Physiological Effects of Fig Leaf Extract and Orlistat on Obesity, Kidney and Liver of Rats.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Obesity is a global health epidemic associated with various health complications. This study investigates the potential effects of ethanolic fig leaf extract and orlistat on obesity, as well as their impact on kidney and liver function in a rat model, aiming to contribute to the development of strategies for managing obesity-related health issues. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Forty male albino rats with hypercholesterolemia were divided into four groups: Group one served as a control and received a normal diet, group two was a control group that was fed a high-fat diet, group three received a high-fat diet with a daily force-fed ration of 3 g kg¹ b.wt., of fig leaves and group four received a high-fat diet along with daily administration of orlistat at 4 mg kg¹ b.wt. Blood samples were collected from all groups at baseline and after 30 days of treatment. <b>Results:</b> Rats in the high-fat diet group showed a significant increase in body weight by 49%, while rats treated with fig leaf extract showed a significant decrease in body weight by 18% (p<0 .01) and treatment with orlistat resulted in 12% elevation in body weight. Renal function markers creatinine and urea were decreased in the group treated with fig leaves. Liver enzymes AST, ALT and ALP decreased significantly in the group treated with fig leaves and orlistat. Albumin and globulin concentrations decreased more with fig leaf extract than with orlistat. <b>Conclusion:</b> Fig leaves and orlistat reduce body weight and improve kidney and liver function in hypercholesterolemic rats.

From Threat to Opportunity: Harnessing the Invasive Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br for Nutritional and Phytotherapeutic Valorization Amid Seasonal and Spatial Variability.

Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br. (Hottentot-fig) is a problematic invasive species found in coastal areas worldwide. Mechanical removal is a common control method, leaving the removed biomass available as a possible source of natural phytochemicals with prospective commercial applications. While the Hottentot-fig's vegetative organs have been studied previously, this work establishes for the first time a seasonal and spatial comparative analysis of its nutritional, chemical, and bioactivity profiles (in three locations over four seasons). Proximate and mineral contents were assessed, along with its phenolic composition and in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hottentot-fig's biomass offered a good supply of nutrients, mainly carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals, with a tendency for higher concentrations of the most relevant minerals and proteins in autumn and winter, and in plants from sites A (Ria de Alvor lagoon) and B (Ancão beach). The extracts were rich in polyphenolics, with higher levels in spring and summer, especially for luteolin-7-O-glucoside and salicylic and coumaric acids. The extracts were also effective antioxidants, with stronger radical scavenging activities in spring and summer, along with anti-inflammatory properties. Our results suggest that the usually discarded plant material of this invasive halophyte could be valuable as a source of natural products with potential biotechnological applications in the food and nutraceutical industries.

Ethanolic Extract of Duea Ching Fruit: Extraction, Characterization and Its Effect on the Properties and Storage Stability of Sardine Surimi Gel.

The quality of surimi gel can be improved using protein cross-linkers, especially from plant extracts. Apart from the presence of phenolic compounds, Duea ching fruit is rich in calcium, which can activate indigenous transglutaminase or form the salt bridge between protein chains. Its extract can serve as a potential additive for surimi. The effect of different media for the extraction of Duea ching was studied and the use of the extract in sardine surimi gel was also investigated. The Duea ching fruit extract (DCE) was prepared using distilled water and ethanol (EtOH) at varying concentrations. The DCE prepared using 60% EtOH (DCE-60) had the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. When DCE-60 (0-0.125%; w/w) was added to the sardine surimi gel, the breaking force (BF), deformation (DF) and water holding capacity (WHC) of the gel upsurged and the highest values were attained with the 0.05% DCE-60 addition (p < 0.05). However, the whiteness of the gel decreased when DCE-60 levels were augmented. The gel containing 0.05% DCE-60, namely D60-0.05, showed a denser network and had a higher overall likeness score than the control. When the D60-0.05 gel was packed in air, under vacuum or modified atmospheric packaging and stored at 4 °C, BF, DF, WHC and whiteness gradually decreased throughout 12 days of storage. However, the D60-0.05 gel sample showed lower deterioration than the control, regardless of the packaging. Moreover, the gel packaged under vacuum conditions showed the lowest reduction in properties throughout the storage than those packaged with another two conditions. Thus, the incorporation of 0.05% DCE-60 could improve the properties of sardine surimi gel and the deterioration of the resulting gel was retarded when stored at 4 °C under vacuum packaging conditions.

