Effect of Ficus carica leaf extract on the gene expression of selected factors in HaCaT cells.

BACKGROUND: Ficus carica Linn. (Fc), common fig, has been traditionally used for many metabolic, cardiovasculary, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin disorders. Several studies were performed showing its anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, anticancerogenic, and tissue-protective effects. In all of those studies, the positive effects of Fc were concluded as the result of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features due to the polyphenols it contains.

AIMS: To study the phenolic compounds of Fc extract and to investigate the molecular basis of anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, antimitotic, and anti-androgenic effects of Fc leaf extract in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The gene expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), interleukin 1-alpha (IL-1a), and 5 alpha-reductase type II (SRD5A2) were tested in human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) by RT-qPCR.

RESULTS: The gene expression analysis showed that the plant extract caused statistically significant downregulation of VEGF, TNF-a, IL-1a, and SRD5A2 compared to the untreated cells.

DISCUSSION: These preliminary results of this in vitro study may partially explain the clinical success of Fc in the traditional medicine.

CONCLUSION: Topical Fc leaf extract may be beneficial for some inflammatory disorders and androgen-dependent disorders of the skin such as androgenetic alopecia.