Research - Ficus carica
A new topical treatment of atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients based on Ficus carica L. (Fig): A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
.Abbasi S1, Kamalinejad M2, Babaie D3, Shams S4, Sadr Z5, Gheysari M6, Askari VR7, Rakhshandeh H8.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, relapsing and inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritus and xerosis (dry skin). Its prevalence is on the increase worldwide, particularly in children. As the pathogenesis of AD involves a complex interaction of genetic, environmental and immunological factors, its definitive treatment is difficult.
OBJECTIVE:This clinical trial was designed as equivalence study to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of edible dried fig fruit on the severity of AD as measured with scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD), in comparison with Hydrocortisone 1.0% as the routine treatment of AD and base cream as a placebo.
METHOD:Forty five children aged 4 months to 14 years with mild to moderate AD (SCORAD <50) were randomly assigned, in a double blind manner, to three treatment groups in order to perform a randomised, double blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The patients were instructed to apply their allocated creams twice a day for two weeks.
RESULTS:The randomised, placebo-controlled trial indicates that the new treatment had significantly increased efficacy in terms of reducing the SCORAD index, pruritus and intensity scores in comparison with Hydrocortisone 1.0% (p<0.05) and the placebo failed to ameliorate the symptoms.
CONCLUSION:Safety, efficacy, tolerability, and symptom relief were considerable in fig fruit extract in comparison with hydrocortisone 1.0%. This clinical trial suggests that fig fruit extract can be used instead of low potent corticosteroid in mild to moderate cases of AD
Source : Journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine
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Comparison and Assessment of the Effects of Flixweed and Fig on Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Predominant Constipation: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Makan Pourmasoumi , Reza Ghiasvand , Leila Darvishi , Amir Hadi , Nimah Bahreini , Ziyaaddin Keshavarzpour
Abstract
Background: Irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation (IBS-C) is a common digestive disorder. The current therapy is inadequate and evidence regarding the effect of herbal therapies on the relief of affected individuals is insufficient. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of flixweed and fig consumption on IBS-C symptoms.
Methods: 150 patients with IBS-C were enrolled in this randomized, controlled trial. All patients were randomly assigned to three groups and received an intervention for four months. The IBS severity score system and quality-of-life questionnaires were used for evaluating IBS-C symptoms. C-reactive protein levels, frequency of defecation and hard stool were also assessed.
Results: Consumption of flixweed or fig, compared to a control group, caused a significant improvement in IBS symptoms including frequency of pain, distention, frequency of defecation and hard stool. Also, the findings showed a significant increase in quality of life, as well as satisfaction with overall bowel habits. However, flixweed and fig intake had no significant effects on abdominal pain severity and C-reactive protein levels.
Conclusion: In conclusion, consumption of flixweed or fig for four months would be a useful therapy for alleviating IBS-C symptoms and can be a beneficial option for first-line treatment
Source : Journal Explore
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Effects of Common Fig (Ficus carica) Leaf Extracts on Sperm Parameters and Testis of Mice Intoxicated with Formaldehyde
Majid Naghdi, 1 Maryam Maghbool, 2 Morteza Seifalah-Zade, 3 Maryam Mahaldashtian, 1 Zohreh Makoolati, 1 , * Seyed Amin Kouhpayeh, 4 Afsaneh Ghasemi, 5 and Narges Fereydouni 1
Abstract
Formaldehyde (FA) is the leading cause of cellular injury and oxidative damage in testis that is one of the main infertility causes. There has been an increasing evidence of herbal remedies use in male infertility treatment. This assay examines the role of Ficus carica (Fc) leaf extracts in sperm parameters and testis of mice intoxicated with FA. Twenty-five adult male mice were randomly divided into control; sham; FA-treated (10 mg/kg twice per day); Fc-treated (200 mg/kg); and FA + Fc-treated groups. Cauda epididymal spermatozoa were analyzed for viability, count, and motility. Testes were weighed and gonadosomatic index (GSI) was calculated. Also, histoarchitecture of seminiferous tubules was assessed in the Haematoxylin and Eosin stained paraffin sections. The findings showed that FA significantly decreased GSI and increased percentage of immotile sperm compared with control group. Disorganized and vacuolated seminiferous epithelium, spermatogenic arrest, and lumen filled with immature germ cells were also observed in the testes. However, Fc leaf extracts improved sperm count, nonprogressive motility of spermatozoa, and GSI in FA-treated testes. Moreover, seminiferous tubule with spermatogenic arrest was rarely seen, indicating that Fc has the positive effects on testis and epididymal sperm parameters exposed with FA.
Source : Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Hepatoprotective Activity of Ficus carica Leaf Extract on Rifampicin-Induced Hepatic Damage in Rats
Shade dried leaves of Ficus carica were extracted using petroleum ether (60-80°) and tested for antihepatotoxic activity on rats treated with 50 mg/kg of rifampicin orally. The parameters assessed were serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, bilirubin and histological changes in liver. Liver weights and pentobarbitione sleeping time as a functional parameter were also monitored. There was significant reversal of biochemical, histological and functional changes induced by rifampicin treatment in rats by petroleum ether extract treatment, indicating promising hepatoprotective activity. “Liver diseases remain one of the serious health problems. In the absence of reliable liver protective drugs in allopathic medical practices. Herbs play important role in the management of various liver disorders1. However, in ayurveda many indigenous plants have been used as hepatoprotective agents. A number of reviews are published stating the importance of plant drugs in the diseases of liver. Indigenous plant Ficus carica was selected for investigating hepatoprotective activity”
Source : Indian J Pharm Sci. 2008 May-Jun; 70(3): 364–366.doi: 10.4103/0250-474X.43003
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