Figs, whole and cut.

Fruits · Fruit

Figs

Q: What are figs good for?

They are a sweet, fibre-containing fruit. Small trials of fig paste and fig syrup found easier bowel movements in constipation, but plain figs have not been tested for it.

Q: Do figs help with constipation?

Two placebo-controlled trials of fig paste (80 adults) and fig syrup (90 pregnant women) found easier bowel movements. A pooled analysis found kiwifruit did better than fig paste. The results may not apply to fresh or dried figs.

Q: Do figs help with period pain?

One study of 99 students reported less pain and stress with dried figs than with placebo. It is a single small study with a published erratum.

Q: Can figs treat gallstones or cancer?

No. One small gallstone trial of a vinegar-soaked fig preparation had no placebo, and cancer claims come from cell and animal work. Gallstone symptoms need medical care.

Q: How many calories and how much fibre are in a fig?

USDA lists a large raw fig (64 g) at about 47 calories, 1.9 g of fibre and 10.4 g of sugars. One dried fig (8.4 g) has about 21 calories and 0.8 g of fibre.

Q: Are dried figs different from fresh figs?

Yes. Drying concentrates sugar, fibre and minerals: 100 g of dried figs has about 249 calories and 47.9 g of sugars, against 74 calories and 16.3 g for raw figs.

Q: Can you be allergic to figs?

Yes. Reactions from an itchy mouth to anaphylaxis have been reported, in some people linked to allergy to the weeping fig houseplant, and in a child with dust mite allergy.

Q: Are figs part of latex-fruit syndrome?

We cannot say. A 2024 review names banana, avocado, kiwifruit and papaya as the commonest fruits and its abstract does not name figs. In the 2003 fig allergy study, none of the patients was sensitised to rubber latex.

Q: Can fig sap burn my skin?

Yes. Fig tree sap on skin followed by sunlight can cause painful blistering (phytophotodermatitis). Reports involve picking figs or pruning the tree. Wash sap off and see a clinician for a blistering rash.

Ficus carica · also called Fig, common fig, higo (Spanish)

The fig is the soft, seedy fruit of a tree in the mulberry family, eaten fresh or dried. A large raw fig has about 47 calories and 1.9 g of fibre, and dried figs are far more concentrated. Small trials of fig paste and fig syrup found easier bowel movements in constipation, but those are not plain figs. The main cautions are fig allergy, sap that can burn skin in the sun, potassium for people with kidney disease, and mould toxins in some dried figs.

General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update October 25, 2026 · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made

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About Figs

The fig is a sweet, fibre-containing fruit. Trials show small signs of easier bowel movements with fig paste and syrup, but plain figs have not been tested, so it is best seen as a food, not a remedy.

What it is

The fig (Ficus carica) is the fruit of a tree in the mulberry family. It is eaten fresh or dried, and also made into paste and syrup.

One large raw fig (64 g) has about 47 calories, 1.9 g of fibre, 10.4 g of natural sugars and 148 mg of potassium (USDA). Dried figs are far more concentrated: 100 g has about 249 calories, 9.8 g of fibre, 47.9 g of sugars and 680 mg of potassium, and one dried fig (8.4 g) has about 21 calories.

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What the research shows

The best human data are on constipation. A fig paste trial and a fig syrup trial, both with placebo, found easier bowel movements. These were paste and syrup, not whole figs, and in a pooled analysis kiwifruit did better than fig paste.

A trial of mixed dried fruit including figs found no improvement in blood fats and slightly higher fasting glucose. One-off studies on period pain, mineral intake, eczema and after-meal sugar used different products and are small.

Claims about cancer and diabetes come mostly from cells, mice and leaf or twig extracts, and do not show a benefit from eating figs.

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Fresh and dried figs versus paste, syrup, extracts and leaves

Most trials used fig paste, syrup, a fruit extract or leaf tea. Results from one form do not carry over to another.

Drying concentrates sugar, fibre and minerals, so dried figs pack more of each into a small portion. In a lab comparison, sun-drying raised phenolic content and minerals, while vitamin C and flavonoids fell. Leaf tea and extracts are different products and are not assessed here.

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At a glance

Traditional uses history, not proof

Eaten fresh or dried, and made into paste and syrup
Long part of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern diets, and seen as a symbol of longevity, according to a 2019 review

Studied for research

Constipation, in trials of fig paste and fig syrup, low certainty
Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, very low certainty
Blood fats and sugar with mixed dried fruit including figs, low certainty (no benefit found)
Mineral intake from dried figs, low certainty
Period pain, very low certainty
After-meal blood sugar (fruit extract, leaf tea), very low certainty

Main compounds

Dietary fibre (about 1.9 g in a large raw fig)
Polyphenols, mostly in the skin
Potassium and small amounts of other minerals
Ficin, an enzyme linked to fig allergy
Furanocoumarins, mainly in leaves and twigs

Common forms

Fresh figs (the form the main nutrition figures describe)
Dried figs (more concentrated sugar, fibre and potassium)
Fig paste and fig syrup (used in constipation trials)
Fig leaf tea and fig extracts (not the fruit)

Research links: Fig-walnut syrup for constipation in pregnancy, randomised trial (Nutrition & Metabolism, 2025) · Fig paste for functional constipation, randomised trial (Asia Pacific J Clin Nutr, 2016) · Fruit and functional constipation, meta-analysis (Frontiers in Nutrition, 2022) · Fig allergy and the weeping fig (Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2003) · USDA FoodData Central: raw figs · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library

What it is and its history

Accepted scientific name: Ficus carica
Naming authority: L. (GBIF accepted, usageKey 5361909)
Common names: Fig (English); Common fig (English); Higo (Spanish)
Family or group: Moraceae (mulberry family), which also includes mulberry and the weeping fig houseplant (Ficus benjamina).
Classification: Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Rosales > Moraceae > Ficus > Ficus carica
Native range: Not verified from a source read.
Habitat: Not verified.
What it looks like: Roots: Not verified.; Stems: Not verified.; Leaves: Not verified.; Flowers: Not verified.; Fruit: A soft, seedy fruit eaten fresh or dried (existing site summary; not re-sourced). The tree, leaves and fruit skin carry a milky sap (case report, p37581161).
Cultivation: Not verified from a source read. Fig varieties differ in weight, sugar and fibre (Moroccan study).
Harvest and processing: Eaten fresh, or sun-dried; also made into paste or syrup (trials). A 2025 Moroccan study compared fresh and sun-dried figs.
Look-alikes and adulterants: Name: Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina); Note: A houseplant in the same genus. Its airborne allergens were linked to fig allergy in a 2003 study. It is not a food.
Sustainability and conservation: Not assessed.

Photographs

Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof

Tradition or era	Documented use	Source
Mediterranean and Middle Eastern diet	A 2019 review says figs have been part of the diet in the Middle East and Mediterranean since ancient years and are seen as a symbol of longevity.	p30884655

Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.

