What It Is, What It Does, and What It Can Do

The Fruit-Bearing Tree, Ficus carica L. is called "anjir" or "anjeer" in Hindi, and "fig" in English. Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Greece, California, and Brazil are just some of the countries that produce it. Temperatures that are hot, dry, and only slightly cold are ideal for growth. Dried and fresh figs are both widely consumed all over the world. Anjeer is a fruit with a fleshy, hollow receptacle that can be eaten by humans. 2 

Originally from the southwestern region of Asia, the anjeer tree has since made its way to other continents. As a deity worthy of worship, Anjeer is an important figure in Indian mythology. Since ancient times, people have recognized the Anjeer tree for its usefulness as a source of both food and medicine. 3 

Value of Anjeer in Nutrition:

The United States Department of Agriculture reports that dried anjeer has a high nutrient value due to its high mineral and vitamin content when compared to other dried fruits. 3 

Nutrient  The Amount Per 100 Grams Carbohydrate  73.50 %  Protein  4.67 %  Fat  0.56 %  Soluble fiber in the diet 3.68 %  Energy  317.78 kcal  Sample figs' nutritional breakdown is shown in Table 1. 1  Minerals  Power per milliliter This article refers to strontium (Sr). Full or complete (the maximum amount) Ca (calcium) 1545.46  The element magnesium (Mg) 679.04  The chemical symbol for phosphorus is "P." 365.75  Fe (iron) 29.49  The chemical symbol for cadmium is "Cd." 0.0034  Cu, or copper 5.02  The chemical symbol for manganese is Mn. 4.75  As (arsenic) 1.669  The chemical symbol for chromium is "Cr." 1.47  Alloys of titanium (Ti) 0.3727  Manganese (Mn) 1.178  Tin (Sn)  1.329  Zn, or zinc, 9.87  Columbium (Co) 0.032  Heavy metal lead (Pb) 0.680  Metal symbol: Li 0.245  To put it simply, molybdenum (Mo) 0.026  The element thalium (Tl) 1.5686  Sb (antimony) 0.298  The element selenium (Se) 0.790  Analyzing the mineral content of dried anjeer fruit3

The Possible Applications of Anjeer

Anjeer is used for its medicinal properties in Unani, Siddha, Ayurvedic, and traditional Chinese medicine. In the Unani medical tradition, it plays a role as a diuretic, expectorant, and mild laxative. Three of anjeer's most intriguing biological activities have potential as future sources of healing. 2 

The seeds, fruits, barks, leaves, shoots, and latex of the anjeer plant have all been used in various medicinal contexts. Anjeer has long been used in traditional medicine for a wide range of conditions thanks to its therapeutic properties, including cardiovascular disorders, colic, loss of appetite, indigestion and diarrhoea (gastrointestinal disorders), cough, sore throat, bronchial problems (respiratory disorders), and so on. Also, its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties make it useful as a medicine. The following behaviors have been observed in studies of anjeer:1

• Hypolipidemic  
• Hepatoprotective 
• Antidiabetic  
• Antipyretic  
• Antispasmodic  
• Antifungal  
• Antibacterial  
• Immunomodulatory1 

Uses   Part  Remedy for a Cough Leaf  Remedy for Colic The threefold plant life cycle of leaf, root, and fruit Diseases of metabolism and how to treat them Fig  Antidiarrhoeal   In this case, we're talking about figs. Indigestion   Roots, leaves, and fruits Tuberculosis   Leaf  Congestion and breathing issues Fancy figs Infrequently used as a diuretic, laxative, and expectorant Fresh figs Anti-inflammatory   A Fig. Anthelmintic   Leaf  Anticancer   Dried figs Stopping nutritional anemia Leaf  Piles  Cultivated Figs Gout  Figs, or the fig fruit Laxative   Fancy figs Antioxidant   Fresh figs Dietary supplement Figs, and their leaves Multiple pharmaceutical formulations Fruit of the fig tree Heart disease and stroke Fancy figs Anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet Fancy figs Spasms, ringworm, and white skin infections Plants' beginnings and the fig they bear Uses of Anjeer 2, 3, Both Historically and Currently

