NEW DELHI, India—Indian researchers evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of fig leafs (Ficus carica Linn.[(Moraceae]) , which have been medicinally used in different diseases, including the use of the leaves in various inflammatory conditions like painful or swollen piles, insect sting and bites (Nat Prod Res. 2011;1:1-6).
The current study validated the traditional claim with pharmacological data. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the drug could be due to the presence of steroids and flavanoids, respectively, which are reported to be present in the drug. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity of the drug could be due to its free radical scavenging activity. Further work is also required to isolate and characterize the active constituents responsible for the anti-inflammatory activities.