What is inside, and how it may work

What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.

Main compounds

Compound	Family	Where it is concentrated	Activity studied	Level of evidence
Dietary fibre	carbohydrate	Flesh and skin 2.9 g per 100 g raw; 9.8 g per 100 g dried (USDA)	Provides fibre in the diet. Not tested here as a treatment. ^{29 30}	Composition data
Phenolic acids and flavonoids (polyphenols)	plant compounds	Skin more than pulp; dark figs more than light Varies by variety, ripeness and drying (laboratory studies)	Lab measures of antioxidant capacity; no human health outcome shown for these compounds in figs. ^{4 21}	Laboratory
Furanocoumarins	plant compounds	Leaves and twigs (major constituents); fruit level not stated in the abstract	Photo-sensitising compounds linked in the case reports to skin burns from sap and sunlight. ^{15 17}	Laboratory plus case reports
Ficin	cysteine protease (enzyme)	Fruit and latex (per a case report)	Called the major fig allergen in a case report; possible cross-reaction with a dust mite protein (Der p 1). ²²	Case report
Abscisic acid	plant hormone	Fruit (used to standardise a fruit extract)	Suggested to affect glucose handling through the receptor LANCL2 in mammals; tested only as part of an extract. ⁵	Small human trial of an extract

Mechanisms, receptors and pathways

Target or pathway	Gene or receptor	What was found	Level
Fibre and bowel movement		A 2021 review says the fruit components behind faster gut transit (fibre, sorbitol, polyphenols) are not established. ¹⁴	Review of lab, animal and human studies
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of extracts		In mouse immune cells, leaf and twig extracts were stronger than fruit extract. ¹⁵	Cell study
Sugar handling by abscisic acid	LANCL2 receptor	The 2019 trial paper proposes this route for a fruit extract; not shown in people. ⁵	Hypothesis

Absorption, metabolism and elimination

Absorption: Not researched.
Distribution: Not found.
Metabolism: Not found.
Elimination: Not found.
Bioavailability: Not established.

Isolated compounds versus whole extracts

The constipation trials used fig paste or fig syrup, the sugar trial used a fruit extract, and the skin and diabetes studies used leaves. None of these is a fresh or dried fig. Drying concentrates sugar, fibre and minerals in the fruit. Results from one form do not carry over to another.

Nutritional composition

Per 100 g of raw figs (USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy): 74 kcal, 79.1 g water, 0.75 g protein, 0.3 g fat, 19.2 g carbohydrate of which 16.3 g are sugars, and 2.9 g fibre. One large raw fig (64 g) gives about 47 kcal, 1.9 g fibre and 10.4 g sugars, with 148 mg potassium and 22 mg calcium. Per 100 g of dried figs: 249 kcal, 30.0 g water, 63.9 g carbohydrate of which 47.9 g are sugars, 9.8 g fibre, 680 mg potassium and 162 mg calcium. One dried fig (8.4 g) gives about 21 kcal, 0.8 g fibre and 4.0 g sugars. Drying concentrates sugar, fibre and minerals. Per-portion figures are calculated from the per-100 g values and vary with variety, ripeness and storage.

9benefits and uses looked at

30studies and sources checked

Low certaintybest evidence rating found

10lab markers tracked in trials

3 low certainty4 very low certainty2 not enough evidence

What was looked at

The 9 benefits and uses checked for Figs, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.

Constipation (fig paste and fig syrup trials)Low certainty
Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)Very low certainty
Blood fats, blood sugar and weight (mixed dried fruit including figs)Low certainty
Period pain and stress (dried figs)Very low certainty
Mineral intake and blood mineral levels (dried figs)Low certainty
After-meal blood sugar (fig fruit extract, fig leaf tea)Very low certainty
Mild eczema (fig leaf tea)Very low certainty
Gallstones (vinegar-soaked figs)Not enough evidence
Cancer, blood sugar and antioxidant claims (lab and animal work)Not enough evidence

Lab markers tracked in the studies

Colon transit timeNumber of bowel movementsStool form (Bristol scale)Constipation-related quality of lifeFasting blood glucoseLDL cholesterolBlood sugar after a glucose drink or mealBlood mineral levelsEczema severity (EASI score)Menstrual pain severity and duration

What is Figs good for?

The main studied uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. Most results come from small trials of fig paste, syrup, extracts or leaf tea, not plain figs, so they are not proof that eating figs prevents or treats a condition.

Constipation (fig paste and syrup)Low certaintyIn an 8-week trial of 80 adults, fig paste shortened colon transit time and improved stool type compared with placebo. In 90 pregnant women, fig syrup and fig-walnut syrup gave more bowel movements and better quality of life than placebo. These were paste and syrup, and kiwifruit beat fig paste on stool form in a pooled analysis. Irritable bowel syndrome with constipationVery low certaintyIn a single-blind four-month trial of 150 people, eating fig was linked with less bloating, more bowel movements and less hard stool than the control group. The form of fig was not stated, and abdominal pain severity did not change clearly. Blood fats, blood sugar and weightLow certaintyIn 55 adults at higher heart risk, a large daily portion of mixed dried fruit including figs did not improve blood fats or blood pressure, fasting glucose was slightly higher than with a matched snack, and LDL was 0.10 mmol/L above baseline. Mineral intake from dried figsLow certaintyAdding dried figs to the diet for five weeks raised calcium and potassium intake in diet records, but blood mineral levels barely changed. After-meal blood sugar (fruit extract, leaf tea)Very low certaintyA fig fruit extract lowered the sugar response to a glucose drink in 10 healthy adults (industry-linked study), and fig leaf tea lowered after-breakfast sugar in 10 people with type 1 diabetes. Neither tested plain figs. Period pain and stressVery low certaintyIn one study of 99 students, those eating dried figs reported less pain and stress than placebo or cinnamon. A published erratum exists. Mild eczema (fig leaf tea)Very low certaintyIn one small preliminary trial, fig leaf tea gave a lower eczema score than placebo. It is a leaf tea, not the fruit. Gallstones (vinegar-soaked figs)Not enough evidenceOne small single-blind trial reported stones shrinking. It had no placebo and used a special preparation. Gallstones need medical care. Cancer, diabetes and antioxidant claimsNot enough evidenceThese rest on cells, mice and leaf or twig extracts. A 2022 review of 27 studies calls for well-designed human trials.

Benefits, one by one

Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.

Constipation (fig paste and fig syrup trials)

Low certainty

In two placebo-controlled trials, fig paste and fig syrup were linked with easier bowel movements in people with constipation. The products were paste and syrup, not whole fresh figs, and the trials were small. Another analysis found kiwifruit did better than fig paste.

3 studiesFig paste (Korean trial) and fig syrup with or without walnut (Irania…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

An 8-week double-blind trial of fig paste in 80 adults with functional constipation (2016), a 2-week double-blind trial of fig syrup or fig-walnut syrup in 90 pregnant women (2025), and a 2022 meta-analysis of fruit trials that included fig paste as a comparator.