Industrial Application and Health Prospective of Fig (Ficus carica) By-Products.

The current review was carried out on the industrial application of fig by-products and their role against chronic disorders. Fig is basically belonging to fruit and is botanically called Ficus carica. There are different parts of fig, including the leaves, fruits, seeds and latex. The fig parts are a rich source of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals including antioxidants, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and vitamins. These different parts of fig are used in different food industries such as the bakery, dairy and beverage industries. Fig by-products are used in extract or powder form to value the addition of different food products for the purpose of improving the nutritional value and enhancing the stability. Fig by-products are additive-based products which contain high phytochemicals fatty acids, polyphenols and antioxidants. Due to the high bioactive compounds, these products performed a vital role against various diseases including cancer, diabetes, constipation, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Concussively, fig-based food products may be important for human beings and produce healthy food.

Phytophotodermatitis as a clinical problem and as a therapeutic option: Case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Phytophotodermatitis is a contact photodermatitis to furocoumarins, which act as sensitizing psoralens, from certain plants, especially citrus and fig trees. This photosensitizing effect has traditionally been used for the treatment of cutaneous viral warts, a reflection of traditional medicine. However, there are hardly any studies that support this fact. Otherwise, on certain occasions, especially in extensive exposures, they can cause a generalized severe condition that can even put the patient's life at risk. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 28-year-old man with severe phytophotodermatitis after generalized photoexposure with the manipulation of a fig tree, which required hospital management in a burn unit. RESULTS: A traditional method for the treatment of warts in some rural areas, especially in Iran, comprises the use of fig tree (ficus carica) latex as a local treatment; however, there is no scientific evaluation of its efficacy. It bases its effectiveness on physical destruction due to the sensitizing effect of furocoumarins. Though, in generalized exposures of this tree, as the case of our patient, can cause fatal symptoms. The essential therapeutic pillar is the avoidance of exposure to this tree and of sun exposure. Symptomatically, topical corticosteroids and systemic antihistamines are used. In severe cases, admission to a burn unit may be necessary. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we highlight the importance the importance of early detection of phytophotodermatitis, an entity that can be caused by the daily handling of trees, including fig trees, a traditional remedy for viral warts and which, without adequate supervision in its application, can cause severe generalized symptoms.

HPLC-DAD profile of phenolic compounds and In vitro antioxidant activity of Ficus carica L. fruits from two Algerian varieties.

Ficus carica L., commonly known as the fig tree, is a plant belonging to the Moraceae family whose fruits are traditionally used for edible and therapeutic purposes. The study aimed to investigate the lyophilized aqueous extracts of two native Algerian fig varieties, azendjar (Az) and taamriouth (Ta), as a potential source of antioxidant compounds for possible use as ingredients in pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals. The HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of two phenolic acids (3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and vanillic acid) and two flavonoids (rutin and quercetin) at levels 3.67, 4.80, 84.16, and 6.87 µg/g respectively for Az variety extract, and 6.90, traces, 7.46 and 3.37 µg/g respectively for Ta variety extract. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method at levels 951.06 ± 61.08 and 730.88 ± 45.25 GAE mg/100 g of the dry extract. In contrast, the total flavonoid content was determined using Christ-Müller's method at levels 428.34 ± 15.42 and 307.63 ± 7.94 QE mg/100 g of dry extract in the Az and Ta varieties, respectively. The total polyphenolic content of the extract may be responsible for its antioxidant action. The gathered results indicate that the extracts from the dark peel fig variety - azendjar, are characterized by a higher content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activity than the extract from the light peel variety - taamriouth. In conclusion, the conducted studies and in vitro assays indicate that the studied extracts are a source of natural antioxidants and can be considered functional raw materials for producing food supplements and pharmaceuticals.

Single domain antibodies derived from ancient animals as broadly neutralizing agents for SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.

With severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as an emergent human virus since December 2019, the world population is susceptible to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 has higher transmissibility than the previous coronaviruses, associated by the ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus nature with high mutation rate, caused SARS-CoV-2 variants to arise while circulating worldwide. Neutralizing antibodies are identified as immediate and direct-acting therapeutic against COVID-19. Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), as small biomolecules with non-complex structure and intrinsic stability, can acquire antigen-binding capabilities comparable to conventional antibodies, which serve as an attractive neutralizing solution. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein attaches to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on lung epithelial cells to initiate viral infection, serves as potential therapeutic target. sdAbs have shown broad neutralization towards SARS-CoV-2 with various mutations, effectively stop and prevent infection while efficiently block mutational escape. In addition, sdAbs can be developed into multivalent antibodies or inhaled biotherapeutics against COVID-19.

