Histopathological Changes on Wistar Rat Wounds after Topical Application of Fig Leaf Extracts.

Background: The incision in the oral cavity is also taken for gingivectomy. Fig leaves (Ficus carica Linn) extract contains compounds of flavonoid, terpenoids and tannins and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The important markers of wound healing were fibroblasts, macrophages and collagen density. Aim and Objectives: To investigate the topical application of fig leaves extracts on Wistar rat wounds on the number of macrophages, fibroblasts and collagen density after treatment for three and seven days. Material and Methods: This research was performed on 24 rats by making incision wounds on the backs of Wistar rats and divided into control and treatment groups. The control groups were left untreated and the treatment groups were given fig leaves extract gel on the incision wound once every day during thee and seven days, and then the animals were sacrificed. Wound tissue was removed and fixed in 10% formalin solution for histopathological test. Then it was embedded in paraffin, and stained wit Hematoxylin–Eosin to observe fibroblasts and acrophages. The collagen density was observed by Masson's Trichome staining. Statistical analyses of fibroblasts and macrophages were using One-way Anova and Tukeys HSD. Collagen density was analyzed by using Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test. Results:There were significant differences amongthe groups (p<0.005) on the number of fibroblasts, macrophages and collagen density after treatment for three and seven days. Conclusion: Application of fig leaves extract on Wistar rat wounds could increase the number of fibroblasts and macrophages but not collagen density in the wound healing process.

Use of plant growth regulators in fig tree seedling s 'roxo de valinhos' / Uso de reguladores vegetais em mudas de figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos'

The application of plant growth regulators can promote better development of the seedlings, essential for the success of fruit growing. The current study aims to evaluate the use of plant growth regulators in fig tree seedlings 'Roxo de Valinhos'. The experiment was carried out in a suspended nursery covered with plastic, using rooted cuttings of the cultivar Roxo de Valinhos. Four applications were made with a commercial product, known as Stimulate®, at doses of 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mL L-1. Using a randomized block experimental design, the study was subdivided into plots (doses X days of the last application [after 0, 7, 14 and 21]). The following traits were evaluated: stem and root length; stem diameter; root volume; leaf number; leaf area; stem, leaf and root dry mass; specific leaf area, leaf weight ratio; leaf area ratio; and chlorophyll total. Results indicated that the product promoted greater seedlings development at a dose range from 100 to 150 mL L-1. Different dose levels did not vary according to the days after product application. Furthermore, using such technique enabled seedlings of higher quality and vigour.

A aplicação de reguladores vegetais pode configurar uma técnica viável para promoção do melhor desenvolvimento das mudas, imprescindível para o sucesso da fruticultura. Deste modo, objetivou-se avaliar o uso de reguladores vegetais na produção de mudas da figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos'. O experimento foi realizado em viveiro suspenso com cobertura plástica, utilizando-se estacas enraizadas da cultivar Roxo de Valinhos. Foram realizadas quatro aplicações com o produto comercial Stimulate® nas concentrações de 0, 50, 100, 150, e 200 mL L-1. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados com parcelas subdivididas [concentrações X épocas de avaliação (após 0, 7, 14 e 21 dias da última aplicação)]. Avaliou-se: comprimento do ramo e da maior raiz; diâmetro do ramo; volume de raízes; número de folhas e área foliar; massa seca de folhas, ramos e raízes; área específica foliar, razão de peso foliar e razão da área foliar; e teores de clorofila total. O uso do produto, nas concentrações de 100 a 150 mL L-1, promoveu maior desenvolvimento das mudas. O efeito das diferentes doses não variou em função dos dias após aplicação do produto. O uso de tal técnica permite a obtenção de mudas de maior qualidade e vigor.

