Phytochemical Profiling of Unripe Fruits of Ficus carica and Phyllanthus emblica Grown in West Bengal and Evaluation of their in vitro Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Background

Unripe fruits are promising sources of nutrition in the daily diet, which have gained attention for their rich phytochemical profile and associated health benefits.

Objectives

The present study aimed to profile the phytochemical constituents of unripe fruits of Ficus carica and Phyllanthus emblica grown in West Bengal and to evaluate their in vitro antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential.

Materials and Methods

Quantitative estimation of Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), Total Phenolic Content (TPC), and pigment contents (anthocyanins, chlorophylls, and carotenoids) was performed using spectrophotometric methods. Antidiabetic activity was assessed by the α-amylase inhibition assay, while anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated using the egg albumin denaturation method at concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mg/mL, with standard drugs for comparison.

Results

Both fruits showed the presence of key phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, carbohydrates, and saponins. F. carica exhibited higher flavonoid content (0.5296±0.001 mg QE/g) and higher tannin content (0.9982±0.0001 mg TAE/g), while P. emblica showed higher phenolic content (0.445±0.0004 mg GAE/g). Pigment analysis revealed appreciable levels of anthocyanins, chlorophylls, and carotenoids. Both extracts showed concentration-dependent α-amylase inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values of 39.32 µg/mL for F. carica and 36.93 µg/mL for P. emblica. Additionally, significant inhibition of protein denaturation was seen in the anti-inflammatory assay, with IC₅₀ values of 35.26 µg/mL for F. carica and 41.33 µg/mL for P. emblica.

Conclusion

The findings confirm that unripe fruits of F. carica and P. emblica are rich in bioactive phytochemicals and exhibit notable antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting their potential use as natural therapeutic agents and functional dietary components.