Comparative nutrachemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of commonly eaten Ficus fruits in Bangladesh

Several Ficus species showed potential antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antidiarrheal, and hepatoprotective properties. Hence, this study examined the nutrachemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of two commonly consumed Ficus fruits (Ficus racemosa and Ficus hispida), from southeast Bangladesh, considering the growing demand for natural food supplements and preservatives. Proximate analysis revealed that F. hispida had significantly higher moisture (85.73±0.75%), crude fiber (26.53±0.15%), and inorganic content (8.87±0.10%). Conversely, F. racemosa contained higher fat (9.30±0.02%) and carbohydrate (48.57±0.13%) levels, while protein content was similar between the two species. Mineral analysis revealed that F. racemosa was rich in sodium, potassium and copper whereas F. hispida had higher calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron; zinc content was comparable in both species. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of tannins and alkaloids in both fruits, though saponins were highly present in F. racemosa but absent in F. hispida. The total phenol content (mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (mg QE/g) were notably higher in F. racemosa (10.42±0.03 and 20.05±0.15, respectively) compared with F. hispida (5.74±0.06 and 15.97±0.75, respectively). Antioxidant capacity, measured by DPPH scavenging activity, was significantly stronger in F. racemosa (IC₅₀ = 16.80±1.08) than in F. hispida (IC₅₀ = 35.83±1.75). Multivariate analysis revealed a distinct separation between the two species based on principal components, highlighting F. racemosa as rich in antioxidants, while F. hispida had higher mineral content. However, extracts from both fruits showed no inhibition zones against foodborne pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These findings suggested that Ficus fruits may serve as natural sources of essential nutrients to address malnutrition and oxidative stress-related diseases.