Hemiepiphytic figs kill their host trees: acquiring phosphorus is a driving factor.

Hemiepiphytic figs killing their host trees is an ecological process unique to the tropics. Yet the benefits and adaptive strategies of their special life history remain poorly understood. We compared leaf phosphorus (P) content data of figs and palms worldwide, and functional traits and substrate P content of hemiepiphytic figs (Ficus tinctoria), their host palm and nonhemiepiphytic conspecifics at different growth stages in a common garden. We found that leaf P content of hemiepiphytic figs and their host palms significantly decreased when they were competing for soil resources, but that of hemiepiphytic figs recovered after host death. P availability in the canopy humus and soil decreased significantly with the growth of hemiepiphytic figs. Functional trait trade-offs of hemiepiphytic figs enabled them to adapt to the P shortage while competing with their hosts. From the common garden to a global scale, the P competition caused by high P demand of figs may be a general phenomenon. Our results suggest that P competition is an important factor causing host death, except for mechanically damaging and shading hosts. Killing hosts benefits hemiepiphytic figs by reducing interspecific P competition and better acquiring P resources in the P-deficient tropics, thereby linking the life history strategy of hemiepiphytic figs to the widespread P shortage in tropical soils.

Developing of specific monoclonal recombinant antibody fused to alkaline phosphatase (AP) for one-step detection of fig mosaic virus.

Present study was performed to develop a fusion recombinant monoclonal antibody for one-step and accurate detection of FMV with a specific single-chain variable fragment (scFv) fused to alkaline phosphatase (AP) named as scFv(FMV-NP)-AP. The gene encoding-specific scFv recombinant antibody binding to nucleocapsid protein of Fig Mosaic Virus (FMV-NP) was fused to upstream of AP gene and integrated in pET26b bacterial expression vector. As vector contain pelB signal peptide, the expressed protein is secreted into periplasmic compartment. Recombinant fusion protein was produced in transformed E. coli following induction by IPTG. Extraction and purification of fusion protein was performed under denatured condition. The results of SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis indicated high integrity and purity with a single band protein with expected size of 72 kDa. The total yield of purified scFv(FMV-NP)-AP fusion protein estimated around 0.5-1 mg/l cultured medium. Subsequent colorimetric analysis confirmed presence of alkaline phosphatase activity in prepared scFv-AP fusion protein. Specificity of generated recombinant fusion antibody against cognate antigen and the native virus presented in infected plant extracts was assessed by ELISA, western blot and dot blot assays. Results revealed that scFv(FMV-NP)-AP is able to detect the presence of FMV in infected fig plants. The novel approach, implementing specific recombinant fusion antibody developed in this research, leads to one-step detection of FMV in plants by avoiding the use of chemical enzyme-labeled secondary antibodies.

Phytochemical Insights into Ficus sur Extracts and Their Biological Activity.

This study focused on the biological evaluation and chemical characterisation of Ficus sur Forssk. (F. sur) (Family: Moraceae). The methanolic and aqueous extracts' phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties were investigated. The aqueous stem bark extract yielded the highest phenolic content (115.51 ± 1.60 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), while the methanolic leaves extract possessed the highest flavonoid content (27.47 ± 0.28 mg Rutin equivalent/g extract). In total, 118 compounds were identified in the tested extracts. The methanolic stem bark extract exhibited the most potent radical scavenging potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (475.79 ± 6.83 and 804.31 ± 4.52 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, respectively) and the highest reducing Cu2+ capacity (937.86 ± 14.44 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract). The methanolic stem bark extract substantially depressed tyrosinase (69.84 ± 0.35 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract), α-amylase (0.77 ± 0.01 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract), acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (2.91 ± 0.07 and 6.56 ± 0.34 mg galantamine equivalent/g extract, respectively) enzymes. F. sur extracts were tested for anticancer properties and antiviral activity towards human herpes virus type 1 (HHV-1). Stem bark infusion and methanolic extract showed antineoplastic activity against cervical adenocarcinoma and colon cancer cell lines, whereas leaf methanolic extract exerted moderate antiviral activity towards HHV-1. This investigation yielded important scientific data on F. sur which might be used to generate innovative phytopharmaceuticals.

