FTIR Spectral Analysis and Bio-functional Characterization of Ficus carica and F. racemosa Leaves for Therapeutic Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63147/krjs.v4i4.199Keywords:
Ficus, fig, alpha amylase, hemolysis, spectroscopyAbstract
Ficus carica, a common fig and Ficus racemosa, a cluster fig which are well-known plants of the genus Ficus (Moraceae family) that demand comparative therapeutic assessment. The study was designed to bio-fabricate a therapeutic application and Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis of both Ficus species. Microwave-assisted extraction method was used to prepare aqueous leaf extracts. Antioxidant profile was determined through total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and DPPH radical scavenging assays. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. Alpha-amylase inhibition and hemolytic assays were used to determine antidiabetic and cytotoxic potentials, respectively, in aqueous leaf extracts of F. carica and F. racemosa. The F. carica and F. racemosa exhibited 113.74 ± 3.61 mg GAE/100g and 89.51 ± 5.65 mg GAE/100g TPC (p > 0.05), respectively. TFC in F. carica was 55.13 ± 4.04 mg CE/100g and 45.89 ± 1.29 mg GAE/100g in F. racemosa (p > 0.05). The percentage of DPPH radical scavenging activity in F. carica was 43.61 ±2.01% while in F. racemosa, it was 53.41 ± 2.23% (p > 0.05). Both samples exhibited mild antimicrobial activities (8 to 20 mm growth inhibition zones). Moderate alpha-amylase inhibition was observed (F. carica: 25.54 ± 0.88% and F. racemosa: 21.29 ± 15.81%), while hemolytic activity was higher in F. racemosa (13.2 ± 1.22%) than in F. carica (12.47 ± 2.79 %). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of alcohols, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, phenols, alkenes, alkynes, esters, ethers, fluoride, amines and aromatics. It is concluded that both medicinal plants exhibited antioxidant, antimicrobial and antidiabetic activities. The F. racemosa and F. carica extracts exhibited low hemolytic activity, indicating good biocompatibility, with FRA being marginally more hemolytic than F. carica but also having lower cytotoxic effects. These findings support their future application in pharmacological formulations. Future research involving different extraction techniques and animal trials could improve therapeutic understanding and clinical applications.
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