New quinoline and anhydride compounds from fruits of Ficus carica / 中草药

Objective To investigate the chemical constituents of the fruits of Ficus carica. Methods The chemical constituents were isolated and purified with silica gel chromatography, Sephdex LH-20 and HPLC, and their structures were elucidated by spectral analysis including MS, NMR, IR spectroscopic analysis, elment analyzer, and chemical evidence. Results One new quinoline and two new anhydride compounds were isolated from ethyl acetate extract of the fruits of F. carica. The structures of the three new compounds were respectively defined as 4-hydroxyl-6-formyl-8α-methoxyl-quinoline-2-one (1), 5’β,6’α-[(di-ethyl)-5β,6β-cyclohexyl]- epoxyhexyl, cyclo-pentanhydride-[2,2,1]-2α,3β-cycloheptane (2), and 5’β,6’β-[di-(11-methylbutyl,11’-methylbutyl)-9,9’]-cyclo-8’- hexadiene-5α,6α-epoxyhexyl, cyclo-pentanhydride-[2,2,2,1]-2β,3α-cycloheptane (3). Conclusion These compounds were named figine K-1, figine G-1, and figine G-2, respectively.

Chemical constituents from fruits of Ficus carica / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from the fruits of Ficus carica. Methods: The chemical constituents of F. carica were separated and purified by silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 gel column chromatographies, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by physicochemical properties, spectroscopic analysis, as well as comparisons with the data reported in literature. Results: A total of 16 compounds were isolated from the 90% ethanol extract of the fruits of F. carica, which were identified as wighteone (1), gancaonin G (2), 4’-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxy-6-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-isoflavone (3), alpinumisoflavone (4), indicanine C (5), cajanin (6), medicarpin (7), maackiain (8), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-8,9-methylenedioxy pterocarpan (9), 3-hydroxy-8,9-dimethoxypterocarpan (10), pinoresinol (11), medioresinol (12), syringaresinol (13), 8-hydroxy pinoresinol (14), 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-1-propanone (15), and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenthyl alcohol (16). Conclusion: All compounds are isolated from F. carica for the first time.

The Effects of Ficus Carica Fruit on Bone Markers and Oestrogen Level of Post-Menopausal Osteoporotic Rats

@#Introduction: Post-menopausal osteoporosis is the most common type of osteoporosis, which occurs due to a deficiency of oestrogen following menopause. Considering the adverse effects of oestrogen replacement therapy, natural products may serve to replace the current conventional treatment. Ficus carica (FC) which is commonly known as fig may have a potential in treating post-menopausal osteoporosis due to their abundance of important minerals and bioactive compounds such as phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanins. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of FC on bone metabolism of ovariectomized rats. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six female Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups; SHAM operated (SHAM), ovariectomized control (OVX), ovariectomized + 64.5 µg/kg oestrogen (ERT), ovariectomized + 50 mg/kg aqueous extract of FC (AQ50), ovariectomized + 100 mg/kg aqueous extract of FC (AQ100), ovariectomized + 50 mg/kg raw FC (RW50), and ovariectomized + 100 mg/kg raw FC (RW100). After eight weeks of treatments, rats were euthanized and femurs were dissected out to measure bone osteocalcin, Ctelopeptide of type 1 collagen and bone estrogen level. Results: RW50 and RW100 showed an increasing trend in osteocalcin levels and also oestrogen level, but no significant difference between all groups. RW50 and RW100 also showed significantly reduced C-telopeptide of type 1 collagen levels compared to OVX group. Conclusion: These findings suggested that raw FC at the doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg have potential to improve bone in treating post-menopausal osteoporosis. However, this need to be confirmed with higher doses.

