Ficin
OTHER NAME(S): Amate, Doctor Oje, Figuier Blanc, Jonote, Leche de Higueron, Leche de Oje, Oje, Ficus insipida, Ficus anthelminthica, Ficus glabrata, Ficus laurifolia, Ficina, Ficine
Overview
Crude ficin is a latex from the trunk of a tropical fig tree. Purified ficin is an enzyme from the latex. Crude and purified ficin are used as medicine. Purified ficin is also used in some medical procedures and in manufacturing.
Crude ficin and purified ficin are used for infections of the intestines by parasites. Purified ficin is also used for indigestion, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses. Crude ficin can also be unsafe when used in large amounts.
Ficin contains chemicals that might help break down proteins and kill intestinal worms. It also has effects that might slow blood clotting, which may increase the risk for bleeding.
In medical procedures, purified ficin is used in the production of stitching material (sutures), in the preparation of animal arteries for implantation in people, and in blood typing.
In manufacturing, purified ficin is used in making cheese and sausage casings and chillproofing beer. Ficin is sometimes included in meat tenderizers, usually in combination with papain and/or bromelain.
Ficin contains chemicals that might help break down proteins and kill intestinal worms. It also has effects that might slow blood clotting, which may increase the risk for bleeding.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Indigestion (dyspepsia).
- Infection of the intestines by parasites.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of ficin for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Purified ficin is LIKELY SAFE when used in food amounts. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if purified ficin is safe when used as a medicine. Crude ficin (latex) is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth at high doses. High doses of crude ficin can cause seizures, coma, and even death. There isn't enough reliable information to know if crude ficin is safe when taken by mouth in smaller doses.
When applied to the skin: Crude ficin is LIKELY UNSAFE when applied to the skin. It can cause bleeding and allergic reactions. There isn't enough reliable information to know if purified ficin is safe when applied to the skin.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Purified ficin is LIKELY SAFE when used in food amounts. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if purified ficin is safe when used as a medicine. Crude ficin (latex) is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth at high doses. High doses of crude ficin can cause seizures, coma, and even death. There isn't enough reliable information to know if crude ficin is safe when taken by mouth in smaller doses.
When applied to the skin: Crude ficin is LIKELY UNSAFE when applied to the skin. It can cause bleeding and allergic reactions. There isn't enough reliable information to know if purified ficin is safe when applied to the skin.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Crude ficin is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin when pregnant or breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Crude ficin is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin in children. Crude ficin can cause seizures, coma, or even death in children.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Ficin overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of ficin depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for ficin. 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 your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- Hansson A, Veliz G, Naquira C, et al. Preclinical and clinical studies with latex from Ficus glabrata HBK, a traditional intestinal anthelminthic in the Amazonian area. J Ethnopharmacol 1986;17:105-38.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
- Stepek, G., Buttle, D. J., Duce, I. R., Lowe, A., and Behnke, J. M. Assessment of the anthelmintic effect of natural plant cysteine proteinases against the gastrointestinal nematode, Heligmosomoides polygyrus, in vitro. Parasitology 2005;130(Pt 2):203-211.
- Baidamshina DR, Trizna EY, Holyavka MG, et al. Targeting microbial biofilms using ficin, a nonspecific plant protease. Sci Rep 2017;7:46068.
- Yang Y, Shen D, Long Y, Xie Z, Zheng H. Intrinsic peroxidase-like activity of ficin. Sci Rep 2017;7:43141.
- Hansson A, Zelada JC, Noriega HP. Reevaluation of risks with the use of Ficus insipida latex as a traditional anthelmintic remedy in the Amazon. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;98(3):251-7.
- Ma JW, Hung JL, Takeuchi M, Shieh PC, Horng CT. A New Pharmacological Vitreolysis through the Supplement of Mixed Fruit Enzymes for Patients with Ocular Floaters or Vitreous Hemorrhage-Induced Floaters. J Clin Med 2022;11(22):6710.
- Yang HR, Hwang DH, Prakash RLM, et al. Exploring the Fibrin(ogen)olytic, Anticoagulant, and Antithrombotic Activities of Natural Cysteine Protease (Ficin) with the ?-Carrageenan-Induced Rat Tail Thrombosis Model. Nutrients 2022;14(17):3552.