Results

Fig paste was linked with a shorter colon transit time and better stool type and abdominal discomfort than placebo. In pregnant women both syrups gave more bowel movements and better quality of life than placebo. Kiwifruit beat fig paste on stool form in three high-quality studies.

Effect sizes as reported

Quality of life vs placebo in pregnancy: fig syrup -5.8 (95% CI -3.1 to -8.6); fig-walnut syrup -3.4 (-0.7 to -6.1). Kiwifruit vs fig paste, Bristol scale: +0.39 (0.11 to 0.66). Transit-time and bowel-movement numbers are not in the abstracts.

Why this rating

Two small placebo-controlled trials, short, with products that are not ordinary fresh figs. Numbers were not in the abstracts, and the pregnancy trial's registration date was not checked.

Form and dose studied

Fig paste (Korean trial) and fig syrup with or without walnut (Iranian trial). Neither is a plain fresh or dried fig.

Who was studied

Adults with functional constipation; pregnant women with functional constipation.

Limits

Paste and syrup results do not carry over to fresh or dried figs. No head-to-head trial of dried figs for constipation is in the abstracts read.

Why researchers looked

Figs are eaten in many places as a gentle aid to regularity, and they contain fibre.

Traditional use

Figs have long been eaten for regularity in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food traditions. This is custom, not evidence.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Fibre, plant sugars such as sorbitol and plant compounds are suggested routes. A 2021 review says it is not known which part of a fruit does the work.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No serious problems were reported in the abstracts; the paste trial found blood tests and clinical findings in the normal range.

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Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)

Very low certainty

In a four-month trial of 150 people with IBS-C, eating fig was linked with less bloating and pain episodes, more bowel movements and less hard stool than the control group. People knew what they ate, and the form of fig is not given in the abstract.

1 studiesFig (form not stated in the abstract).

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2019 single-blind randomised trial of flixweed and fig in 150 people with IBS-C, over four months.

Results

Fig and flixweed, compared with the control group, were linked with fewer episodes of pain and bloating, more bowel movements, less hard stool and better quality of life. Abdominal pain severity and C-reactive protein did not change significantly.

Effect sizes as reported

Significant improvements vs control; no numbers in the abstract.

Why this rating

Single-blind with a non-matched control group, one trial, form and amount of fig not stated in the abstract, and no numbers given.

Form and dose studied

Fig (form not stated in the abstract).

Who was studied

Adults with IBS-C.

Limits

One trial only. Self-treating long-lasting bowel changes without a doctor can miss other causes.

Why researchers looked

Constipation-type IBS is hard to treat, and figs are a popular home remedy.

Traditional use

Figs are a traditional remedy for sluggish bowels. This is custom, not evidence.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Not studied in this trial.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None reported in the abstract.

¹⁸

Blood fats, blood sugar and weight (mixed dried fruit including figs)

Low certainty

In a four-week trial of 55 adults at higher heart risk, a large daily portion of mixed dried fruit (plums, figs, dates and raisins) did not improve blood fats or blood pressure compared with a matched snack. Fasting glucose was slightly higher, and LDL cholesterol rose a little from the start.

1 studiesMixed dried plums, figs, dates and raisins (a large daily portion).

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2020 randomised crossover trial of mixed dried fruit versus an energy-matched snack for four weeks.

Results

Blood fat levels did not differ between conditions. LDL cholesterol was 0.10 mmol/L higher than at baseline. Fasting glucose was 0.08 mmol/L higher than with the snack. Insulin, C-reactive protein, blood pressure, vascular stiffness and weight did not differ.

Effect sizes as reported

Fasting glucose vs control +0.08 mmol/L (95% CI 0.005 to 0.16); LDL vs baseline +0.10 mmol/L (0.01 to 0.20).

Why this rating

One crossover trial of 55 people, short, and the product was a mix of four fruits so figs alone are not isolated.

Form and dose studied

Mixed dried plums, figs, dates and raisins (a large daily portion).

Who was studied

Adults with extra weight and at least one more heart-disease risk factor.

Limits

Not a trial of figs alone. A very large portion without diet guidance.

Why researchers looked

Dried fruit is concentrated in sugar but also in fibre and plant compounds, so researchers tested its effect on heart-risk markers.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Not studied here.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No safety problems were reported in the abstract.

²⁰

Period pain and stress (dried figs)

Very low certainty

In one study of 99 midwifery students, those eating dried figs during their periods reported less pain, shorter pain and less stress than those given a placebo or cinnamon. It is one small, hard-to-blind study with a published erratum.

1 studiesDried figs eaten during periods.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2020 randomised placebo-controlled study (placebo, cinnamon, dried fig groups) over three menstrual cycles.

Results

The dried-fig group had lower pain severity and duration, less menstrual distress and less perceived stress, and a higher quality of life score, than the other groups.

Effect sizes as reported

Significant differences vs placebo; no numbers in the abstract.

Why this rating

One small study in students from one school, no numbers in the abstract, impossible to hide figs from the eater, and a 2021 erratum exists that was not read.

Form and dose studied

Dried figs eaten during periods.

Who was studied

Young women with painful periods.

Limits

Single study; the erratum could change details.

Why researchers looked

Figs are eaten in some traditions for women's health, and this was tested in one trial.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Not studied.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None reported in the abstract.

Mineral intake and blood mineral levels (dried figs)

Low certainty

When 88 adults added dried figs to their usual diet for five weeks, diet records showed more calcium and potassium. Blood levels of minerals barely changed. The figs also pushed out some other foods and drinks.

1 studiesDried figs added to the usual diet.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2015 randomised crossover trial of dried California Mission figs added to the usual diet for five weeks.

Results

Higher calcium and potassium intake from the diet records in the fig period; blood mineral levels nearly the same as on the usual diet. Figs displaced about 4% of desserts, 5% of vegetables, 10% of dairy, 23% of grains and 168% of other drinks.

Effect sizes as reported

Intake higher (P<0.05); blood minerals not significantly changed.

Why this rating

One crossover trial of a large daily amount of dried figs.

Form and dose studied

Dried figs added to the usual diet.

Who was studied

Adults, average age about 56.

Limits

Food-replacement figures are rough estimates from 24-hour recalls.

Why researchers looked

Figs are a source of several minerals, so a trial checked whether eating them changes mineral status.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Not applicable.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Potassium intake rises with dried figs; see the safety notes for kidney disease.

After-meal blood sugar (fig fruit extract, fig leaf tea)

Very low certainty

Two small studies tested fig products on blood sugar after a meal. A fig fruit extract lowered the sugar response to a glucose drink in 10 healthy adults, and fig leaf tea lowered after-breakfast sugar in 10 people with type 1 diabetes. Neither tested fresh or dried figs, and the fruit-extract study was paid for by its maker.

