Ficus carica leaf: phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and antibacterial activities

Fig ( Ficus carica ) leaves have been studied for their bioactive components and potential health benefits, yet limited studies have been done on fig leaves grown in Jordan. The current study investigated phytochemicals in fig leaves collected in Jordan, as well as their potential antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Phytochemical screening using GC-MS, antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS + , and O 2 - free radicals), chelating activity of ferrous ions, and antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (MIC) of fig leaf extracts (ethanol, methanol, and aqueous extracts) were evaluated. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) results revealed the presence of 38 bioactive compounds. The methanol extract showed the highest total phenolic content (94.7 ±1.234 mg GAE/g DW) and the highest total flavonoid content (83.022 ± 0.672 RE/g DW). The aqueous extract exhibited the strongest IC 50 against DPPH radicals (0.224 ± 0.04 mg/mL), while the methanol extract possessed the strongest IC 50 against ABTS + and O 2 - radicals and ferrous-ferrozine chelating activity (0.488 ± 0.003, 0.038 ± 0.003, and 0.290 ± 0.005 mg/mL, respectively). As for the antibacterial activity, the aqueous extract was the only extract that showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 152.0 ± 4.6 μg/mL. • GC-MS results revealed the presence of 38 bioactive compounds in Jordanian fig leaves • Highest TPC and TFC contents were found in the methanol extract • Strong antioxidant activities were detected in methanol and water extracts • Antibacterial activities were only exhibited by the water extract against Staphylococcus aureus • Jordanian fig leaves are rich in bioactive compounds and can serve as potent natural antioxidants