Fig; Ficus Carica Fruit

(in 358 products)

1. Antioxidant - Reduces oxidation to prevent the formation of free radicals which may be harmful to health.

2. Fragrance / Fragrance Component - Provides or enhances a particular smell or odor.

3. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - Herbs and drugs which are classified as Traditional Chinese Medicine

Figs contain furocoumarins, a known photosensitizing agent. [1]

Figs are rich in anthocyanins which contributes to its high antioxidant activities. [2] Figs have also proven to have a medicinal value in antispasmodic and antiplatelet activities through in vitro tests. [3]

An anaphylactic reaction can occur following the consumption of figs even though the individual has shown no sensitization to any of the typical allergens. [4]

Phytophotodermatitis is a condition caused by exposure to photosensitizing agents found in plants after UV exposure. Figs contain furocoumarins, a known photosensitizing agent. All the affected individuals turned to the use of fig leaves as a herbal remedy which resulted in a deterioration of their pre-existing dermatitis. Within 24 h after washing with fig leaves water, dermatitis and blisters occurred on all places exposed to sunlight. The skin lesions were treated with topical corticosteroids and the fig leaves remedy did not show any significant effect. [5]

Volatile compounds can be extracted from figs using pentane, and substances such as furocoumarins, benzyl alcohol, linalool, and linalool oxides can be found. [6]

Arborists (tree surgeons) who pruned the leaves from fig trees were also shown to develop acute blisters affecting their forearms, hands, and fingers. [7]

Overall, it could be seen that furocoumarins can easily be leached from the leaves of fig trees and onto the skin. Furocoumarins have a high phytophotodermatitis potential and hence skin contact should be avoided. It remains unknown why the CosIng Annex II designation for all aspects of figs (with the exception of fig leaves) has been removed as of November 2019.

1. Antioxidant Activities and Anthocyanin Content of Fresh Fruits of Common Fig (Ficus caricaL.). (J. Agric. Food Chem., 54(20), 7717–7723. DOI:10.1021/jf060497h)

2. Ethnopharmacological studies on antispasmodic and antiplatelet activities of Ficus carica. (J. Ethnopharmacol., 119(1), 1–5. DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2008.05.040)

3. First report of anaphylactic reaction after fig (Ficus carica) ingestion (Allergy. 1995 Jun;50(6):514-6)

4. Five Cases of Phytophotodermatitis Caused by Fig Leaves and Relevant Literature Review (Ann Dermatol. 2017 Feb; 29(1): 86–90 DOI:10.5021/ad.2017.29.1.86)

5. Volatile compounds from extracts of figs of Ficus carica. (Phytochemistry, 46(2), 241–244. DOI:10.1016/s0031-9422(97)00292-6)

6. Phytophotodermatitis caused by contact with a fig tree (Ficus carica) (N Z Med J. 2007;120(1261):U2720)