2 studiesStandardised fig fruit extract; fig leaf decoction.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2019 randomised crossover trial of fig fruit extract (10 healthy adults, industry-linked) and a 1998 randomised crossover trial of fig leaf tea in 10 adults with type 1 diabetes.

Results

The two higher extract doses cut the blood sugar response to a glucose drink by about a quarter; the leaf tea gave lower after-breakfast glucose and a 12% lower average insulin dose than a comparison tea.

Effect sizes as reported

Fruit extract: glycaemic index about -25% and -24% (P<=0.002). Leaf tea: post-meal glucose 156.6 vs 293.7 mg/dL (P<0.001).

Why this rating

Ten people in each, short, an extract and a leaf tea rather than the fruit, and the fruit-extract study has industry authors.

Form and dose studied

Standardised fig fruit extract; fig leaf decoction.

Who was studied

Healthy adults; adults with type 1 diabetes.

Limits

Not fresh or dried figs. Do not change diabetes medicine because of this.

Why researchers looked

Fig leaves are used in some traditions for diabetes, and fruit extracts contain abscisic acid, which animal work suggests affects sugar handling.

Traditional use

Fig leaf tea has been used in folk medicine for diabetes. This is custom, not evidence.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Abscisic acid is suggested to act on a receptor called LANCL2 in mammals, per the 2019 paper. Not shown in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Two dropouts for intolerance in the leaf tea study; the extract trial reported none in the abstract.

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Mild eczema (fig leaf tea)

Very low certainty

In one small preliminary trial, adults with mild atopic dermatitis who drank fig leaf tea had a lower eczema score than those on a placebo tea. The leaf tea is not the fruit, and the effect faded after stopping.

1 studiesFig leaf tea.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2022 double-blind, placebo-controlled preliminary trial of fig leaf tea.

Results

The EASI eczema score was significantly lower than with placebo, and the effect weakened 4 weeks after stopping. No health-hazard changes were reported.

Effect sizes as reported

Significant EASI difference vs placebo; no numbers in the abstract.

Why this rating

Small preliminary trial, leaf not fruit, number of participants and results not in the abstract.

Form and dose studied

Fig leaf tea.

Who was studied

Adults with mild atopic dermatitis.

Limits

Leaves contain furanocoumarins, which can make skin sensitive to sun (see safety).

Why researchers looked

Cell and animal work suggested fig leaf tea calmed allergy signals, so a first human trial was done.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

The authors link it to lab findings on allergy signalling in cells and animals. Not shown in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No safety problems found by the authors.

Gallstones (vinegar-soaked figs)

Not enough evidence

One small single-blind trial from Pakistan compared vinegar-soaked figs with a gallstone medicine in 50 adults and reported stones getting smaller. This is a single unusual result, and gallstones need a doctor, not a food.

1 studiesFig soaked in vinegar.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2024 single-blind randomised trial against ursodiol in 50 adults with ultrasound-confirmed gallstones.

Results

Stones shrank from 15.5 to 7.3 mm with vinegar-soaked figs and from 16.1 to 10.8 mm with the medicine, according to the authors.

Effect sizes as reported

Mean stone size 15.5 to 7.3 mm (fig) vs 16.1 to 10.8 mm (medicine).

Why this rating

One small trial, no placebo, single-blind, a special preparation, and a large result needing independent repeat.

Form and dose studied

Fig soaked in vinegar.

Who was studied

Adults with gallstones.

Limits

Gallstones can cause serious complications. Do not treat them with food instead of medical care.

Why researchers looked

A traditional preparation was tested against a standard medicine.

Traditional use

Vinegar-soaked fig is a traditional preparation in some regions. This is custom, not evidence.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Not studied.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Gallstone pain that is severe or comes with fever or yellow skin needs urgent care.

⁸

Cancer, blood sugar and antioxidant claims (lab and animal work)

Not enough evidence

Many headlines about figs and cancer or diabetes rest on cell studies and animal studies of fig leaves, fruit or extracts. A 2022 review gathered 27 studies and itself calls for well-designed clinical trials. None of this shows an effect from eating figs.

3 studiesLeaf, twig and fruit extracts in labs and animals.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2022 systematic review of 27 studies on cancer, a 2026 mouse study of fig leaf extract for diabetes, and a 2026 cell study comparing fruit, leaf and twig extracts.

Results

The mouse study found lower blood glucose with leaf extract but no lasting HbA1c fall. The cell study found leaf and twig extracts stronger than fruit extract. The cancer review describes no human outcomes in its abstract.

Why this rating

Lab, cell and animal work, mostly on leaves and twigs rather than the fruit.

Form and dose studied

Leaf, twig and fruit extracts in labs and animals.

Who was studied

Mice and cells.

Limits

Not evidence about eating figs.

Why researchers looked

Figs and fig leaves contain polyphenols and other compounds that show activity in test tubes and animals.

Traditional use

Fig and fig leaf are used in many folk traditions. This is custom, not evidence.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Cell and animal studies of polyphenols and leaf compounds; not shown in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None applicable.

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Connections to the rest of health

How Figs connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.

Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes

Kind of connection Connected to Search

A. Wellness goals

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Digestive Support	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Constipation (fig paste and fig syrup trials): In two placebo-controlled trials, fig paste and fig syrup were linked with easier bowel movements in people with constipation. The products were paste and syrup, not whole fresh figs, and the trials were small. Another analysis found kiwifruit did better than fig paste. Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C): In a four-month trial of 150 people with IBS-C, eating fig was linked with less bloating and pain episodes, more bowel movements and less hard stool than the control group. People knew what they ate, and the form of fig is not given in the abstract.	^{6 23 13 18}
Gut Health	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Constipation (fig paste and fig syrup trials): In two placebo-controlled trials, fig paste and fig syrup were linked with easier bowel movements in people with constipation. The products were paste and syrup, not whole fresh figs, and the trials were small. Another analysis found kiwifruit did better than fig paste. Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C): In a four-month trial of 150 people with IBS-C, eating fig was linked with less bloating and pain episodes, more bowel movements and less hard stool than the control group. People knew what they ate, and the form of fig is not given in the abstract.	^{6 23 13 18}
Cholesterol Balance		Low certainty	Blood fats, blood sugar and weight (mixed dried fruit including figs): In a four-week trial of 55 adults at higher heart risk, a large daily portion of mixed dried fruit (plums, figs, dates and raisins) did not improve blood fats or blood pressure compared with a matched snack. Fasting glucose was slightly higher, and LDL cholesterol rose a little from the start.	²⁰
Blood Sugar Balance		Low certainty	Blood fats, blood sugar and weight (mixed dried fruit including figs): In a four-week trial of 55 adults at higher heart risk, a large daily portion of mixed dried fruit (plums, figs, dates and raisins) did not improve blood fats or blood pressure compared with a matched snack. Fasting glucose was slightly higher, and LDL cholesterol rose a little from the start.	²⁰
Womens Wellness	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Period pain and stress (dried figs): In one study of 99 midwifery students, those eating dried figs during their periods reported less pain, shorter pain and less stress than those given a placebo or cinnamon. It is one small, hard-to-blind study with a published erratum.	³
Pain Relief	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Period pain and stress (dried figs): In one study of 99 midwifery students, those eating dried figs during their periods reported less pain, shorter pain and less stress than those given a placebo or cinnamon. It is one small, hard-to-blind study with a published erratum.	³
Metabolic Health	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Mineral intake and blood mineral levels (dried figs): When 88 adults added dried figs to their usual diet for five weeks, diet records showed more calcium and potassium. Blood levels of minerals barely changed. The figs also pushed out some other foods and drinks.	²
Blood Sugar Balance	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	After-meal blood sugar (fig fruit extract, fig leaf tea): Two small studies tested fig products on blood sugar after a meal. A fig fruit extract lowered the sugar response to a glucose drink in 10 healthy adults, and fig leaf tea lowered after-breakfast sugar in 10 people with type 1 diabetes. Neither tested fresh or dried figs, and the fruit-extract study was paid for by its maker.	^{5 19}
Healthy Skin	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Mild eczema (fig leaf tea): In one small preliminary trial, adults with mild atopic dermatitis who drank fig leaf tea had a lower eczema score than those on a placebo tea. The leaf tea is not the fruit, and the effect faded after stopping.	¹
Liver Support		Not enough evidence	Gallstones (vinegar-soaked figs): One small single-blind trial from Pakistan compared vinegar-soaked figs with a gallstone medicine in 50 adults and reported stones getting smaller. This is a single unusual result, and gallstones need a doctor, not a food.	⁸
Cellular Protection		Not enough evidence	Cancer, blood sugar and antioxidant claims (lab and animal work): Many headlines about figs and cancer or diabetes rest on cell studies and animal studies of fig leaves, fruit or extracts. A 2022 review gathered 27 studies and itself calls for well-designed clinical trials. None of this shows an effect from eating figs.	^{16 9 15}
Blood Sugar Balance		Not enough evidence	Cancer, blood sugar and antioxidant claims (lab and animal work): Many headlines about figs and cancer or diabetes rest on cell studies and animal studies of fig leaves, fruit or extracts. A 2022 review gathered 27 studies and itself calls for well-designed clinical trials. None of this shows an effect from eating figs.	^{16 9 15}

B. Body systems

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Digestive System	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Constipation (fig paste and fig syrup trials) Studied for: Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)	^{6 23 13 18 8}
Cardiovascular System	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Blood fats, blood sugar and weight (mixed dried fruit including figs)	²⁰
Endocrine System	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Blood fats, blood sugar and weight (mixed dried fruit including figs) Studied for: After-meal blood sugar (fig fruit extract, fig leaf tea)	^{20 5 19 16 9 15}
Reproductive System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Period pain and stress (dried figs)	³
Metabolism Weight	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Mineral intake and blood mineral levels (dried figs)	²
Integumentary System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Mild eczema (fig leaf tea)	¹

E. Health conditions

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Food allergy	Adverse effect or risk	Documented risk	Fig allergy has been reported, linked in some people to weeping fig houseplant sensitisation. Fig allergy has been reported, from itchy mouth to anaphylaxis. Preparation or compound: Fresh or dried fig	^{10 22}
Phytophotodermatitis	Adverse effect or risk	Documented risk	Sap on skin plus sunlight can cause blistering burns. Fig tree sap on skin plus sunlight can cause blistering burns. Preparation or compound: Fig tree sap	^{7 17 24}

I. Biomarkers

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Colon transit time	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: shortened. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{6 14}
Number of bowel movements	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: increased. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{23 18}
Stool form (Bristol scale)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: kiwifruit was better than fig paste. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{13 6}
Constipation-related quality of life	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: improved. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²³
Fasting blood glucose	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: slightly higher. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²⁰
LDL cholesterol	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: no improvement. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²⁰
Blood sugar after a glucose drink or meal	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{5 19}
Blood mineral levels	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: no clear change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²
Eczema severity (EASI score)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹
Menstrual pain severity and duration	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	³

L. Active compounds

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Dietary fibre	Biological association	Composition data	Provides fibre in the diet. Not tested here as a treatment. Preparation or compound: Flesh and skin	^{29 30}
Phenolic acids and flavonoids (polyphenols)	Biological association	Laboratory	Lab measures of antioxidant capacity; no human health outcome shown for these compounds in figs. Preparation or compound: Skin more than pulp; dark figs more than light	^{4 21}
Furanocoumarins	Biological association	Laboratory plus case reports	Photo-sensitising compounds linked in the case reports to skin burns from sap and sunlight. Preparation or compound: Leaves and twigs (major constituents); fruit level not stated in the abstract	^{15 17}
Ficin	Biological association	Case report	Called the major fig allergen in a case report; possible cross-reaction with a dust mite protein (Der p 1). Preparation or compound: Fruit and latex (per a case report)	²²
Abscisic acid	Biological association	Small human trial of an extract	Suggested to affect glucose handling through the receptor LANCL2 in mammals; tested only as part of an extract. Preparation or compound: Fruit (used to standardise a fruit extract)	⁵

Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).

Evidence at a glance: what changed in 3 lab markers

Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.

Other3

The evidence

The research centre for Figs. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.

Evidence by outcome

Constipation (fig paste and fig syrup trials) 3 studies Low certainty Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) 1 study Very low certainty Blood fats, blood sugar and weight (mixed dried fruit including figs) 1 study Low certainty Period pain and stress (dried figs) 1 study Very low certainty Mineral intake and blood mineral levels (dried figs) 1 study Low certainty After-meal blood sugar (fig fruit extract, fig leaf tea) 2 studies Very low certainty Mild eczema (fig leaf tea) 1 study Very low certainty Gallstones (vinegar-soaked figs) 1 study Not enough evidence Cancer, blood sugar and antioxidant claims (lab and animal work) 3 studies Not enough evidence

Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).

How we rate evidence

High certainty

Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.

Moderate certainty

Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.

Low certainty

Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.

Very low certainty

Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.

Mixed findings

Trials or reviews disagree with each other.

Not enough evidence

Not enough human research to say either way.

Evidence against

Good research found no benefit, or found harm.

We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing fig summary, re-read the USDA FoodData Central records for raw and dried figs, and read PubMed abstracts and the MedlinePlus and FDA pages. Only abstracts were read for studies. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.

