Determination of fig fruit extracts (Ficus carica) antioxidant properties

Abstract

The fig tree (Ficus carica L., Moraceae) is very common in the Mediterranean and in countries with dry and warm-temperate climate. Since ancient times the figs have been used for human consumption. Their nutritive and pharmacological properties have been investigated recently. Fig consumption helps in the prevention of vein blockage, high content in fibers has laxative effects, and the latex inhibits the growth of carcinoma cells. The aim of this study was to determine a content of some active components found in extracts of five different figs cultivars ('Šaraguja', 'Termenjača', 'Crnica', 'Bjelica' and 'Bružetka bijela'). Bioactive compounds were extracted from freezedried fig fruits with 70% methanol or 70% ethanol. Analysis of fig extracts included determination of total phenols and flavonoids, as it was determined that effects on health derived from these compounds. For determination of antioxidant activity, scavenging capacity of the DPPH* radicals and reducing power were determined. Antioxidant compounds were detected and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Total phenolics content in F. carica extracts varied from 7.24 to 11.17 mg GAE/g of dry extract. All methanolic extracts showed higher content of total phenols. The DPPH radical scavenging capacity was found to exhibit IC50 value for the extract concentration lower than 0.40 mg/ml for extract cultivars 'Crnica', while for others this capacity was higher than 0.60 mg/ml. Using reducing power antioxidant test, higher antioxidant activity was measuered for 'Bjelica' than for all other extracts. Results obtained by reducing power method were compared to activity of ascorbic acid, a strong antioxidant compound.