Phytochemical Analysis and Phytometabolomic Profiling of Ficus lindsayana Leaf Extract with Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Cyto- and Genotoxic Activities

<i>Ficus lindsayana</i> is recognized for its medicinal properties, with previous studies highlighting the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of its latex (FLtA) and root (FRE) extracts. Harvesting these plant parts, however, raises ecological concerns. This study evaluates the phytochemical profiles, safety, and biological activities of <i>F. lindsayana</i> leaf (FL) extracts as more sustainable alternatives. Leaves were extracted using hot water (FLA) and 80% ethanol (FLE), yielding 32.9% and 11.4%, respectively. Metabolomic and targeted HPLC-MS/MS analyses revealed distinct phytochemical compositions. FLE was enriched in flavonoid aglycones and lipophilic compounds, while FLA contained higher levels of polar phenolics. FLA showed greater total phenolic and flavonoid contents and stronger antioxidant activity, with an SC<sub>50</sub> of 159 μg/mL for the DPPH assay. In contrast, FLE demonstrated more pronounced anti-inflammatory activity. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, FLE significantly reduced nitric oxide production and iNOS expression at both the protein and mRNA levels. FLE also reduced IL-6 secretion in a dose-dependent manner without affecting TNF-α, suggesting selective cytokine modulation. Both extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity (IC<sub>20</sub> > 800 µg/mL in most cell types), non-hemolytic properties, and no mutagenic activity in the <i>Drosophila</i> wing spot assay. Compared to root and latex extracts, FLE ranked second in anti-inflammatory potency (FRE > FLE > FLA = FLtA). FLE, therefore represents a promising candidate, combining potent bioactivity with environmental responsibility and supporting the further development of <i>F. lindsayana</i> leaf-derived products for use in functional foods or botanical therapeutics.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Published
2025-09-25
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199374
Primary Topic
Phytochemistry and biological activities of Ficus species
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Phytochemical Analysis and Phytometabolomic Profiling of Ficus lindsayana Leaf Extract with Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Cyto- and Genotoxic Activities

Ariyaphong Wongnoppavich, Uthaiwan Suttisansanee, Pornsiri Pitchakarn, Arisa Imsumran et al.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Phytochemistry and biological activities of Ficus species
article

Phytochemical Analysis and Phytometabolomic Profiling of Ficus lindsayana Leaf Extract with Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Cyto- and Genotoxic Activities

Ariyaphong Wongnoppavich, Uthaiwan Suttisansanee, Pornsiri Pitchakarn, Arisa Imsumran, Jirarat Karinchai, Piya Temviriyanukul, Woorawee Inthachat, Tanongsak Laowanitwattana, Pensiri Buacheen, Ararat Jaiaree
article en

Abstract

<i>Ficus lindsayana</i> is recognized for its medicinal properties, with previous studies highlighting the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of its latex (FLtA) and root (FRE) extracts. Harvesting these plant parts, however, raises ecological concerns. This study evaluates the phytochemical profiles, safety, and biological activities of <i>F. lindsayana</i> leaf (FL) extracts as more sustainable alternatives. Leaves were extracted using hot water (FLA) and 80% ethanol (FLE), yielding 32.9% and 11.4%, respectively. Metabolomic and targeted HPLC-MS/MS analyses revealed distinct phytochemical compositions. FLE was enriched in flavonoid aglycones and lipophilic compounds, while FLA contained higher levels of polar phenolics. FLA showed greater total phenolic and flavonoid contents and stronger antioxidant activity, with an SC<sub>50</sub> of 159 μg/mL for the DPPH assay. In contrast, FLE demonstrated more pronounced anti-inflammatory activity. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, FLE significantly reduced nitric oxide production and iNOS expression at both the protein and mRNA levels. FLE also reduced IL-6 secretion in a dose-dependent manner without affecting TNF-α, suggesting selective cytokine modulation. Both extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity (IC<sub>20</sub> > 800 µg/mL in most cell types), non-hemolytic properties, and no mutagenic activity in the <i>Drosophila</i> wing spot assay. Compared to root and latex extracts, FLE ranked second in anti-inflammatory potency (FRE > FLE > FLA = FLtA). FLE, therefore represents a promising candidate, combining potent bioactivity with environmental responsibility and supporting the further development of <i>F. lindsayana</i> leaf-derived products for use in functional foods or botanical therapeutics.

International Journal of Molecular SciencesVol. 26(19)
Mahidol University (TH), Chiang Mai University (TH)
Chiang Mai University
Openalex Percentile: Top 81%
Phytochemistry and biological activities of Ficus species
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.