Phytochemical, physicochemical, and fatty acids composition analyses of four species of Ficus genus from the arid zone of Rajasthan

Background: With the advancement of the oilseed economy, there is a great deal of interest in using unusual and underexploited sources of seed oils. The seed oils of different species of Ficus genus are well known for their nutritional and medicinal potential. Aims: The aim of the present research work is to investigate the phytochemical, physicochemical, and fatty acids composition of the seed oil from four different species of Ficus genus from the arid zone of Rajasthan with a view to analyze their nutritional and therapeutic potential. Materials and Methods: The seed oils of Ficus benghalensis, Ficus benjamina, Ficus carica, and Ficus racemosa were extracted by soxhlet extraction technique using petroleum ether as a solvent. The fatty acid methyl esters were obtained by transesterification process and their fatty acid profiles were studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. Results: The phytochemical analysis showed carbohydrate, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and tannin in the seed oil of these Ficus species. The study suggested the presence of unsaturated fatty acids in F. benjamina (71.72%), F. racemosa (70.44%), F. carica (59.00%), and F. benghalensis (55.32%). Conclusion: The major amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in F. benjamina (60.81%) and alpha linolenic acid in F. carica (12.74%) indicates their nutritional and medicinal values.