Antitumor Activity and Immunomodulatory Effects of Ficus carica Latex

There are limited studies on the anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects of the fig fruit latex. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of fig fruit latex on several cancer cell lines as well as its effect on lymphocytes proliferation and cytokines secretion.

After preparing a methanolic extract from fig latex, its effect on various cancer cell lines including Fen (bladder cancer), K562 (myeloid leukemia), Hela (cervix carcinoma), Jurkat (lymphoid leukemia) and Raji (lymphoma) was examined by MTT colorimetric assay. For evaluating the effects of extract on lymphocyte proliferation and viability, BrdU assay and flow cytometry staining were used. Cytokine secretion was measured by ELISA assay.

The extract showed the strongest activity against K562 cell line (IC50, 234 µg/ml) and the least activity against Hela cells (IC50 >1000 µg/ml). On evaluation of the immunomodulatory effect of fig by BrdU assay, a reduction in lymphocytes proliferation by increasing the concentration of the extract was observed; proliferation index from 1.2±0.06 at 0.1 µg/ml of the extract reached to 0.13±0.2 at 800 µg/ml. In flow cytometry analysis, a significant cytotoxic effect at concentrations ≥400 µg/ml was observed. The extract at 100 and 200µg/ml had the ability to reduce secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 cytokines.

Fig latex extract showed cytotoxicity on different cells particularly K562 leukemia cells which implied its anticancer activity. This extract at lower concentrations reduced lymphocytes proliferation and cytokine production which showed its immunoinhibitory effects and suggested its possible beneficial in treatment of immune-mediated diseases.