PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SIX FICUS SPECIES (MORACEAE): A MINI REVIEW

The genus Ficus (family Moraceae) encompasses a wide diversity of species, many of which have demonstrated ethnomedicinal relevance. This mini review focuses on six underexplored Ficus species (Ficus platyphylla Delile, Ficus drupacea Thunb., Ficus hirta Vahl, Ficus lutea Vahl, Ficus cyathistipula Warb., and Ficus platypoda (Miq.) A.Cunn. ex Miq.), emphasizing their phytochemical composition and reported biological activities. Brief mentions of traditional uses are included where available. 102 secondary metabolites were identified across these species, including 22 triterpenes, 3 steroids, 14 flavonoids, 27 phenolic compounds, 5 coumarins, 11 lignans and 20 other compounds. The documented bioactivities range from antibacterial, antioxidant to cytotoxic and neuroprotective effects. This synthesis highlights research gaps in mechanistic evaluation and clinical validation, and underscores the potential of these species as promising sources of novel bioactive agents.