The advantages of Anjeer:

Anjeer's Antioxidant Properties and Their Benefits

• The antioxidant properties of the phenolic compounds found in anjeer—acting as hydrogen donors, reducing agents, singlet oxygen quenchers, free radical scavengers, etc.—benefit human health. 2 
• Several components of anjeer have been shown in scientific studies to scavenge reactive oxygen species, protecting DNA, lipids, and proteins from oxidative stress. 3 

Anjeer's Cancer-Fighting Properties

• Anjeer latex has cytotoxic compounds extracted from it.
• In vitro studies showed that multiple cancer cell lines were inhibited in their ability to proliferate when exposed to these compounds. 2
• This suggests that anjeer latex may be able to prevent the formation and growth of cancerous cells. 3 
• Possible antitumor effects of anjeer latex have been shown in studies of its effect on the growth of stomach cancer cell lines. 4 

The Hepatoprotective Effects of Anjeer

• There is preliminary evidence that anjeer extract has hepatoprotective effects, as shown in a number of studies. 4
• The leaves of the anjeer tree were extracted using petroleum ether and tested on rats.
• Hepatoprotective activity of the extract was tested in a rat model, where it was found to significantly reverse histological, biochemical, and functional changes.
• That the extract might have hepatoprotective properties was implied. 2 

The Effects of Anjeer as a Hypoglycemic

• An extract of the stem bark of the anjeer tree was shown to have anti-diabetic effects.
• Studies showed that the extract brought blood sugar levels back to normal. 4
• Anjeer leaf extract has been shown to have a hypoglycemic effect in a study involving diabetic rats. 2
• Anjeer and its leaves added to food were shown to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels in a preliminary study. 3 

The Role of Anjeer in Lowering LDL Cholesterol

• Anjeer leaf extract has shown promise in lowering hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels and the liver's secretion of cholesterol (total cholesterol) and TG, according to studies. 4
• Animal studies suggest that anjeer fruit may lower the risk of developing coronary heart disease. 5 

Utilizing Anjeer's Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties

• Antibacterial activity of Anjeer extract against oral bacteria was demonstrated in a laboratory study.
• Because of its synergistic effect with antibiotics, anjeer shows promise as a natural antibacterial agent. 2
• Moreover, the anjeer leaf extract has been shown to have bactericidal and moderate antifungal properties in scientific studies. 3 

Anjeer's Temperature-Lowering Effects

Studies on anjeer extracts have shown that they can lower both core body temperature and yeast-induced temperature elevations. Extract had results that were on par with those of common antipyretics. 2 

Anti-TB Effects of Anjeer

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacteria that causes tuberculosis) was shown to be susceptible to an extract of anjeer leaves in a study.
• Because of this property, it has long been a part of traditional tuberculosis treatment in Malaysia. 2 

Use of Anjeer as an Antispasmodic and Antiplatelet Agent

• The antispasmodic effect of anjeer extract has been demonstrated in experimental settings. The data also suggest that the ripe dried fruit may have spasmolytic properties. 4
• Human platelets were used in an ex vivo model to examine the extract, and antispasmodic and antiplatelet effects were found. 2 

Impact of Anjeer on Immune Function

Upon careful analysis and testing, it was discovered that the anjeer extract significantly enhanced antibody response. 4 

See also: Cinnamon's Benefits, Hazards, and Safety Measures.

Anjeer is commonly available year-round because it is sold in dry form. As a tea, a sweet, a decoction of the leaves, and as a juice, Anjeer is used in a variety of ways. 1,6 

Type About Fresh - Fresh anjeer is a low-cal, high-fiber snack on its own; it can also be used as an ingredient in sweets and savory dishes.

Jams and juices made from fresh figs, also known as anjeer, are delicious.

Dried Dried anjeer has a higher calorie and sugar content, and it can be eaten on its own or mixed into chilly desserts like ice cream.

Constipation is easier to manage with this than with the raw variety.

