The Anti-hypothyroidism Regulating Role of Ficus carica L. Leaves Extract: In-vitro, In-vivo, and In-silico Studies

The study targets anti-hypothyroditic effect and phytochemistry of the Ficus carica L. leaves pet. ether extract. GC/MS data of the unsaponifiable fraction led to identification of 23 compounds (85.14%) while identified saponifiable fraction amounted 78.56%. TLC chromatography led to isolation of five triterpenes (α-amyrin, taraxerol, lupeol, 3, 22 dihydroxy-13 (18) oleanene and β- sitosterol). The extract exhibited promising in vitro anti-inflammatory response via fluorometric assay. The extract was orally given at a dose (500 mg/kg) where different biomarkers were measured in vivo: serum TSH, T3, T4, IL-6 and oxidative stress levels. Ficus carica pet. ether extract recorded amelioration in all parameters suggesting its significance against thyroid hypothyroidism induced in male rats as prophylaxis and treatment. Histological examinations of all the groups supported the results. Additionally, molecular docking studies reinforced the results, demonstrating that the major compounds exhibited high binding interactions with (COX-1), (5-LOX), (IL-6), and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor.