PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF FRUIT, LEAF, AND BARK EXTRACTS FROM UNDERUTILIZED FICUS SPECIES (VIZ. F. HISPIDA, F. SEMICORDATA, AND F. RACEMOSA)

The present study explored the phytochemical makeup, antioxidant potential, and chemical profile of three important Ficus species viz. Ficus hispida, Ficus semicordata, and Ficus racemosa. The goal of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of these species. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed notable levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins in all the species, with variations among the species contributing to the differences observed. An antioxidant activity study, including DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging, revealed strong antioxidant potential, closely linked to the phenolic and flavonoid contents, highlighting the ability of these compounds to quench free radicals. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling revealed a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as fatty acids and their esters, terpenoids, long-chain hydrocarbons, glycosides, and phthalate derivatives. Key compounds such as n-hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid derivatives, phytol, squalene, and various alkyl esters were found. Many of these compounds are linked to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Differences in chemical profiles among the species offer insights into their unique medicinal uses. Overall, the findings confirm that F. hispida, F. semicordata, and F. racemosa have significant pharmacological potential, supporting their traditional uses and suggesting their potential for development into functional foods, nutraceuticals, and natural medicines.