Decolorization of Synthetic Dyes by Ficus carica Latex Peroxidase Isoenzymes

Aims: The current study aims to elucidate the potential of Ficus carica latex peroxidase isoenzymes for decolorizing different synthetic dyes in comparison to the commercial horseradish peroxidase. Study Design: The decolorization of 20 dyes was investigated using the purified F. carica latex peroxidase isoenzymes (purified FP1 and partially purified FP2, and FP3), and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as a control. Place and Duration of Study: Molecular Biology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Division, National Research Centre, Egypt, between January 2017 and March 2018. Methodology: The purified and partially fractions of peroxidase isolated from latex of F. carica were used for the present study. Stock solutions of the dyes were prepared in 0.05 M sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.5) and diluted to the requested concentrations ranged from 12 to 330 µM in order to get maximum absorbance does not exceed 1.5 as initial reading. The efficiency of decolorization was expressed in terms of percentage. All experiments were performed in triplicate. Results: F. carica latex peroxidase isoenzymes and commercial horseradish peroxidase were able to decolorize some of tested dyes and the extent of decolorization achieved with different dyes classes were varied according to different chemical structure of each dye. The decolorization efficiency after 3 h of incubation at 40°C using 6.4 U/ml of peroxidase activity of FP1, FP2, FP3 and HRP, was found to be extremely efficient in decolorizing some dyes and relatively low in other dyes. Conclusion: The efficiency of F. carica latex peroxidase isoenzymes toward different synthetic dyes meet the prerequisites needed for environmental and industrial applications.

Latex of Ficus carica L. Induces Apoptosis Through Caspase and Bcl-2 Family in FaDu Human Hypopharynx Squamous Carcinoma Cells

Ficus carica L. (common fig), one of the first plants cultivated by humans, originated in the Mediterranean basin and currently grows worldwide, including southwest Asia and South Korea. It has been used as a traditional medicine for treatment of metabolic, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases as well as hemorrhoids and skin infections. Its pharmacological properties have recently been studied in detail, but research on the anti-cancer effect of its latex has been only been studied on a limited basis on several cell lines, such prostate cancer, breast cancer, and leukemia. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer activity of the latex of Ficus carica L.and its underlying mechanism in FaDu human hypopharynx squamous carcinoma cells. (See Ed. note above) We confirmed through SDS-PAGE analysis and gelatinolytic activity analysis that the latex of Ficus carica contains cysteine protease ficin. Our data showed that the latex inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the latex treatment markedly induced apoptosis in FaDu cells as determined by FACS analysis, elevated expression level of cleaved caspase-9, -3 and PARP (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase), and. increased the expression of Bax (pro-apoptotic factor) while decreasing the expression of Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic factor). Taken together, these results suggested that latex containing the ficin inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis by caspase and the Bcl-2 family signaling pathway in FaDu human hypopharynx squamous carcinoma cells. These findings point to the potential of latex of Ficus carica to provide a novel chemotherapeutic drug due to its growth inhibition effects and induction of apoptosis in human oral cancer cells.

Gray mold in immature fig fruit: pathogenicity and growth temperature / Mofo cinzento em frutos imaturos de figo: patogenicidade e temperatura para crescimento

ABSTRACT: Several diseases can be associated with figs but recently a fruit rot was observed in green fruit. The purpose of this study was to determine the pathogenicity of Botrytis sp., to quantify incubation period (IP) and latent period (LP), to verify the optimum temperature for mycelial growth, and to identify the different species of Botrytis sp. isolated from immature figs. Botrytis sp. isolated from figs proved to be pathogenic to immature fruit with and without wounding the fruit surface and ostiole. The IP period was 3 days on fruit with wounds and 5 days on fruit inoculated within the ostiole (without wound). The LP was 6 days in all treatments. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth was 18°C. Inferred from sequences of a segment comprising the ITS region of ribosomal DNA concluded that the isolates are Botrytis cinerea.

RESUMO: Várias doenças podem estar associadas com figos, mas recentemente uma podridão dos frutos foi observada em frutos verdes. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a patogenicidade de Botrytis sp., quantificar o período de incubação (PI) e o período de latência (PL), verificar a temperatura ótima para o crescimento micelial e identificar as diferentes espécies de Botrytis sp. isoladas a partir de frutos imaturos de figo. Botrytis sp. isolado a partir de figos provou ser patogênico em frutos imaturos com e sem ferimento na superfície dos frutos e no ostíolo. O PI foi de 3 dias em frutos com ferimento e 5 dias em frutos inoculados no ostíolo e sem ferimento. O PL foi de 6 dias em todos os tratamentos. A temperatura ótima de crescimento micelial foi18°C. A partir de sequências de um segmento que compreende a região de ITS do DNA ribossomal, concluiu-se que os isolados são Botrytis cinerea.

