Abstract

Recent evidence indicates that Ficus carica may exert glucose-lowering effects under diabetic conditions. However, reductions generally do not restore blood glucose to normal levels, raising questions about its reliability as an antidiabetic agent. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the glucose-lowering effects of F. carica in experimental diabetes models through meta-analysis, with additional assessments of dosage influence and comparison to glibenclamide. Relevant studies were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, including in vivo experiments on diabetic rats reporting blood glucose or insulin outcomes after F. carica intervention. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using meta-analysis based on leaf extract, dosage, and comparator treatment. F. carica leaf extract significantly reduced blood glucose compared to diabetic controls (SMD = –5.92; 95% CI [–8.13, –3.72]; p = .00001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated consistent effects at doses below 500 mg/kg BW (SMD = –8.11; 95% CI [–12.83, –3.39]; p = .0008) and above 400 mg/kg BW (SMD = –4.95; 95% CI [–7.49, –2.40]; p < .0001). Leaf extract showed no superior effect compared to glibenclamide (SMD = 2.10; 95% CI [0.91, 3.29]; p = .0006). A significant effect on insulin levels was observed in leaf extract (SMD = –3.65; 95% CI [–7.12, –0.18]; p = .04), though inconsistent effects were noted across other plant parts. In conclusion, F. carica demonstrates antidiabetic potential by reducing blood glucose in diabetic rats, but effects remain within the prediabetic range and are not superior to glibenclamide. Further research is needed to achieve normoglycemic reduction and consistent insulin effects under diabetic conditions.

Key words: Diabetes, herbal medicine, Ficus carica, functional food, alternative medicine