Ficin and Bromelain are two protein-digesting enzymes. Ficin is obtained from the sap of fig trees and is used mostly in biomedical laboratories as a protease and to aid the coalescing of red blood cells by immunoglobulin G. On the other hand, bromelain is present in all parts of the pineapple tree but is usually extracted from the stem. It is used as a meat tenderizer and in folk medicine for a variety of ailments.
Ficin for Warts and Corns
Latex from figs and related trees has been used in folk medicine as treatment for warts and corns. Ficin in the latex may be active ingredient responsible for conferring this beneficial effect. The April 2011 issue of "International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research" describes a scientific study where 20 volunteers suffering from corn in the feet used ficin-containing plasters for five to 10 days. The authors report that more than 70 percent of the subjects were satisfied with the plaster's effectiveness. However, it is not recommended that you use fig sap on your skin, as it is known to be an irritant and can causes dermatitis.
Ficin as an Anthelmintic
In Central and South America, ficin-rich latex from fig trees has traditionally been used to treat intestinal worms. The March 1999 issue of "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" reports a study that investigated this attribute. The investigators administered fig latex to mice naturally infected with three types of parasitic worms. This treatment was effective against one type but ineffective against the other two. It was also observed that this treatment was also highly toxic to the mice, and the authors discourage the use of fig latex for this purpose.
Bromelain for Osteoarthritis
Bromelain is often touted as having anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The December 2006 issue of "QJM" investigated the potential of bromelain in osteoarthritis, a relatively common joint disorder. Patients were given 800 mg per day bromelain or placebo for three months, and knee pain, stiffness, function, and quality of life were assessed. No significant differences were observed between the bromelain and placebo groups, and the authors conclude that bromelain is ineffective in moderate to severe osteoarthritis. However, they also note that the study was subject to a number of limitations and a follow-up study was recommended.
Bromelain for Sinusitis
According to a review paper in the September 2006 issue of "Alternative Medicine Review," bromelain in oral doses of 500 mg to 1,000 mg per day is effective in sinusitis as an anti-inflammatory and mucolytic. Sinusitis is characterized by head or facial pain and thick nasal discharge or nasal congestion. S. Helms and A. Miller report that bromelain has been found to thin nasal secretions, reduce inflammation of the nasal mucosa and speed symptom recovery.
References
- "International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research"; Separation Of Proteolytic Components Of Iran Ficus Carica Latex By Column Chromatography And Electrophoresis And Latex Anti- Corn Activity; F. Pourmorad et al; April 2011
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Anthelmintic activity of the latex of Ficus species; A. de Amorin et al; March 1999
- "QJM"; Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study; S. Brien et al; December 2006
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis; S. Helms and A. Miller; September 2006
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