Evapotranspiração e eficiência do uso da água no primeiro ciclo produtivo da figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos' submetida a cobertura morta / Evapotranspiration and eficience of water use in first production cicle of the fig tree 'Roxo de Valinhos' under mulching

Avaliou-se a evapotranspiração (ETc) e a eficiência do uso da água (EUA) pela figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos' submetida à irrigação e cobertura morta (bagacilho de cana-de-açúcar triturado) no primeiro ciclo produtivo, nas condições edafoclimáticas de Botucatu, São Paulo. Empregou-se o método do balanço hídrico do solo e para a obtenção da evapotranspiração de referência foi utilizado o método Penman Montheit FAO 56. Para a avaliação dos coeficientes de cultivo (kc) adotou-se a seguinte distribuição fenológica: fase 1 - entre o transplantio e 20% do desenvolvimento vegetativo (DV); ii) fase 2 - de 20 a 80% DV; e iii) fase 3 ­ frutificação. Observam-se ETc acumulados de 409,4 e 465,8 mm em 254 dias após o transplantio (DAT) e médias de 1,47 e 1,67 mm dia-1, com e sem cobertura morta (CC e SC). Os coeficientes de cultivo (kc) médios foram de 0,16; 0,43 e 0,49 para SC e de 0,18; 0,44 e 0,50 para CC, entre as fases 1 e 3, respectivamente. Os valores de EUA diminuem com o aumento do volume de água recebido e variaram entre 1,65 e 3,32 kg de figos verdes por m3 de água irrigada para SC e CC.

Evaluated the evapotranspiration (ETc) and the efficiency of water use (USA) by the fig tree 'Purple Valinhos' submitted to irrigation and mulching (bagacilho of sugar cane crushed) in the first production cycle, at conditions of Botucatu , St. Paul. We used the method of soil water balance and to obtain the reference evapotranspiration method was used Montheit FAO Penman 56. For the assessment of crop coefficients (kc) we adopted the following phenological distribution: phase 1 - between transplanting and 20% of the vegetative (DV), ii) phase 2 - 20 to 80% DV, and iii) phase 3 - fruiting. Observe the cumulative ETc 409.4 and 465.8 mm in 254 days after transplanting (DAT) and averages of 1.47 and 1.67 mm day-1, with and without mulching (CC and SC). The crop coefficients (kc) mediums were 0.16, 0.43 and 0.49 for SC and 0.18, 0.44 and 0.50 for CC, in phases 1 and 3, respectively. The EUA values decrease with increasing the volume of water received and ranged between 1.65 and 3.32 kg of green figs per m3 of water for irrigated SC and CC.

Estimativas da área da folha de figueiras 'Roxo de Valinhos' usando dimensões lineares do limbo foliar / Estimates of leaf area of fig tree 'Roxo de Valinhos' using linear dimensions of the leaf blade

Neste estudo, objetivou-se gerar e validar modelos de estimativa da área da folha da figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos' a partir de medidas lineares de fácil obtenção. Foram coletadas 600 folhas, incluindo-se o máximo de variabilidade quanto ao tamanho, idade e formato, sendo, destas, 200 empregadas na validação das regressões. Empregaram-se os indicativos estatísticos MBE, RMSE, índice de ajustamento e índice de desempenho para avaliação da performance de 51 modelos estimativa, obtidos com base nas aplicações das medidas de comprimento, largura e transversal da folha e suas respectivas interações. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos pelas equações AF=0,1289(C+C1+C2)1,8450 e AF=0,9781[(C+C1+C2)/3]1,8451, que propiciam desvios e espalhamentos de 0,63 e 47,85cm², com ajustamentos, correlações e desempenhos superiores a 91, 95 e 87%, respectivamente. Nas estimativas com base em apenas uma medida, deve-se aplicar a equação AF=2,879 C1,5451.

This study aimed to generate and validate models to estimate the area of leaf of ​​fig tree 'Roxo de Valinhos' using linear measurements easily taken. It was collected 600 leaves, including the maximum variation in size, age and shape of leaves, wherefore, 200 leaves were used in the validation of the regressions. The statistical indicators MBE, RMSE, adjustment index and performance index were applied to evaluate the performance of 51 models estimate, derived from the application of measures of length, width and transversal, and their interactions together. The best results were obtained using the equations AF=0,1289(C+C1+C2)1,8450 and AF=0,9781[(C+C1+C2)/3]1,8451, which provide deflections and scatterings of 0.63 and 47.85cm², with adjustments, correlations and performance of 91, 95 and 87%, respectively. In the estimates based on only one measure it should be applied the equation AF=2,879C1,5451.

Central nervous system activity of an aqueous acetonic extract of Ficus carica L in mice.

Background: Ficus carica Linn. is reported to possess variety of activities, but its potential in CNS disorders is still to be explored. Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate the CNS depressant activity of aqueous acetonic extract of Ficus carica Linn on different models in mice. Materials and Methods: The aerial parts of the plant Ficus carica L. were extracted with aqueous acetone and the solvent was removed by rotary vacuum evaporator under reduced pressure. A crude extract was given orally and its effects were tested on ketamine-induced sleeping time, muscle-coordination, anxiety (elevated-plus maze and Staircase test), convulsions [maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures], and nociception. In addition, we determined the levels of neurotransmitters, norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Results: Results from the experimental models tested showed: (1) a delay on onset and prolongation of sleep of ketamine-induced sleeping time; (2) signifi cant muscle relaxant activity; (3) a signifi cant attenuation in the anxiety-response (4) a delay in the onset of seizures and reduction in duration of seizures and mortality induced by MES and PTZ; (5) a reduction in the licking time in nociception test and (6) increased levels of NE and 5-HT. Conclusion: This suggests that Ficus carica L. exerts its CNS depressive effect by modulating the neurotransmitters NE and 5-HT in the brain.

Influence of Tunisian Ficus carica fruit variability in phenolic profiles and in vitro radical scavenging potential

Ficus carica L., Moraceae, is one of the first plants that were cultivated by humans, being the fruit an important crop worldwide for dry and fresh consumption. In this work, phenolics and antioxidant potential of dried fruits of seventeen Tunisian F. carica varieties, from green, red and black phenotypes, were assessed for the first time. HPLC-DAD analysis was performed. All samples presented a similar qualitative profile. The phenolics content ranged between 29.18 and 55.56 mg/kg (in black and red phenotypes, respectively) and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside was always the major compound. The antioxidant potential against DPPH•, superoxide and nitric oxide radicals of three varieties representing each phenotype was checked. All samples exhibited activity against the first two radicals in a concentration-dependent way, "Bayoudi" variety being the most effective one (IC25 values of 10.32 and 2.89 µg/ mL, respectively). Nevertheless, only "Hammouri" variety presented some capacity to scavenge nitric oxide radical. Our results reveal nice perspectives for these typical fruits, as they present an interesting phenolic composition and good antiradical activity and may encourage their consumption for health protection.

Analysis on Volatile Constituents in Leaves and Fruits of Ficus carica by GC-MS / 中草药·英文版

ObjectiveTo identify and analyze the volatile constituents in the leaves and fruits ofFicus carica.MethodsGas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used.ResultsThe major components detected in volatile oil of the leaves were psoralen (10.12％),β-damascenone (10.17％),benzyl alcohol (4.56％),behenic acid (4.79％),and bergapten (1.99％),etc.The major components detected in volatile oil of the fruits were furfural (10.55％),5-methyl-2-furaldehyde (10.1％),and benzeneacetaldehyde (6.59％),etc.Conclusion A total of 121 volatile constituents are identified in the leaves and 108 in the fruits ofF.carica,among which 103 constituents are identified for the first time in the leaves and 100 in the fruits.Eighteen volatile constituents are identified in both leaves and fruits.

Histología del hígado de ratas tratadas con una infusión de hojas de higuera (Ficus Carica): Reporte de caso / Histology of Rat Livers Treated whit a Leaf Infusion of Fig Plant (Ficus Carica). Case report

El hígado es el principal órgano involucrado en los procesos de destoxificación y biotransformación de fármacos y sustancias tóxicas, siendo susceptible a sufrir lesiones por estas sustancias. Las plantas medicinales han sido utilizadas como agentes curativos sin considerar sus efectos secundarios, los que pudiesen ser deletéreos a la salud del individuo. Las plantas medicinales han sido utilizadas entre otras, a través de infusiones, destacándose el uso de la infusión de hojas de Ficus carica, (higuera) para mujeres embarazadas. Este último uso se hace de manera empírica por tradición, con la finalidad de mejorar el trabajo de parto. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la histología del hígado proveniente de ratas sometidas al consumo de una infusión de hojas de Ficus carica. Se utilizaron 20 ratas hembras Sprague-Dawley entre 320-350 g divididas al azar en dos grupos de 10 ratas cada uno. El Grupo I (G I) correspondió al grupo control y el Grupo II (G II) constituido por las ratas sometidas al consumo de la infusión de hojas de Ficus carica, per os, durante siete días consecutivos. En el grupo experimental se observó una moderada congestión hepática y colapso de los sinusoides en las tres zonas del lobulillo hepático. La hiperplasia celular resultó significativamente mayor (P≤ 0,05) en las ratas del G II. El glucógeno intracitoplasmático, resultó cualitativamente menor en el G II con respecto al G I. Las fibras colágenas y reticulares mantuvieron su patrón de distribución normal. Igualmente, el contenido de grasa, se mantuvo dentro de lo normal. Aun cuando los estudios sobre los posibles efectos tóxicos de la planta de Ficus carica son escasos en nuestra región, se precisa advertir a los profesionales de la salud del posible impacto que podría ocasionar en las mujeres embarazadas y sus neonatos.

The liver is the major organ involved in the processes of detoxification and biotransformation of drugs and toxic substances, which can cause serious lesions. Medicinal plants have long been used as curative agents without taking into consideration their side effects to the individual. For example, infusions of Ficus carica leaves have been traditionally taken by pregnant women in an empirical way. This investigation described those liver histology of rats subjected to the ingestion of an infusion of Ficus carica leaves. A total of twenty female Sprague-Dawley (320-350 g) rats was allotted into two groups: group I or control (G I): 10 rats which received tap water for 7 d; Group II (experimental group): 10 rats which received an infusion of Ficus carica leaves for 7 d. The results showed a moderate liver congestion and collapsed hepatic sinuses in three zones of the hepatic lobule in GII. Also, cellular hyperplasia was evident (P≤0.05) in rats from the same group. The intracytoplasmic glycogen was qualitatively lesser than in GII compared to GI. Collagen and reticular fibers kept their normal distribution pattern. Although research on the possible toxic effects of Ficus carica is scarce in our region, it is mandatory to warn health professionals about the possible impact this plant could have on both pregnant women and their newborns.

Fabrication and in- vitro permeation studies of indomethacin-ficus carica fruit mucilage patches.

The main objective of the present study was to develop matrix-moderated transdermal systems of Indomethacin using various proportions of Ficus carica fruit mucilage. Physical evaluation was performed such as moisture content, moisture uptake, tensile strength, flatness and folding endurance. In-vitro permeation studies were performed in a Keshary-Chien diffusion cell. The matrix-type transdermal systems were prepared using Indomethacin with Ficus carica fruit mucilage by the solvent evaporation technique. The interactions between Indomethacin and Ficus carica fruit mucilage were performed. The transdermal patches were subjected to various physicochemical parameters viz., mechanical properties, permeation studies and skin irritation studies. The prepared patches possessed satisfactory pre-formulary and formulary characteristics. In vitro permeation studies were performed using a Keshary-Chien diffusion cell across hairless Albino rat skin. The non-ionic surfactants Span 80, Glycerin, Propylene glycol in the formulation played a role as permeability enhancer. The patches were seemingly free of potentially hazardous skin irritation. The experimental results shows that the release of drug from the patch delayed in controlled manner as the proportion of Ficus carica increased. It was concluded that Indomethacin can be developed as a transdermal patches with Ficus carica fruit mucilage.

Trocas gasosas e ciclo fotossintético da figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos' / Gas exchanges and cycle fhotosynthetic in fig tree 'Roxo de Valinhos'

No presente trabalho, determinaram-se as trocas gasosas de folhas de figueira 'Roxo de valinhos' e o ciclo fotossintético por meio da relação isotópica 12C/13C. Essas medidas foram realizadas sempre na região mediana das folhas, completamente expandidas e totalmente expostas à radiação solar, no período das 09h00min às 10h30min. As folhas fotossinteticamente ativas da figueira apresentaram área foliar em torno de 160cm², com uma assimilação de 14,38µmol m-2 s-1 de CO2, cujos valores isotópicos médios no ramo 1 e no 2 são -28,98±0,69‰ e -29,28±0,85‰, respectivamente. Com base nos valores da fotossíntese máxima e na discriminação isotópica do 13C, evidenciou-se que a figueira pode ser considerada uma planta do ciclo fotossintético C3.

In the present research, it was determined the gas exchange of the 'Roxo de Valinhos' fig tree and the cycle photosynthetic through the isotopic relation 12C/13C. These measures were always carried in the average region of the leaves, completely expanded, entirely displayed to the solar radiation, in the period from 09h00min to 10h30min. The sheets photosynthetic active leaf area had around 160cm², with 14.38 -2 s-1 assimilation CO2, and mean isotopic values in the branch 1 and 2 of -28.98±0.69‰ and -29.28±0,85‰, respectively. Based in the values of the maximum photosynthesis and in the discrimination isotopic of the 13C, the fig tree can be considered a plant which belongs to photosynthetic C3 cycle.

Sistema desponte na produção de figos verdes 'Roxo de Valinhos' / Lopping system in the production of 'Roxo de Valinhos' green fig

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o efeito do sistema desponte sobre o desenvolvimento e a produção de figos verdes 'Roxo de Valinhos'. O experimento utilizando plantas de quatro anos de idade, com espaçamento 3 x 2m, foi conduzido de julho de 2007 a março de 2008, em Quatro Pontes, Paraná (PR). O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, com quatro blocos, e os tratamentos foram arranjados em fatorial 2 x 5, tomando por fatores o número de ramos produtivos (plantas conduzidas com seis ou 12 ramos) e o número de despontes (um, dois, três ou quatro, além do controle sem desponte). No sistema desponte, após a emissão da 16a folha, o ramo foi despontado (gema apical removida), selecionando-se duas brotações por ramo produtivo. Novos despontes foram realizados posteriormente, sempre após a emissão da sexta folha. Em cada parcela, constituída de três plantas úteis, foram coletados dados no ciclo de produção 2007/08. A maior produção (2.208,87g planta-1) e produtividade estimada (3.681,19kg ha-1) observada de figos verdes foram obtidas quando as plantas foram conduzidas com 12 ramos produtivos, efetuando-se três despontes.

The objective of this research was to study the effect of the lopping system on the development and production of green figs 'Roxo de Valinhos'. The experiment using plants of four years of age, with spaced 3 x 2m, was conducted from July/2007 to March/2008 in Quatro Pontes, PR. The design was randomized blocks with four blocks, and the treatments arranged in a 2 x 5, taking as factors the number of productive branches (plants conducted with six or twelve branches) and the number of loppings (one, two, three or four, besides the control without lopping). In the lopping system, after the emission of the 16th leaf, the branch was blunted (apical bud removed), selecting two sprouting per productive branches. New lopping was accomplished later, always after the emission of sixth leaf. In each plot, consisting of the three plants, data were collected in the production cycles 2007/2008. The highest yield (2,208.87g planta-1) and estimated yield (3,681.19kg ha-1) observed of green figs were obtained when plants were conducted with twelve branches of production, effecting three loopings.

Enraizamento de estacas apicais de figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos' em função de época de coleta e AIB / Rooting of apical cuttings of 'Roxo de Valinhos' fig tree as a function of the collection time and IBA

Estacas apicais de figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos' coletadas em épocas distintas, podem apresentar enraizamento diferenciado, o que propiciará, na prática, saber em qual época devem-se aproveitar as estacas para a produção de mudas. Objetivou-se, no presente trabalho, avaliar a época de coleta e o tratamento com AIB, no enraizamento de estacas apicais da figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos'. Estacas caulinares lenhosas da porção apical dos ramos, coletadas no final da primeira quinzena dos meses de maio, junho, julho, agosto e setembro, foram padronizadas com 20 cm de comprimento e diâmetro próximo a 7 mm e tratadas ou não com AIB à 2000 mg L-1, por 10 seg. Em seguida, as estacas foram enterradas em leito de areia umedecido, sob telado constituído de sombrite com 50 por cento de luminosidade. Decorridos 60 dias, foi mensurada a porcentagem de estacas vivas, enraizadas, brotadas, número médio de brotações e raízes por estaca. Concluiu-se que as estacas apicais de figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos' devem ser coletadas em junho e, posteriormente, tratadas com 2000 mg L-1 de AIB.

Apical cuttings of 'Roxo de Valinhos' fig tree collected at different times, may present differentiated rooting, which could propitiate, in practice, the knowledge of the right moment to use the cuttings for their propagation. The aim of the present work was to verify the effect of the collection time of the cutting and the treatment with IBA on the rooting of the apical cuttings of 'Roxo de Valinhos' fig tree. Woody cuttings of apical portion of the branches were collected at the end of the first fortnight of the months May, June, July, August, and September. They were standardized at 20 cm length and 7 mm diameter. The cutting was treated or not with 2000 mg L-1 IBA for 10 seconds. Soon after, the cuttings were buried in a moist sand bed at nursery conditions with 50 percent light. After 60 days, the percentage of live cuttings and their rooting, shooting, average number of shoots and roots were evaluated. It was concluded that the apical cuttings of 'Roxo de Valinhos' fig tree should be collected in June and treated with 2000 mg L-1 IBA.

Antimicrobial Activity of Methanol Extract from Ficus carica Leaves Against Oral Bacteria

Ficus carica L. (fig) belongs to the mulberry tree (Moraceae) which is one of the oldest fruits in the world. It has been used as a digestion promoter and a cure for ulcerative inflammation and eruption in Korea. The present study investigated the antimicrobial activity of methanol (MeOH) extract of figs against oral bacteria. The MeOH extract (MICs, 0.156 to 5 mg/ml; MBCs, 0.313 to 5 mg/ml) showed a strong antibacterial activity against oral bacteria. The combination effects of MeOH extract with ampicillin or gentamicin were synergistic against oral bacteria. We suggest that figs could be employed as a natural antibacterial agent in oral care products.

Hexane-Soluble Fraction of the Common Fig, Ficus carica, Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation in Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages and RAW 264.7 Cells

Osteoclasts, derived from multipotent myeloid progenitor cells, play homeostatic roles in skeletal modeling and remodeling, but may also destroy bone in pathological conditions such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoclast development depends critically on a differentiation factor, the receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL). In this study, we found that the hexane soluble fraction of the common fig Ficus carica (HF6-FC) is a potent inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis in RANKL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). HF6-FC exerts its inhibitory effects by suppression of p38 and NF-kappaB but activation of ERK. In addition, HF6-FC significantly decreased the expression of NFATc1 and c-Fos, the master regulator of osteoclast differentiation. The data indicate that components of HF6-FC may have therapeutic effects on bone-destructive processes such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontal bone resorption.