation method (BSA, egg albumin). Extract of Ficus carica at 3 different concentration provided significant protection against denaturation of proteins. The plant contains secondary metabolites eg: steroids, Triterpenoids, alkaloids and flavanoids. These constituents are responsible for this activity. Mechanism of denaturation probably involves alteration in electrostatic, hydrogen, hydrophobic and disulphide bonding. Hence proper isolation of active principles might help in the findings of new lead compounds in the fields of anti-arthritic drug research obtained data stated that Ficus carica extract could be used as potent anti-arthritic agent.