Fig
Ficus carica
The familiar fruit tree, used in folk medicine for inflammation and stomach problems. In a small trial, fig syrup eased constipation in pregnant women.
Safety at a glance
- PregnancyNothing recorded
- BreastfeedingNothing recorded
- MedicinesNothing recorded
- Who should avoid itNothing recorded
- AllergiesNothing recorded
- ToxicityNothing recorded
Tap a box to read the safety notes below. “Nothing recorded” means our sources don't cover it, not that it's safe.
What is Fig?
- Plant family
- Moraceae, the fig and mulberry family
- Parts used
- The fruit and leaves
- Where it grows
- Western Asia and the Mediterranean; now grown in warm regions worldwide
- Genus
- Ficus
- Species
- carica
Also called
Common Fig
Traditionally used for
- Constipation
- Stomach problems
- Inflammation
Traditionally described as
- Gentle laxative
- Antioxidant
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Figs have traditionally been used as remedies for inflammation, stomach problems and cancer.[1]Study
Laboratory & animal research
Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.
The fruit and leaves are rich in phenolic compounds and organic acids. In lab and animal studies, they showed many effects, including antioxidant activity, protecting the liver, lowering blood sugar, easing constipation and killing some microbes.[1]Study
Research in people
In a trial, 90 pregnant women with constipation took fig syrup, fig and walnut syrup, or a placebo (15 mL each night) for 2 weeks. Both fig syrups increased bowel movements compared with the placebo and improved quality of life. The authors say more studies are needed.[2]Study
Technical detail: double-blind randomized trial; quality of life AMD −5.8 (95% CI −3.1 to −8.6) for fig syrup vs placebo.
In short
Evidence in people is limited to small studies.
Sources
- [1] Phytochemistry, biological activities, industrial and traditional uses of fig (Ficus carica): A review · DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110237Peer-reviewed study
- [2] The effect of combined fig-Walnut syrup on functional constipation in pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial · DOI: 10.1186/s12986-025-00895-3Peer-reviewed study
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Unfamiliar word? See what these words mean.