Botanical name : Ficus carica
Family : Moraceae
Uses :
F. carica L. is an important member of the genus Ficus.
It is ordinarily deciduous and commonly referred to as “fig”. The common fig is a tree native to southwest Asia and the eastern Mediterranean, and it is one of the first plants that were cultivated by humans. The fig is an important harvest worldwide for its dry and fresh consumption. Its common edible part is the fruit which is fleshy, hollow, and receptacle .
The dried fruits of F. carica have been reported as an important source of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds
The fresh and dried figs also contain high amounts of fiber and polyphenols .
Figs are an excellent source of phenolic compounds, such as proanthocyanidins, whereas red wine and tea, which are two good sources of phenolic compounds, contain phenols lower than those in fig. Its fruit, root, and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as gastrointestinal (colic, indigestion, loss of appetite, and diarrhea), respiratory (sore throats, coughs, and bronchial problems), and cardiovascular disorders and as anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic remedy
F. carica has been traditionally used for its medicinal benefits as metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory remedy
It is commonly referred to as “Fig”. Leaves, fruits, and roots of F. carica are used in native medicinal system in different disorders such as gastrointestinal (colic, indigestion, loss of appetite, and diarrhea), respiratory (sore throats, cough, and bronchial problems), inflammatory, and cardiovascular disorders .
Fruits of F. carica can be eaten fresh or dried or used as jam. Figs are used as an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and dietary fibre because it is fat and cholesterol free and contain high number of amino acids . It is also reported that figs have been conventionally used for their therapeutic benefits as laxative, cardiovascular, respiratory, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory remedies.
The fruit’s juice of F. carica mixed with honey is used for haemorrhage. In Indian medicine, fruits are used as a mild laxative, expectorant, and diuretic. It is used as aid in liver and spleen diseases. The dry fruit of F. carica is a supplement food for diabetics. It is commercialized in the market as sweet due to its high level of sugars .
Fruit paste is applied to swellings, tumours, and inflammation for relieving pain.
