Comprehensive UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolic profiling, antioxidant potential, enzyme inhibition, and molecular docking studies of Ficus carica L. leaves: Potential for functional food applications

Abstract

Fig (Ficus carica L.) is a fruit tree consumed worldwide as a functional food. While its fruit is well-studied, the phytochemicals and biological activities of its leaves have not been reported in detail. This study comprehensively investigated phytochemical composition and biological activities of methanol extract from Ficus carica L. leaves from Nazilli, T & uuml;rkiye. Phytochemical analysis was performed using UPLC-MS/MS. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using electron transfer-based analyses (Fe3+ reduction, CUPRAC, FRAP) and radical scavenging methods (DPPH, ABTS, DMPD). Enzyme inhibition effects were examined on carbonic anhydrases (CA I-II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and a-glycosidase (a-Gly). High total phenolics (86.111 mu g GAE/mg) and flavonoids (104.086 mu g QE/mg) were detected. UPLC-MS/MS identified 17 bioactive compounds, with chlorogenic acid (17069.52 ng/mL) as dominant. The extract showed notable antioxidant activity, performing best in CUPRAC (exceeding Trolox) and ABTS assays. It significantly inhibited all tested enzymes with IC50 values of 0.024 mu g/mL for CA I, 0.025 mu g/mL for CA II (approximately 4-fold higher than acetazolamide), 0.002 mu g/mL for AChE (half as potent as tacrine: 0.001 mu g/mL), and 0.009 mu g/mL for a-Gly (1.7-fold more potent than acarbose: 0.015 mu g/mL). Molecular docking confirmed favorable binding energies (all below-7.00 kcal/mol) between chlorogenic acid and target enzymes. This study represents the first comprehensive metabolic profiling of fig leaves from Nazilli region and reveals their potential as natural ingredients for nutraceutical products owing to their rich phenolic content, notable antioxidant capacity, and potent enzyme inhibitory properties relevant to dietary management of various health conditions.