Review
Ficus carica L. (Moraceae): An ancient source of food and health
Highlights
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- Chemical, ethno-botanical and nutritional information of Ficus carica L.
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- The potential to get new chemical scaffolds from common figs.
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- A comprehensive revision of the state of the art about Ficus carica.
Abstract
Since
early in the man history, common fig was appreciated as food and for
its medicinal properties. This review explores some aspects about the
importance of Ficus carica L., an amazing and ancient source of
medicines and food. Topics regarding chemistry, biological activity,
ethno-pharmacological uses, and its nutritional value are discussed, as
well as the potential of the species as a source of new and different
chemical scaffolds. Very important in the past, appreciated in our time
and extremely promising in the future, F. carica represents an interesting example of healthy foods and bioproducts.
Keywords
- Common fig;
- Ethno-pharmacology;
- Ficus carica;
- Food;
- Latex
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