GC-MS, quantitative phytochemical estimation and biological activities of the leaf and root extracts of Ficus racemosa L․

Ficus racemosa L. (Jù guǒ róng) is a traditionally used medicinal plant in the management of various ailments, including diabetes, dysentery, bilious affections, diarrhea, etc. The present study aimed to comparatively evaluate the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of its leaf and root extracts. Preliminary qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed to determine the presence and concentration of major secondary metabolites. Antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power assays. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the disk-diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the resazurin-based microdilution technique. Enzyme inhibitory activity was assessed against alpha-amylase and urease enzymes. Phytochemical evaluation confirmed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrates, etc. Quantitative estimation revealed higher polyphenolic content in the root extracts and GC-MS analysis identified various compounds, including lupeyl acetate, n- hexadecanoic acid, squalene, lupan-3-ol, acetate, lanosterol acetate, etc., which contribute to the biological activities of the plant. Antioxidant assays revealed comparatively lower IC 50 and EC 50 values for the methanolic root extract (15.54 and 330.40 µg/mL, respectively), correlating with its higher phenolic and flavonoid content. Antimicrobial screening indicated that root extracts exhibited broader-spectrum activity. Enzyme inhibition studies demonstrated significant alpha-amylase inhibitory activity, with the methanolic root extract exhibiting the strongest effect (IC 50 = 0.128 mg/mL). Similarly, the highest urease inhibition was observed for the methanolic root extract (IC 50 = 0.372 mg/mL), suggesting potential hypoglycemic and anti-urease effects. The findings not only provide scientific validation for the traditional use of F. racemosa but also highlight its potential as a promising source of bioactive compounds for the development of novel antioxidant, antimicrobial and hypoglycemic therapeutics, warranting further isolation and characterization studies.