# Ficus sycomorus

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/ficus-sycomorus
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** African
**Also Known As:** Ficus sycomorus, sycamore fig, Egyptian fig, mulberry fig, pharaoh's fig, African fig tree, biblical sycamore, fig-mulberry

## Overview

Ficus sycomorus extracts exhibit preliminary anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic properties, as demonstrated in animal models. Bioactive compounds within these extracts are hypothesized to modulate [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s and disrupt parasitic life cycles.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: DCM and methanolic extracts (50-200 mg/kg) reduced paw inflammation in mice comparable to diclofenac (preliminary evidence)
• Antiparasitic activity: Methanolic extract reduced Eimeria intestinalis infection in rabbits, improving growth and reducing oocyst shedding (preliminary evidence)
• Mood support: Hydromethanolic extract (100-200 mg/kg) reversed depression-like behaviors and anxiety in stressed rats, similar to imipramine (preliminary evidence)
• [Memory](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) enhancement: Same extract improved Y-maze alternation performance in chronically stressed rats (preliminary evidence)
• Traditional [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) use: Contains flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds with potential antibacterial properties (traditional evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

The anti-inflammatory actions of Ficus sycomorus extracts are hypothesized to involve the modulation of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s and enzymes such as cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways. Its antiparasitic activity, observed with methanolic extracts, may stem from compounds interfering with parasite cell membrane integrity or metabolic pathways crucial for survival and reproduction, such as reducing oocyst shedding.

## Clinical Summary

Preliminary animal studies investigate Ficus sycomorus's therapeutic potential. DCM and methanolic extracts (50-200 mg/kg) reduced paw edema in mice, demonstrating [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects comparable to diclofenac. Additionally, a methanolic extract demonstrated antiparasitic activity in rabbits infected with Eimeria intestinalis, significantly improving growth and reducing oocyst shedding. Human clinical trials are currently lacking, limiting the applicability of these findings to human health.

## Nutritional Profile

Ficus sycomorus (sycamore fig) nutritional and phytochemical profile is characterized by both macronutrient content in its edible fruit and a rich array of bioactive secondary metabolites across plant parts. Ripe fruits contain approximately 60-70% moisture, 1.2-2.5% crude protein, 0.3-0.8% crude fat, 18-25% total carbohydrates, and 2.5-4.5% crude dietary fiber (predominantly pectin and cellulose). Natural sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose) account for 12-18% of fresh fruit weight. Ash content is approximately 1.0-1.8%, reflecting moderate mineral density. Micronutrient content includes calcium (40-80 mg/100g fresh weight), potassium (150-250 mg/100g), magnesium (20-45 mg/100g), phosphorus (25-50 mg/100g), iron (1.5-3.5 mg/100g), zinc (0.4-0.9 mg/100g), and manganese (0.3-0.7 mg/100g). Vitamin C content is estimated at 8-20 mg/100g fresh fruit; B-vitamins including thiamine (B1, ~0.05 mg/100g) and riboflavin (B2, ~0.04 mg/100g) are present at modest levels. Bioactive phytochemicals documented across bark, leaves, latex, and fruit include: flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin at combined concentrations of 5-20 mg/g dry extract), phenolic acids (gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, approximately 10-30 mg/g dry extract), terpenoids (lupeol, beta-sitosterol, ursolic acid), tannins (condensed and hydrolyzable, 2-8% dry weight in bark), saponins (2-5% dry weight in leaves and bark), and alkaloids (trace levels, <1% in bark extracts). Latex contains ficin (a cysteine protease), which has bioavailability implications for protein digestion. DCM (dichloromethane) and methanolic fractions used in pharmacological studies concentrate terpenoids and flavonoids respectively. Bioavailability of polyphenols is expected to be moderate (5-15% absorption) and influenced by tannin-mineral binding, which may reduce iron and zinc bioavailability when consuming multiple plant parts simultaneously. Fiber content supports [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) activity. Data on fruit amino acid profile is limited but essential amino acids including lysine and threonine are present at levels typical of fig species.

