Phytochemical Characterization of Ficus Carica L. Fruits and Leaves: Proximate Composition and LC-MS Analysis In Dual Ionization Modes

Abstract

Context: Ficus carica L. (common fig; Anjeer) has long been valued in Ayurvedic traditional systems for its nutritive and therapeutic properties, especially in respiratory, digestive, and inflammatory disorders. These effects are attributed to its diverse phytoconstituents. Objectives: The present study aimed to integrate traditional knowledge with modern science through proximate analysis and LC-MS profiling of fruits and leaves extracts of F. carica under negative (NEG) and positive (POS) ionization modes. Materials and Methods: Fruits and leaves were extracted with hydroalcoholic solvent and subjected to proximate analysis for primary phytoconstituents. Comprehensive metabolite profiling was performed using Q-TOF LC-MS under optimized conditions in both NEG and POS ionization modes. Results and Discussion: Fruits exhibited higher moisture content (10.55 ± 0.16%), alcohol-soluble extractives (19 ± 0.17%), and phenolic content (31.39 ± 1.4 mg GAE/g extract). Leaves showed greater ash content (9.87 ± 0.11%) and flavonoid content (15.73 ± 2.8 mg QE/g extract). LC-MS analysis in NEG ionization identified 259 compounds from 479 features, including threonate (C4H8O5, RT = 2.254 min), L-xylonate (C5H10O6, RT = 2.286 min), and dihydroferulic acid 4-O-glucuronide (C16H20O10; score = 99.28). In POS ionization, 851 compounds were identified from 1900 features, with major metabolites such as dulcitol (C6H14O6, RT = 2.185 min; score = 99.29), ephedrine (C10H15NO; RT = 2.622 and 4.078 min), and azoxystrobin (C22H17N3O5, RT = 21.597 min; score = 99.73). Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the phytochemical richness of F. carica, supporting its traditional Ayurvedic uses and indicating its potential for future therapeutic and integrative healthcare applications.