Ficus carica Linn.: A Review on its Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Aspects

Ficus carica Linn. (Moraceae) is commonly known as Angir is a middle sized laticiferous deciduous tree, widely distributed in all tropical and sub-tropical countries. In addition to umbelliferone, scopoletin, the phytoconstituents like psoralens, bergapten, xanthotoxin, xanthotoxol, marmesin have been isolated from leaves and peptides from latex. The fruit extracts possessed activity in anaemia, latex as anthelmintic (due to ficin) and anticarcinogenic. Traditionally, the plant is being used as purgative, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diuretic, anti- anxiety (mild sedative). The present review is therefore, an effort to give a detailed survey of the literature on its pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties.