Overview

Fig (Ficus carica) is a tree native to the Mediterranean. It produces a popular fruit. The fruit, leaves, and root are also used to make medicine.

Fig leaf and fruit contain chemicals that might help move food through the intestines better. It also contains chemicals that might help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

People use fig for constipation, diarrhea, diabetes, eczema, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Fig overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Fresh and dried fig fruit are commonly consumed in foods. Fig fruit paste is possibly safe when used as medicine for up to 8 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if fig leaf is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Fig leaf is possibly unsafe. It can cause the skin to become extra sensitive to the sun, leading to sunburn.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Fresh and dried fig fruit are commonly consumed in foods. Fig fruit paste is possibly safe when used as medicine for up to 8 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if fig leaf is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Fig leaf is possibly unsafe. It can cause the skin to become extra sensitive to the sun, leading to sunburn.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Fresh and dried fig fruit are commonly consumed as foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if fig is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Allergies. People who are sensitive to mulberry, natural rubber latex, or weeping fig might have allergic reactions to fig.

Surgery: Fig might lower blood sugar levels. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using fig as medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Insulin interacts with Fig

    Fig leaf might decrease blood sugar. Insulin is also used to decrease blood sugar. Taking fig leaf along with insulin might cause your blood sugar to be too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Fig

    Fig leaf might lower blood sugar levels. Taking fig leaf along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with Fig

    Some medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Fig might also increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Taking fig along with medication that increase sensitivity to sunlight could increase the chances of sunburn, blistering or rashes on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun.

    Some drugs that cause photosensitivity include amitriptyline (Elavil), Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), gatifloxacin (Tequin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Septra), tetracycline, methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen, 8-MOP, Oxsoralen), and Trioxsalen (Trisoralen).

Dosing

Fresh and dried fig fruit are commonly eaten. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of fig might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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