Genome-wide analysis of JAZ family genes expression patterns during fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit development and in response to hormone treatment.

BACKGROUND: Jasmonate-ZIM domain (JAZ) repressors negatively regulate signal transduction of jasmonates, which regulate plant development and immunity. However, no comprehensive analysis of the JAZ gene family members has been done in the common fig (Ficus carica L.) during fruit development and hormonal treatment. RESULTS: In this study, 10 non-redundant fig JAZ family genes (FcJAZs) distributed on 7 chromosomes were identified in the fig genome. Phylogenetic and structural analysis showed that FcJAZ genes can be grouped into 5 classes. All the classes contained relatively complete TIFY and Jas domains. Yeast two hybrid (Y2H) results showed that all FcJAZs proteins may interact with the identified transcription factor, FcMYC2. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that FcJAZs were highly expressed in the female flowers and roots. Expression patterns of FcJAZs during the fruit development were analyzed by RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR. The findings showed that, most FcJAZs were significantly downregulated from stage 3 to 5 in the female flower, whereas downregulation of these genes was observed in the fruit peel from stage 4 to 5. Weighted-gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed the expression pattern of FcJAZs was correlated with hormone signal transduction and plant-pathogen interaction. Putative cis-elements analysis of FcJAZs and expression patterns of FcJAZs which respond to hormone treatments revealed that FcJAZs may regulate fig fruit development by modulating the effect of ethylene or gibberellin. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the FcJAZ family members and provides information on FcJAZs contributions and their role in regulating the common fig fruit development.

Fig (Ficus exasperata and Ficus asperifolia)-Supplemented diet improves sexual function, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and suppresses tumour necrosis factor-alpha genes in hypertensive rats.

We measured the effect of varieties of Fig leaves, Ficus exasperata Vahl. (FE) and Ficus asperifolia Miq (FA), commonly found in Sub-sahara Africa for managing hypertension on sexual performance in hypertensive rats, which is unknown. Hypertensive rats experienced erectogenic damage after exposure to 40 mg kg-1  bw-1 , N(G)-nitro-l-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME). Experimental rats were grouped into eight groups (n = 6) namely: control rats, hypertensive rats, hypertensive treatment groups with atenolol (10 mg kg-1  day-1 ) and sildenafil (5.0 mg/kg), rats treated with FE- and FA-formulated biscuits at proportions of 2.5 g and 5.0 g respectively. Furthermore, we measured the level of sexual performance (Intromission number, latency, Mounting number, and latency), hormonal levels, phosphodiesterase-5 enzyme (PDE-5) activity and genes expressed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in hypertensive rats. The result deduced revealed that treated hypertensive rats showed significantly reduced follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone levels, PDE-5 enzyme activity, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression while having a marked increase in testosterone level, sexual performance and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. Therefore, this study revealed the comparative dietary enhancing effect of FE- and FA-formulated biscuit on sexual behaviour activity, hormonal levels and the level of eNOS and TNF-α genes expressed in hypertensive rats.

Anticryptosporidium Efficacy of Olea europaea and Ficus carica Leaves Extract in Immunocompromised Mice Associated with Biochemical Characters and Antioxidative System.

Cryptosporidiosis is caused by an opportunistic protozoan parasite (Cryptosporidium parvum and C. hominis) known as a parasite of humans, especially children and immunocompromised patients. The current study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a mixture of fig and olive leaf extracts as an alternative medicinal plant. Parasitological examination for oocysts in the stool and histopathological alterations in the small intestines were examined. Additionally, biochemical analyses of liver and kidney functions in addition to antioxidant parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and catalase (CAT) in the plasma were evaluated. Our results showed that marked reduction in oocysts shedding and amelioration in intestinal histopathological changes and hepatic or renal functions were detected in all treated groups compared to the control infected group. Additionally, the treated groups with tested extracts at ratios 1:3 and 1:5 showed a significant decrease in the number of oocysts compared to the other treated groups. Results exhibited a significant increase in the plasma SOD, CAT and GSH levels in treated groups compared to the infected control one. This study suggested that a mixture of fig and olive leaf extracts is a convenient promising therapeutic agent for Cryptosporidiosis.

The evolution of parasitism from mutualism in wasps pollinating the fig, Ficus microcarpa, in Yunnan Province, China.

