Phytochemical Diversity and Medicinal Properties of Ficus Species: A Review

Genus Ficus, which is a member of the Moraceae family, includes more than a thousand species of vines, shrubs, and woody trees. Ficus species, generally known as fig trees or figs, are endemic to the tropics and a few species expand into the semi-warm temperate zones. Ficus species have traditional applications such as expectorants, mild laxatives, anthelmintic, hypoglycemic, and antihypertensive agents, as well as therapy for rheumatic illness, constipation, dysentery, and dyspepsia. Ficus species have several biological actions, including anti-hypertensive, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory and some species show antidibetic properties. Several species, including F. religiosa, F. bengalensis, F.hispida, F. racemosa, F. curtipes, F. rumphi, and F. elastica, have strong economic potential and having potential medicinal uses. This present review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the plant's phytochemical components and various medicinal properties.