Phytochemical Insights into Ficus sur Extracts and Their Biological Activity

This study focused on the biological evaluation and chemical characterisation of Ficus sur Forssk. (F. sur) (Family: Moraceae). The methanolic and aqueous extracts' phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties were investigated. The aqueous stem bark extract yielded the highest phenolic content (115.51 +/- 1.60 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), while the methanolic leaves extract possessed the highest flavonoid content (27.47 +/- 0.28 mg Rutin equivalent/g extract). In total, 118 compounds were identified in the tested extracts. The methanolic stem bark extract exhibited the most potent radical scavenging potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl and 2,2 '-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (475.79 +/- 6.83 and 804.31 +/- 4.52 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, respectively) and the highest reducing Cu2+ capacity (937.86 +/- 14.44 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract). The methanolic stem bark extract substantially depressed tyrosinase (69.84 +/- 0.35 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract), alpha-amylase (0.77 +/- 0.01 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract), acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (2.91 +/- 0.07 and 6.56 +/- 0.34 mg galantamine equivalent/g extract, respectively) enzymes. F. sur extracts were tested for anticancer properties and antiviral activity towards human herpes virus type 1 (HHV-1). Stem bark infusion and methanolic extract showed antineoplastic activity against cervical adenocarcinoma and colon cancer cell lines, whereas leaf methanolic extract exerted moderate antiviral activity towards HHV-1. This investigation yielded important scientific data on F. sur which might be used to generate innovative phytopharmaceuticals.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the biological and chemical properties of Ficus sur Forssk. extracts, revealing their antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, anticancer, and antiviral activities. The findings provide valuable scientific data for the development of innovative phytopharmaceuticals.