Study library: every study we checked 30

Design Research type Year from Search

Study	Design	People	Product, dose, length	Result
Abe 2022 Efficacy and Safety of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Leaf Tea in Adults with Mild Atopic Dermatitis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Preliminary Trial. Nutrients · PMID 36364740 · DOI	Randomised double blind placebo controlled preliminary trial	Adults with mild atopic dermatitis (the abstract speaks of 15 participants in the tea group)	Fig leaf tea (leaves, not the fruit) leaf Prolonged daily tea; effect faded 4 weeks after stopping · vs Placebo tea	The fig leaf tea group had a significantly lower EASI score than the placebo group, and the effect weakened 4 weeks after stopping. The authors found no variations that might be a health hazard. Lower EASI vs placebo (numbers not in abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI); safety measures Limitations: Preliminary and small; leaf tea, not the fruit; total participant number not in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest declared Read: abstract
Alshaeri 2015 Effect of dried California Mission figs on mineral status and food replacement. Public Health Nutr · PMID 25156424 · DOI	Randomised crossover trial	88 88 adults, mean age about 56	Dried California Mission figs added to the usual diet fruit (dried) 5 weeks per period · vs Usual diet	Diet records showed higher calcium and potassium intake in the fig period, but blood mineral levels were nearly the same as on the usual diet. Eating the figs displaced some other foods, including desserts, vegetables, dairy, grains and drinks. Calcium and potassium intake higher in fig period (P<0.05); blood minerals not significantly changed Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Mineral intake from diet recalls; blood mineral levels; foods displaced Limitations: A follow-up analysis of data collected in 2008. The amount of figs was large. Industry funding is not stated in the abstract and was not checked. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Amanak 2020 Effects of Dry Figs on Primary Dysmenorrhea Symptoms, perceived Stress Levels and the Quality of Life. P R Health Sci J · PMID 33320461	Randomised placebo controlled study	99 99 midwifery students with painful periods (placebo 32, cinnamon 34, dried fig 33)	Dried figs fruit (dried) 3 menstrual cycles · vs Placebo, and cinnamon	The dried-fig group had lower pain scores, shorter pain, less menstrual distress and less perceived stress, and higher quality of life, than the cinnamon and placebo groups. Significant differences vs placebo (numbers not in abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain severity and duration, menstrual distress, perceived stress, quality of life Limitations: Students from one school; a published erratum exists (P R Health Sci J 2021;40(1):59) and was not read; the abstract gives no numbers; it is hard to blind a fruit against a placebo. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Arvaniti 2019 Review on fresh and dried figs: Chemical analysis and occurrence of phytochemical compounds, antioxidant capacity and health effects. Food Res Int · PMID 30884655 · DOI	Narrative review n/a	Studies of the chemistry of fresh and dried figs	Fresh and dried figs fruit	Phenolic acids and flavonoids are the main plant compounds in figs. Dark figs have more than light ones, and the skin has more than the pulp. Results on how drying changes them are contradictory. The review calls for clinical trials to confirm health benefits. Qualitative (n/a) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity Limitations: Chemistry review; antioxidant capacity in the lab does not show a benefit in people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Atkinson 2019 Abscisic Acid Standardized Fig (Ficus carica) Extracts Ameliorate Postprandial Glycemic and Insulinemic Responses in Healthy Adults. Nutrients · PMID 31370154 · DOI	Randomised double blind crossover trial	10 10 healthy adults	Fig fruit extracts standardised for abscisic acid, added to a glucose drink (not whole figs) fruit extract Single test drinks, blood tested over 2 hours · vs Plain glucose drink	The two fig extracts, at higher doses, lowered the blood-sugar response to a glucose drink by about a quarter and lowered the insulin response at all doses. Glycaemic index about -25% and -24% (both P<=0.002) at the two higher extract doses; insulin response down 14% to 24% (n/a) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Glycaemic index and insulinaemic index of the drink Limitations: Only 10 people, one drink at a time, an extract and not the fruit, and the sponsor's staff are among the authors. Funding and conflicts: Industry-linked: several authors are employed by Euromed S.A., which funded the study (the abstract says it had no role in design or analysis) Read: abstract
Baek 2016 Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Ficus carica paste for the management of functional constipation. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr · PMID 27440682 · DOI	Randomised double blind placebo controlled trial	80 Korean adults with functional constipation (40 fig paste, 40 placebo)	Ficus carica (fig) paste fruit (paste) 8 weeks · vs Placebo	Fig paste was linked with a significant drop in colon transit time and better stool type and abdominal discomfort than placebo. Blood tests and clinical findings for organ toxicity stayed in the normal range. Significant reduction in colon transit time vs placebo (numbers not in abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Colon transit time (primary); stool type and abdominal discomfort questionnaires; blood tests and clinical findings for safety Limitations: Paste, not fresh figs. The abstract gives no numbers. Funding is not stated in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract (the record lists no conflict statement) Read: abstract
Barker 2024 Botanical Briefs: Fig Phytophotodermatitis (Ficus carica). Cutis · PMID 38820103 · DOI	Clinical review	People with sun-triggered skin blisters	Fig tree sap on skin followed by sunlight tree (sap, leaves)	In warm climates, touching the common fig tree can cause a painful, linear, blistering rash that worsens after sun exposure. Doctors are urged to recognise it. Qualitative (n/a) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Recognition of fig phytophotodermatitis Limitations: Short clinical review; about contact with the tree, not eating the fruit. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Bukhari 2024 Evaluation of the anti-cholelithiasis activity of vinegar-soaked Ficus carica fruit in adults: A randomized controlled trial. Pak J Pharm Sci · PMID 39799455	Randomised single blind trial against a medicine	50 50 adults with gallstones on ultrasound	Fig fruit soaked in vinegar fruit (vinegar-soaked) Dec 2023 to Feb 2024 · vs Ursodiol (a gallstone medicine)	The authors report gallstones shrank from 15.5 to 7.3 mm with the vinegar-soaked figs and from 16.1 to 10.8 mm with the medicine. This is a single small trial of a special preparation. Mean stone size 15.5 to 7.3 mm (fig) vs 16.1 to 10.8 mm (ursodiol) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Gallstone size, symptoms, liver markers Limitations: Small, single-blind, no placebo; compared with a medicine, not no treatment; one site; a special preparation that is not ordinary figs; the large result needs confirming by independent trials. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Calzada 2026 Characterizing the Antihyperglycemic Activity and Underlying Mechanisms of the Aqueous Extract of the Leaves from Ficus carica L. Molecules · PMID 42451577 · DOI	Animal study animal	Mice with induced type 2 diabetes	Aqueous leaf extract of Ficus carica (leaves, not fruit) leaf extract Acute and subchronic · vs Untreated mice and acarbose	The leaf extract lowered blood glucose in the mice but did not lower HbA1c over the study and did not change glucose after a glucose load. This is mouse work on leaves. Qualitative in this summary Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Blood glucose, HbA1c, lipids, tolerance tests Limitations: Mice only; leaf extract; no human data. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts of interest declared Read: abstract