Leaves They can be prepared in a number of ways and are safe to eat.
Useful as a wrap for nutritious foods Tea Steeping Anjeer leaves in hot water brings out a nutty, delicious flavor.

Adverse Reactions to Anjeer

As for anjeer's negative effects, they include:

• A high dose of anjeer leaf extract may cause hepatic damage, according to a preclinical study. 3  
• Additional research has shown that when the recommended dosage is exceeded, the leaves of this plant can be moderately toxic. 6 

See also: Aryogyavardhini Vati: Its Functions, Advantages, and Dangers

Take Extra Precautions When Dealing With Anjeer

It's important to remember the following:

• An Ayurvedic practitioner can advise you on how many anjeer leaves you can safely use, but you should take precautions because of the leaves' potential toxicity (when consumed in large quantities). 6 
• Anjeer is useful for controlling glucose levels. But diabetics should keep a close eye on their blood sugar levels when eating figs. 4,3 

Rosemary: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and Warnings is a related read.

Possible Drug Interactions

Anticoagulant activity is provided by the phenolic compounds found in anjeer. Patients on blood-thinning medications should discuss the inclusion of anjeer in their diet with their healthcare providers. 7 

Consuming anjeer may be able to bring about a decrease in blood sugar. Because of this, keeping an eye on one's blood sugar levels is essential. Additionally, it may be necessary to adjust the dosage of diabetes medication under medical supervision. 4,3 

Questions & Answers

1) Can anjeer be used as a remedy for acne?  

Indeed, anjeer has been shown to have antiacne effects in research settings. According to reports, its extract from both its fruits and leaves has antiacne activity that is nearly on par with that of generic medicines. 3 

Does anjeer affect sperm quality and quantity?  

Yes, a study showed that its leaf extract improved sperm quality and count. Anjeer extract has been reported to have aphrodisiac effects, but this effect appears to be dose-dependent. 4 

How effective is anjeer in relieving constipation?  

For those in need of a gentle laxative, anjeer is a viable option. Constipation can be alleviated with the help of the laxative properties found in anjeer fruit. 1,3 

Can anjeer aid Alzheimer's patients?   

Yes, anticholinesterase and anti-HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus type 1) activity can be found in anjeer leaves; cholinesterase and HSV-1 infection have been linked to Alzheimer's disease development. Therefore, it can be used as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease after extensive study. 6 

Are the kidneys helped by anjeer?   

A lower level of urea, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen has been linked to the nephroprotective effect of anjeer, according to a study. 3 

Can anjeer be used as a safe and effective treatment for stopping bleeding?   

The polyphenols found in anjeer do have pharmacologically active components, and these components serve as anticoagulants. It's possible that these factors can aid in warding off bleeding disorders. 7 

Can anjeer be used to combat the spread of HIV?   

There is no published research or anecdotal evidence to support anjeer's anti-HIV effects.   

8) Does anjeer aid in restful sleep?

It's true that eating figs (or anjeer) can help you sleep better because they trigger the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for establishing consistent sleep patterns and combating insomnia. It raises serotonin levels, decreases stress and anxiety, and enhances the quality of your sleep.

Is anjeer beneficial for hair?

Hair-friendly nutrients are found in Anjeer, and they include magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These nutrients improve scalp circulation, which in turn speeds up the hair growth process. Anjeer powder or oil can be used to style your hair.

10) If anjeer is so important, why is it required for females?

The iron-rich food anjeer is especially important for women to eat because of their higher risk of anemia. Hemoglobin levels in the blood will rise with consistent use of anjeer. Because of its high nutrient content and positive effects on fetal growth and the mother's bone health, anjeer is also recommended for pregnant women. It may also help with morning sickness, but you should check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.

See also: Ajwain: Its Benefits, Side Effects, and How to Avoid Them

References: 

1. To the Editor: Belattar HH Leaves and fruits of the fig tree were analyzed for their phytochemical make-up and biological traits. Green Applied Chemistry: RHAZES 2021 Feb;11:89-96 https://revues imist ma/index php/RHAZES/article/view/25071 

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