21. Exploring Phytochemicals of Ficus carica L. (Fig)

Fig, common fig or edible fig, is the fruit of Ficus carica L. (family: Moraceae) and is one of the most valuable crops in the world. The fruit is edible and is consumed as fresh or in dried forms as well as processed into jams, Fig Newtons, and fig rolls. Ficus carica fruit has incredible medicinal properties and is used for the treatment of different ailments in traditional medicines. Fruits are a rich source of macronutrients and essential micronutrients (i.e., minerals and vitamins) and phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. The different phytochemicals in fruits exhibit various bioactivities such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antispasmodic, antiplatelet, and other health issues. This chapter gives a brief introduction to fig, including nutritional composition, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of fig fruits and clinical trials on dietary supplements of fig extracts.