From ancient wisdom to modern medicine: the cultural and therapeutic significance of Ficus carica L. (Moraceae) extracts in colorectal cancer treatment

Figs, mentioned in the Torah, the Bible, and the Quran, are of historical and cultural significance and have been used for medical treatment, prompting extensive research. Colorectal cancer (CRC), the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, is expected to significantly increase in terms of mortality rates by 2035, with its progression closely linked to inflammatory processes. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), an enzyme encoded by the Ptgs2 gene, plays a key role in these processes by converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a mediator of inflammation. In the present study, the potential of natural antiinflammatory compounds, specifically fumaric acid and quinic acid extracted from Ficus carica (fig tree), was explored as therapeutic agents targeting COX-2. Using water and methanol extraction methods, secondary metabolite analyses were conducted via the liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS). Computational molecular modeling techniques were employed for in silico analysis of the interactions between these acids and COX-2. The findings demonstrated strong binding affinity, suggesting the potential of the quinic acid–COX-2 complex over the fumaric acid–COX2 complex. This study provides valuable insights into the therapeutic utility of these compounds from F. carica as antiinflammatory agents.