FICUS CARICA

Common name: Anjeer, Common Fig • Hindi: अंजीर Anjeer • Marathi: अंजीर Anjeer • Tamil: Simaiyatti •Kannada: Anjura • Konkani: अंजीर Anjir • Urdu: انجیر Anjeer

Botanical name: Ficus carica   

Family: Moraceae (Mulberry family)

Introduction: Anjeer is a beautiful small tree with a interesting spreading habit. The breadth is often wider than the height of 15 to 30 ft. The bark is a smooth, silvery gray. The leaves of the tree are the identifying feature. They are about 4 in long, and have 3 or 5 lobes. The species name carica means having papaya-like leaves. The fruit, which is called anjeer, may be obovoid, top-shaped, or pear-shaped, 1 to 4 in long, and varies in color from yellowish-green to coppery, bronze, or dark-purple. Anjeer is widely grown for its edible fruit throughout its natural range Iran and also in the rest of the Mediterranean region and other areas of the world. Originally from the Persian region, common fig has been cultivated by humans for over 5000 years.

Chemical Constituents

Phytochemical studies on F. carica revealed the presence of numerous bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, phytosterols, organic acids, anthocyanin composition, triterpenoids, coumarins, and volatile compounds such as hydrocarbons, aliphatic alcohols, and few other classes of secondary metabolites from different parts of F. carica. Most species of F. carica contain phenolic compounds, organic acids, and volatile compounds.

Medicinal Uses: F. carica has been traditionally used for its medicinal benefits as metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory remedy. It is commonly referred to as “Fig”. Leaves, fruits, and roots of F. carica are used in native medicinal system in different disorders such as gastrointestinal (colic, indigestion, loss of appetite, and diarrhea), respiratory (sore throats, cough, and bronchial problems), inflammatory, and cardiovascular disorders. Fruits of F. carica can be eaten fresh or dried or used as jam. Figs are used as an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and dietary fibre because it is fat and cholesterol free and contain high number of amino acids. It is also reported that figs have been conventionally used for their therapeutic benefits as laxative, cardiovascular, respiratory, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory remedies.

The fruit’s juice of F. carica mixed with honey is used for haemorrhage. In Indian medicine, fruits are used as a mild laxative, expectorant, and diuretic. It is used as aid in liver and spleen diseases. The dry fruit of F. carica is a supplement food for diabetics. It is commercialized in the market as sweet due to its high level of sugars. Fruit paste is applied to swellings, tumours, and inflammation for relieving pain.