A chloroform extract obtained from a decoction of Ficus carica leaves improves the cholesterolaemic status of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

The antidiabetic effects of Ficus carica leaf extracts have been reported previously. From the aqueous decoction of fig leaves, after treatment with HCI, centrifuging, treatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and extraction with chloroform (CHCl3), the administration of the organic phase rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes led to a decline in the levels of total cholesterol and an decrease in the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (with respect to the control group), together with a reduction of the hyperglycaemia.