HPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS profiling of phenolics from leaf extracts of two Tunisian fig cultivars: Potential as a functional food.

The phenolic constituents of the aqueous-ethanolic extract of two Tunisian Ficus carica leaves cultivars and their hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic and antioxidative activities in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were investigated. Our results demonstrated that the treatment with the leaves extracts of F. carica improved lipid profile and reduced blood glucose level as well as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances content. The antioxidant enzymes activity in the liver and heart tissues of diabetic rats was increased after the treatment. These antihyperglycaemic, antihyperlipidaemic and antioxidant effects of both leaf extracts could be associated with their in vitro scavenging ability and their phenolic composition. The HPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS analysis of both extracts revealed the presence of dihydroxybenzoic acid, dipentoside, rutin, psoralen, methoxypsoralen and oxypeudacin hydrate as relatively the most abundant compounds. These results showed indicated the capacity of the leaves extracts of F. carica to ameliorate hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia and antioxidant status in diabetic rats.