FIG: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Fig (Ficus carica) is a tree native to the Mediterranean. It produces a popular fruit. The fruit, leaves, and root are also used to make medicine.

Fig leaf and fruit contain chemicals that might help move food through the intestines better. It also contains chemicals that might help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

People use fig for constipation, diarrhea, diabetes, eczema, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for FIG overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Fresh and dried fig fruit are commonly consumed in foods. Fig fruit paste is possibly safe when used as medicine for up to 8 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if fig leaf is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Fig leaf is possibly unsafe. It can cause the skin to become extra sensitive to the sun, leading to sunburn.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Fresh and dried fig fruit are commonly consumed as foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if fig is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Allergies. People who are sensitive to mulberry, natural rubber latex, or weeping fig might have allergic reactions to fig.

Surgery: Fig might lower blood sugar levels. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using fig as medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Insulin interacts with FIG
Fig leaf might decrease blood sugar. Insulin is also used to decrease blood sugar. Taking fig leaf along with insulin might cause your blood sugar to be too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with FIG
Fig leaf might lower blood sugar levels. Taking fig leaf along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

Fresh and dried fig fruit are commonly eaten. As medicine, there isn’t enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of fig might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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