Chemical and Biological Characterization of Ficus Exasperata Methanol Extract

ABSTRACT The study explores the chemical and biological properties of Ficus exasperata methanol extract, emphasizing its potential applications in enzyme inhibition, particularly in diabetic management and skin-related conditions. The methanol extract demonstrated a high yield of 41.9%, indicating the presence of abundant bioactive compounds. Phytochemical screening using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and UV spectral analysis revealed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins, which are known to possess significant antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties. In diabetic enzyme inhibition assays, the extract exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase (44.01%) and alpha-amylase (51.32%), supporting its potential role in regulating postprandial blood glucose levels. Additionally, the extract demonstrated a dose-dependent tyrosinase inhibition activity, achieving 99.56% inhibition at the highest tested concentration (30 μg/mL), which is comparable to the standard kojic acid (99.39%). This significant activity highlights the potential of Ficus exasperata in managing hyperpigmentation and other skin pigmentation disorders. The findings validate the traditional medicinal uses of Ficus exasperata and underscore its potential for pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications. Further studies are recommended to isolate and characterize the bioactive compounds, investigate their mechanisms of action, and evaluate their efficacy in vivo and in clinical settings. The study contributes to the growing evidence supporting Ficus exasperata as a promising natural source for therapeutic agents in diabetes management and skincare.