Investigation into Phytochemical Constituents and the Anti-nociceptive Activity of Ficus umbellata [VAHL] Leaves in Mice

Abstract

Nociceptive pain is a specific type of pain arising from activation of nociceptors. Ficus umbellata, also known as the umbrella fig tree, a genus in the Moraceae family, is a medicinal plant with numerous pharmacological activities. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents, acute toxicity, and anti-nociceptive potential of Ficus umbellata [Vahl] leaves to provide a scientific basis for its traditional use in pain management. A 1600 g sample of powdered leaves was extracted with methanol, followed by liquid-liquid fractionation using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The crude extract obtained was tested for the presence of phytochemicals. Acute toxicity studies conducted via Lorke’s method and anti-nociceptive activity evaluated at a dose of 200 mg/kg by measuring pain thresholds over a 120-minute period using hot plate method. The crude extract yield was 5.6% (89.04 g), and qualitative phytochemical screening revealed a rich profile of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. Acute toxicity studies demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no mortality observed in mice at doses up to 5000 mg/kg. Results of anti-nociceptive study indicated that the crude extract and its fractions significantly increased the pain threshold compared to the negative control. The crude extract exhibited a sustained increase in reaction time, peaking at the 60-minute interval (26.00 ± 2.89 s) compared to the negative control (13.33 ± 1.2 s). Among the fractions, n-hexane showed the most noteworthy anti-nociceptive activity as early as 30 minutes (21.67 ±5.36 s), whereas the ethyl acetate fraction was the least active (18.00 ±0.58 s) at 30 minutes. This study supports the folkloric usage of F. umbellata for pain relief and provides a foundation insight for isolating specific bioactive compounds responsible for its analgesic effects.