EVALUATION OF THE THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY AND BIOACTIVE MECHANISMS OF FIG (FICUS CARICA) LEAVES IN MANAGEMENT OF HYPERGLYCEMIA

Abstract

Hyperglycemia is a major metabolic disorder associated with significant micro- and macrovascular complications, sustaining interest in medicinal plants as adjunct anti-hyperglycemic agents. This study evaluated the proximate composition, phenolic and flavonoid content, and glycemic effects of Ficus carica (fig) leaf tea. Total flavonoid content was 1.151% (water) and 1.252% (methanolic extract); total phenolic content was 5.857 mg (methanolic) and 4.30 mg (water), respectively. Fifteen male albino rats were divided into three groups (n=5/group), a healthy untreated control and two STZ-induced diabetic groups were given 2 g or 3 g fig leaf tea/cup daily for 28 days. Tea produced its largest glucose reduction 3 hours post-administration, with levels returning near baseline by 24 hours. Co-administration with insulin allowed an approximate 50% dose reduction without loss of glycemic control. These findings support a short-term hypoglycemic and insulin-sparing action of fig leaf tea, warranting further study of its long-term efficacy.