## Dosage & Preparation

Animal studies used: methanolic extract at 100 mg/kg orally for 3 days (antiparasitic); DCM and methanolic extracts at 50-200 mg/kg orally ([anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)); hydromethanolic extract at 100-200 mg/kg orally (mood/[cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) effects). No human dosage data available. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Comprehensive safety data for Ficus sycomorus in humans is currently very limited, with most research confined to animal studies. Potential side effects, specific drug interactions, or contraindications have not been thoroughly evaluated. Due to a lack of human studies, its safety during pregnancy and lactation is unknown, and use should be avoided. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised before use.

## Scientific Research

All available evidence comes from preclinical animal studies with no human clinical trials identified. Key studies include anticoccidial effects in rabbits (PMID: 35743948), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity in mice, and [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s in stressed rats (PMID: 29179735).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Ficus sycomorus has been used in African traditional medicine systems, particularly in Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya, for centuries. Traditional applications include treating wounds, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), diarrhea, diabetes, and infections, with stem bark, leaves, and fruits commonly prepared as decoctions or extracts.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, Boswellia serrata, Ginger, Willow bark, Devil's claw

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the primary potential benefits of Ficus sycomorus?

Ficus sycomorus exhibits preliminary anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic effects, observed in animal studies. Extracts have shown to reduce paw inflammation in mice and alleviate Eimeria intestinalis infection in rabbits.

### How was the anti-inflammatory effect of Ficus sycomorus demonstrated?

DCM and methanolic extracts of Ficus sycomorus, at doses of 50-200 mg/kg, were administered to mice. These extracts effectively reduced paw inflammation, showing effects comparable to the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac.

### What type of parasitic infection did Ficus sycomorus show activity against?

A methanolic extract of Ficus sycomorus demonstrated antiparasitic activity against Eimeria intestinalis infection in rabbits. This treatment led to improved growth parameters and a reduction in oocyst shedding.

### Are there human studies on Ficus sycomorus to confirm its benefits?

No human clinical trials for Ficus sycomorus are mentioned in the existing preliminary evidence. The current understanding of its effects is derived exclusively from animal models, such as mice and rabbits.

### What are the active compounds in Ficus sycomorus responsible for its effects?

The specific bioactive compounds responsible for Ficus sycomorus's anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic effects are not explicitly identified in the provided data. Research indicates these properties are present in DCM and methanolic extracts, suggesting a range of plant constituents may be involved.

### What is the difference between Ficus sycomorus extract forms, and which form shows the strongest research support?

Ficus sycomorus has been studied in multiple extract forms including DCM (dichloromethane), methanolic, and hydromethanolic extracts, each targeting different compounds. Methanolic and DCM extracts show the most robust preliminary evidence for anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic effects in animal models, while hydromethanolic extracts demonstrate mood support activity. The choice of extract form affects which bioactive compounds are concentrated, making extraction method a significant factor in potential efficacy.

### Is Ficus sycomorus safe for use in children or pregnant women?

There is currently insufficient human safety data on Ficus sycomorus to establish safe use in children or pregnant women. All published efficacy studies have been conducted in animal models (mice and rabbits), and no clinical trials have evaluated safety or tolerability in vulnerable populations. Pregnant women and parents considering use for children should consult a healthcare provider before supplementation.

### How does Ficus sycomorus compare to conventional anti-inflammatory medications like diclofenac based on available research?

Preliminary mouse studies show that Ficus sycomorus DCM and methanolic extracts (50–200 mg/kg) produced anti-inflammatory effects comparable to diclofenac in reducing paw swelling. However, these are early-stage animal studies only, and no human clinical trials have directly compared Ficus sycomorus to diclofenac or other NSAIDs. The evidence is too preliminary to make therapeutic equivalence claims for humans.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*