Theory identifies factors that can undermine the evolutionary stability of mutualisms. However, theory's relevance to mutualism stability in nature is controversial. Detailed comparative studies of parasitic species that are embedded within otherwise mutualistic taxa (e.g., fig pollinator wasps) can identify factors that potentially promote or undermine mutualism stability. We describe results from behavioral, morphological, phylogenetic, and experimental studies of two functionally distinct, but closely related, Eupristina wasp species associated with the monoecious host fig, Ficus microcarpa, in Yunnan Province, China. One (Eupristina verticillata) is a competent pollinator exhibiting morphologies and behaviors consistent with observed seed production. The other (Eupristina sp.) lacks these traits, and dramatically reduces both female and male reproductive success of its host. Furthermore, observations and experiments indicate that individuals of this parasitic species exhibit greater relative fitness than the pollinators, in both indirect competition (individual wasps in separate fig inflorescences) and direct competition (wasps of both species within the same fig). Moreover, phylogenetic analyses suggest that these two Eupristina species are sister taxa. By the strictest definition, the nonpollinating species represents a "cheater" that has descended from a beneficial pollinating mutualist. In sharp contrast to all 15 existing studies of actively pollinated figs and their wasps, the local F. microcarpa exhibit no evidence for host sanctions that effectively reduce the relative fitness of wasps that do not pollinate. We suggest that the lack of sanctions in the local hosts promotes the loss of specialized morphologies and behaviors crucial for pollination and, thereby, the evolution of cheating.

A comprehensive review on phytochemistry, bioactivities, toxicity studies, and clinical studies on Ficus carica Linn. leaves.

The leaves of Ficus carica Linn. (FC) have been widely used for medicine purposes since ancient times, and its decoction is consumed as tea. Many scientific papers have been published in the literature and the researchers across the world are still exploring the health benefits of FC leaves. In this review, we have collected the literature published since 2010 in the databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar and local classic herbal literature. The summary of the chemical constituents in FC leaves, biological activities, toxicity studies, and clinical studies carried out on FC leaves is provided in this review. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of the active constituents in FC leaves are also comprehended. FC leaves are reported to 126 constituents out of which the polyphenolic compounds are predominant. Many scientific studies have proven the antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anticholinesterase, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and renoprotective activities. Many studies have carried out to provide the insights on molecular pathways involved in the biological activities of FC leaves. The toxicity studies have suggested that FC leaves exhibit toxicity only at very high doses. We believe this review serve as a comprehensive resource for those who are interested to understand the scientific evidence that support the medicinal values of FC leaves and also the research gaps to further improve the commercial value and health benefits of FC leaves.

Formulation of goat's milk yogurt with fig powder: Aromatic profile, physicochemical and microbiological characteristics.

Fig (Ficus carica L.) is an excellent source of sugars, dietary fibers, minerals, vitamins, organic acids and phytochemicals. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of fig powder supplement, as a natural sweetener and flavoring agent, on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of goat's milk yogurt. It aimed also to determine antioxidant capacity and volatile profile using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Pyrolysis-GC/MS (Py-GC/MS) was also used for the characterization of fig powder. Fig powder exhibited an important antioxidant activity against DPPH. Radical (IC50 = 1.92 ± 0.05 mg per mL). Volatile compounds, from several classes (acids, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, triterpenoids and others) were identified in fig powder. Py-GC/MS data revealed that degradation of fig powder macromolecules leaded to the formation of several aromatic and volatile compounds such as fatty acids, ketones, aromatic phenols, lactones among others. The addition of fig powder increased significantly (p < 0.05) the titrable acidity, the total solids, the carbohydrate content, and the total lactic acid bacteria count of yogurts. Likewise, fig powder supplement improved yogurt taste, texture and aroma and covered the unpleasant flavor of goat's milk. Thus, fig powder is a natural sweetener and flavoring agent that can be used to formulate a new stirred goat's yogurt of good quality.

Effect-directed profiling of Ficus religiosa leaf extracts for multipotent compounds via 12 effect-directed assays.