Focke 2003 Cross-reactivity between Ficus benjamina latex and fig fruit in patients with clinical fig allergy. Clin Exp Allergy · PMID 12859455 · DOI	Laboratory immunology study in patients	6 Five people with oral allergy syndrome or anaphylaxis after eating figs, and one with symptoms from a weeping fig tree	Fresh and dried fig extracts, weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) latex, rubber latex fruit and latex	Allergic reactions to fresh or dried figs can follow sensitisation to airborne weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) allergens, independent of rubber latex allergy. Heat or reducing treatment removed most allergenicity from the extracts. Skin tests were positive most often with kiwi, papaya and avocado. Qualitative; fig extract inhibited weeping-fig IgE binding 16-65% (mean 49%) (n/a) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: IgE cross-reactivity tests Limitations: Six patients; extracts, not eating tests. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
González-Curbelo MÁ 2023 Occurrence of Mycotoxins in Dried Fruits Worldwide, with a Focus on Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A: A Review. Toxins (Basel) · PMID 37756002 · DOI	Review mixed	Dried fruits worldwide, including figs	Dried fruits (vine fruits, figs, dates, apricots, prunes, mulberries) fruit (dried)	Dried fruits can carry mould toxins, mainly aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, and the risk varies with fruit type, origin, climate, harvest and storage. Figs are among the fruits covered. Qualitative (n/a) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Mould toxin (aflatoxin and ochratoxin A) occurrence Limitations: The abstract gives no figure for figs alone. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest declared Read: abstract
Gromek 2024 Revisiting Latex-Fruit Syndrome after 30 Years of Research: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Description of Two Cases. J Clin Med · PMID 39064262 · DOI	Literature review plus two cases	People with latex allergy	Fruits linked with latex-fruit syndrome fruit	The abstract names banana, avocado, kiwifruit and papaya as the most common fruits in latex-fruit syndrome. It does not name figs. Prevalence of the syndrome in latex-allergic people varied from 4% to 88% (n/a) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Which fruits cross-react with latex Limitations: Figs are simply not named in the abstract; this does not rule them out. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts of interest declared Read: abstract
Huo 2022 Effect of fruit intake on functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and crossover studies. Front Nutr · PMID 36276840 · DOI	Systematic review and meta analysis of randomised and crossover trials	11 trials of fruit in people with functional constipation	Several fruits; fig (Ficus carica) paste was one comparator fruit Varied · vs Varied	Four trials found kiwifruit raised stool frequency more than palm date or orange juice. In three high-quality studies, kiwifruit did better than fig paste on the Bristol stool scale. The authors say fruit may ease constipation and call for larger studies. Kiwifruit vs fig paste, Bristol scale: mean difference 0.39 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.66) (0.11 to 0.66) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Stool frequency, stool form (Bristol scale), gut bacteria Limitations: Only a few small trials; fig appears only as a comparator; this does not test whether fig works, only that kiwifruit did better than fig paste. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared Read: abstract
Katsirma 2021 Fruits and their impact on the gut microbiota, gut motility and constipation. Food Funct · PMID 34505614 · DOI	Narrative review mixed	Laboratory, animal and human studies of fruit and the gut	Various fruits, including fig paste fruit	The review lists apple fibre isolate, kiwifruit, fig paste and orange extract among products shown to shorten gut transit time in humans, while prunes did not. It says there is limited evidence on which fruit component does the work. Qualitative (n/a) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Gut bacteria, gut transit time, constipation Limitations: Narrative review, not a systematic search of fig trials; fig is one line in a long list. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Kim 2026 High-resolution LC-MS/MS-based phytochemical profiling and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of fig (Ficus carica L.) fruits, leaves, and twigs. Food Chem · PMID 42731162 · DOI	Laboratory analysis and cell study cell	Fig fruit, leaf and twig extracts	Fig fruit, leaf and twig extracts fruit, leaf, twig	Sixty-one compounds were identified, including furanocoumarins and rutin, which were major compounds in leaves and twigs. Leaf and twig extracts had stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in cells than the fruit extract. Qualitative (n/a) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Compounds; antioxidant strength; effect on mouse immune cells Limitations: Cell work; no human outcome; the fruit was the weakest of the three parts. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared Read: abstract
Morovati 2022 A systematic review on potential anticancer activities of Ficus carica L. with focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms. Phytomedicine · PMID 35952577 · DOI	Systematic review mixed	27 individual studies of Ficus carica and cancer	Ficus carica and its phytochemicals (parts and extracts differ) mixed	The review reports anticancer activity of F. carica in the studies it gathered and says well-designed clinical trials are needed. The abstract describes no human cancer outcomes. Qualitative (n/a) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Anticancer activity and mechanisms Limitations: The abstract does not say how many studies were in people, and describes none; treat as lab-level evidence. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Pinto 2023 Fig Tree-Induced Phytophotodermatitis: A Case Report on the Perils of a Hobby. Cureus · PMID 37581161 · DOI	Case report	1 A 55-year-old man who picked figs and pruned a fig tree in sunlight	Fig tree sap tree (branches, leaves, fruit skin sap)	He developed itchy red lesions that progressed to blisters and left darker skin. Photopatch tests supported the diagnosis. The authors say it is usually self-limited, and some cases need steroid creams or tablets. Qualitative (n/a) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Skin reaction Limitations: One case. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared Read: abstract
Pourmasoumi 2019 Comparison and Assessment of Flixweed and Fig Effects on Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Predominant Constipation: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Explore (NY) · PMID 30318190 · DOI	Randomised single blind controlled trial	150 150 adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), three groups	Fig (the form is not stated in the abstract) or flixweed fruit 4 months · vs Control group (no fig or flixweed)	Fig or flixweed, compared with the control group, was linked with fewer episodes of pain and bloating, more frequent bowel movements and less hard stool, and better quality of life and satisfaction with bowel habits. There was no clear effect on how severe the abdominal pain was or on C-reactive protein. Significant improvement in IBS symptoms vs control (numbers not in abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: IBS severity, quality of life, stool frequency, hard stool, C-reactive protein Limitations: Single-blind, so people knew what they were eating. The control group was not a matched placebo. The form and amount of fig are not in the abstract. Only the abstract was read. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract (no conflict statement on the record) Read: abstract
