Fruit extracts of algerian Ficus carica L.: potent in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and targeted antimicrobial effects.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study explores the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of extracts from fruits of four Algerian fig tree (Ficus carica L.) varieties, figs and Breba figs «Bakor». M&M: Methanolic and aqueous (decoction and infusion) extracts were tested. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by the agar disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination against six pathogenic bacterial strains and the yeast Candida albicans. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated in vitro using two assays: inhibition of heat-induced denaturation of human albumin and stabilization of heat-induced erythrocyte membrane hemolysis, with diclofenac sodium as a reference. Results: Only aqueous infusion extracts displayed antimicrobial activity, specifically inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition zone = 14 mm; MIC = 3.125 mg/mL), Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli. Notably, most extracts, particularly aqueous and methanolic ones from Lahmar varieties, exhibited anti-inflammatory activity superior to diclofenac in the protein denaturation inhibition assay (IC₅₀ as low as 1.92 mg/mL vs. 7.26 mg/mL for the reference). Several extracts also stabilized erythrocyte membranes. HPLC analysis correlated these activities with the presence of specific phenolic compounds (gallic acid, catechin, rutin, berberine, and psoralene). Conclusions: These results provide scientific validation for the traditional uses and identify Breba fig infusions as promising preparations with marked anti-inflammatory properties and targeted antimicrobial action.