The interest in the therapeutic values of natural compounds from plants is growing worldwide because the development of modern synthetic drugs has not lived up to expectations. The tree Ficus religiosa native to India, China and Southeast Asia is traditionally used for curing almost 50 ailments, although the majority of the individual active compounds are not known. Hence, a hyphenated high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was newly developed. It allowed a physicochemical, but especially effect-directed profiling of individual compounds present in Ficus religiosa leaves obtained from four locations (in India and Germany). Extracts of different polarities were screened for bioactivity responses and most bioactivities were found in the ethyl acetate extracts. A multi-imaging via 26 different detection modes was performed, i. e. UV/Vis/FLD, 11 microchemical derivatizations and 12 effect-directed assays (EDA). By HPTLC-UV/Vis/FLD-EDA, antibiotics against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase and ß-glucosidase inhibitors and radical scavenging compounds were detected. Estrogen-like or gentotoxic compounds were not detected at higher extract amounts of even 5 mg/band applied. For further characterization of three most important, multipotent, bioactive compound zones, HPTLC was hyphenated with heated electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry including fragmentation (HPTLC-HESI-HRMS/MS). Multipotent bioactive compounds discovered in the extracts were equivalently calculated in reference to well-known reference inhibitors.

Biological Notes and Distribution in Southern Europe of Aclees taiwanensis Kȏno, 1933 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A New Pest of the Fig Tree.

Ficus carica L. is one of the earliest cultivated fruit trees, and figs are a typical fruit of the Mediterranean diet and traditional medicine as well. In recent years, a new pest, the black weevil Aclees taiwanensis Kȏno, 1933 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) native to Asia, has been recorded in France and Italy. Aclees taiwanensis causes the rapid death of the fig tree by its larvae that dig alimentation galleries in the trunk and surface roots, compromising the phloem flux. In Italy, from 2005, the year of the first detection of A. taiwanensis, the fig production has nearly halved, decreasing from 20.09 t to 10.65 t. To date, no specific EU regulation has been applied to prevent the A. taiwanensis spread, and we can reasonably expect a rapid diffusion of this pest all over the Mediterranean area. To avoid the loss of the Mediterranean fig orchards, effective strategies to detect and control the black weevil are required. Such strategies need a detailed knowledge of A. taiwanensis distribution, biology, and physiology. This paper updates the known distribution of this species in Southern Europe, using a citizen science approach, and describes, under laboratory and field conditions, its main biological traits.

The Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized Using Fig and Olive Extracts on Cutaneous leishmaniasis Induced Inflammation in Female Balb/c Mice.

Leishmaniasis is a group of infectious and non-contagious severe parasitic diseases, caused by protozoans of the Leishmania genus. Natural products characterize a rich source of prospective chemical entities for the development of new effective drugs for neglected diseases. Scientific evaluation of medicinal plants has made it possible to use some metabolites from flavonoids and polyphenols compounds for the treatment of parasitic diseases. Therefore, we aimed in this study to evaluate the protective effect of Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) biosynthesized using Fig and Olive extracts (NFO) against Cutaneous leishmaniasis in female Balb/c mice. A total of 70 mice were used and divided into seven groups. Treatment was initiated when local lesions were apparent, we found Fig and Olive extracts were found to be a good source for the synthesis of (Ag-NPs), their formation was confirmed by color change and stability in solution. Nanoparticles biosynthesized using Fig and Olive extracts induced a reduction in the average size of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions compared with the untreated mice. Moreover, nanoparticles treatment decreased oxidative stress (LPO, NO), down regulation gene expression levels (TNF-α, IL-1ß and BAX) and this antileishmanial activity of nanoparticles was associated with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. In addition, histopathological evaluation proved the antileishmanial activity of nanoparticles compared to the positive control. Therefore, we aimed in this study to evaluate the protective effect of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using Fig and Olive extracts against cutaneous lesions induced by Leishmania major infection through their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities and faster clinical efficacy than standard pentavalent antimonial treatment.

Fig (Ficus carica L.) leaf tea suppresses allergy by acceleration disassembly of IgE-receptor complexes.

In this study, I investigated the allergy suppressive effect of tea made from fig (Ficus carica L.) leaves. In the rat basophil cell line RBL-2H3, degranulation was significantly suppressed by treatment with fig tea at the same time as addition of IgE antibodies (sensitization). IgE bound to the cell surface was liberated in the medium depending on the treatment time with fig tea. Therefore, it was suggested that the mechanism of action of fig tea is promotion of dissociation of IgE from FcεRI receptors. Such a mechanism is novel in food materials. On oral administration to mice, fig tea showed an inhibitory effect on allergic dermatitis. Furthermore, in tests using an atopic dermatitis model in NC/Nga mice, continued administration of fig tea suppressed symptom exacerbation after antigen administration.Abbreviations: AD: atopic dermatitis; ß-Hex: ß-hexosaminidase; FCM: flow cytometory; OA: oral administration; TA: transdermal administration.