Estimation of nutritional, phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of dried fig (Ficus carica)

Abstract

The present investigation deals with the nutritional, phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of dried fruit of fig (Ficus carica) commonly known as “Anjir” in India. The nutritional profiling of the dried fig fruit indicates that it is a good source of carbohydrates and minerals like strontium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. It has average protein and dietary fiber content with very low amount of fat. Phytochemistry of the fruit revealed the presence of total phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins and other secondary metabolites that contribute to its high antioxidant activity which was evident from ABTS and FRAP assays. Volatile components of fig fruit were identified through GC-MS and showed the presence of vitamin E, β-amyrin, stigmasterol, campesterol, oleic acid, isoamyl laurate and ϒ tocopherols majorly. The extract was also screened for antibacterial activity and showed zone of inhibition against Proteus mirabilis and Bacillus subtilis. This study explains that F. carica with its high antioxidant potential may be utilized as nutraceutical food with high nutrition and therapeutic benefits.