Effect of Ficus carica leaf extract on the gene expression of selected factors in HaCaT cells

Summary Background Ficus carica Linn. (Fc), common fig, has been traditionally used for many metabolic, cardiovasculary, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin disorders. Several studies were performed showing its anti‐inflammatory, anti‐angiogenic, anticancerogenic, and tissue‐protective effects. In all of those studies, the positive effects of Fc were concluded as the result of its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory features due to the polyphenols it contains. Aims To study the phenolic compounds of Fc extract and to investigate the molecular basis of anti‐inflammatory, anti‐angiogenic, antimitotic, and anti‐androgenic effects of Fc leaf extract in vitro. Materials and Methods The gene expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF ), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha ( TNF ‐a), interleukin 1‐alpha ( IL ‐1a), and 5 alpha‐reductase type II ( SRD 5A2) were tested in human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) by RT ‐ qPCR . Results The gene expression analysis showed that the plant extract caused statistically significant downregulation of VEGF , TNF ‐a, IL ‐1a, and SRD 5A2 compared to the untreated cells. Discussion These preliminary results of this in vitro study may partially explain the clinical success of Fc in the traditional medicine. Conclusion Topical Fc leaf extract may be beneficial for some inflammatory disorders and androgen‐dependent disorders of the skin such as androgenetic alopecia.