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
- Ariyaphong Wongnoppavich (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9238-0447)
- Uthaiwan Suttisansanee (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5887-6329)
- Pornsiri Pitchakarn (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6219-386X)
- Arisa Imsumran (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2787-2461)
- Jirarat Karinchai (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1629-2808)
- Piya Temviriyanukul (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7590-7024)
- Woorawee Inthachat (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4282-4908)
- Tanongsak Laowanitwattana (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8087-8269)
- Pensiri Buacheen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6764-0801)
- Ararat Jaiaree
Institutions
- Mahidol University (TH)
- Chiang Mai University (TH)
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
- Chiang Mai University