Serraclara 1998 Hypoglycemic action of an oral fig-leaf decoction in type-I diabetic patients. Diabetes Res Clin Pract · PMID 9597370 · DOI	Randomised crossover trial	10 10 adults with type 1 diabetes on insulin	Fig leaf decoction (a tea from leaves, not the fruit) leaf 1 month per period · vs Non-sweet commercial tea	Blood glucose after breakfast was lower on the fig-leaf tea than on the comparison tea, and the average insulin dose was 12% lower. Two people dropped out because they could not tolerate it. Post-meal glucose 156.6 vs 293.7 mg/dL (P<0.001) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: After-meal blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin dose Limitations: Ten people, from 1998, leaf tea not the fruit; do not change diabetes treatment because of this. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Sullivan 2020 Dried fruit consumption and cardiometabolic health: a randomised crossover trial. Br J Nutr · PMID 32513313 · DOI	Randomised crossover trial	55 55 adults with a higher body mass index and at least one extra heart-disease risk factor	Mixed dried fruit: plums, figs, dates and raisins (figs were one of four) fruit (dried) 4 weeks per period · vs Energy- and carbohydrate-matched snack	Blood fats did not differ between the dried-fruit and snack periods. LDL cholesterol rose slightly compared with the start, and fasting glucose was a little higher than with the snack. Blood pressure, insulin, C-reactive protein and weight did not differ. Fasting glucose vs control +0.08 mmol/L (95% CI 0.005 to 0.16); LDL vs baseline +0.10 mmol/L (95% CI 0.01 to 0.20) (0.005 to 0.16 (glucose)) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: LDL cholesterol (primary), other blood fats, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, blood pressure, vascular stiffness, weight Limitations: A mix of four dried fruits, so figs alone are not isolated. A large portion without diet guidance. Short. Funding and conflicts: Conflicts of interest: none stated Read: abstract
Tikent 2025 Nutritional composition health benefits and quality of fresh and dried figs from Eastern Morocco. Sci Rep · PMID 40118970 · DOI	Laboratory analysis n/a	Five varieties of fresh figs and two sun-dried varieties from Eastern Morocco	Fresh and sun-dried figs fruit	Fresh figs varied in weight, sugar, potassium and fibre between varieties. Sun-drying raised phenolic content, acid and minerals, while flavonoids, vitamin C and soluble solids fell. Dried Ghoudane had more polyphenols than dried Chetoui. Fresh Chetoui total sugar 15.04%, potassium 266.8 mg/100 g; fresh Onk Hmam fibre 2.60% (n/a) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Sugar, fibre, minerals, polyphenols Limitations: One region and a few varieties; laboratory measurement, not health outcomes. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared Read: abstract
Urbani 2020 Adverse reaction to Ficus Carica: reported case of a possible cross-reactivity with Der p1. Clin Mol Allergy · PMID 32518529 · DOI	Case report	1 A 10-year-old girl with mild rhinitis who reacted at once after eating a fresh fig	Fresh fig, raw and cooked fruit	She had skin and blood tests positive for fig and for house dust mite, and negative for latex, pollen and common plant allergens. The authors suggest a cross-reaction between ficin, a fig protein, and a dust mite protein. Qualitative (n/a) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Allergy tests Limitations: One child; the link is a suggestion, not proven. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests Read: abstract
Valizadeh 2025 The effect of combined fig-Walnut syrup on functional constipation in pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial. Nutr Metab (Lond) · PMID 39825362 · DOI	Randomised double blind placebo controlled trial	90 90 pregnant women with functional constipation	Fig syrup, or combined fig-walnut syrup (not fresh figs) fruit (syrup) 14 days of syrup, followed for 2 more weeks · vs Placebo	Both the fig-walnut syrup and the fig syrup groups had more bowel movements than the placebo group, and the two syrups did not differ from each other. Quality of life was better than with placebo for both syrups. Quality of life, adjusted mean difference vs placebo: fig syrup -5.8 (95% CI -3.1 to -8.6), fig-walnut syrup -3.4 (95% CI -0.7 to -6.1) (-3.1 to -8.6 (fig syrup); -0.7 to -6.1 (fig-walnut)) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Number of bowel movements; constipation-related quality of life Limitations: Syrups, not fresh figs; short; pregnant women only; the abstract gives the registration date as December 2023 and whether that was before enrolment was not checked; the abstract gives no bowel-movement numbers. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no competing interests Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2012071801032N79 (registration date 2023-12-07 per abstract) Read: abstract
Veraldi 2023 Ficus carica L photodermatitis: a report of five cases with histopathologic study and review of the literature. Dermatol Online J · PMID 38478649 · DOI	Case series with review	5 Five people with photodermatitis after contact with Ficus carica	Fig plant contact followed by sunlight tree	Five cases of acute photodermatitis after contact with the fig plant and sunlight are described with skin biopsy findings. Qualitative (n/a) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Skin reaction and skin biopsy findings Limitations: Five cases; the abstract gives few details. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Yarali 2026 Aflatoxin levels in dried figs export from Turkey. Mycotoxin Res · PMID 41762336 · DOI	Laboratory survey n/a	1253 1253 export dried fig samples from Aydın, Turkey, in 2024 and 2025	Dried figs fruit (dried) 2024 and 2025 harvests · vs EU upper limits	Aflatoxin was found in 253 of the 1253 samples, and 29 were above the EU upper limits. The share above the limit was 2.2% (2024) and 2.7% (2025). Detected in 253 of 1253; above EU limit in 29 samples (n/a) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Aflatoxin in samples Limitations: Export samples from one province; the abstract gives a detection share for 2024 (50.2%) that does not match its own counts (172 of 838), so only the counts are used here. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared Read: abstract
s-fda-produce-safely FDA: Selecting and Serving Produce Safely · Source	Official health guidance n/a			Methods, limits and funding Read: full-text
s-gbif-ficus-carica GBIF Backbone: Ficus carica L. (usageKey 5361909) · Source	Reference database n/a			Methods, limits and funding Read: full-text
s-medlineplus-potassium MedlinePlus: Potassium in diet · Source	Official health guidance n/a			Methods, limits and funding Read: full-text
s-usda-fdc-173021 USDA FoodData Central: Figs, raw (FDC 173021, SR Legacy) · Source	Food composition database n/a			Methods, limits and funding Read: full-text
s-usda-fdc-174665 USDA FoodData Central: Figs, dried, uncooked (FDC 174665, SR Legacy) · Source	Food composition database n/a			Methods, limits and funding Read: full-text

What we do not know yet

No trial has tested plain fresh or dried figs for constipation; the trials used paste or syrup.
The only blood-fat and sugar trial used a mix of four dried fruits.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety, choking risk for young children, dental effects, bloating, sulfites and oxalate were not researched.
No source was found on whether people on warfarin should limit figs.
Claims about cancer and diabetes rest on cell, animal and leaf studies.

How new research is added

New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue before the page changes.

Lab markers

What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".

Metabolic 2

●

Fasting blood glucose

Slightly higher in trials

Blood sugar after not eating overnight.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A basic diabetes-risk marker.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A small rise; its meaning over longer periods is unknown.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
²⁰	+0.08 mmol/L vs control snack (95% CI 0.005 to 0.16)	55 adults at higher heart risk	Mixed dried fruit including figs, 4 weeks

²⁰

●

LDL cholesterol

No improvement in trials

The so-called bad cholesterol carried in the blood.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A common heart-risk marker.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

No sign of benefit in this trial.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
²⁰	No difference between conditions; +0.10 mmol/L (95% CI 0.01 to 0.20) vs baseline	55 adults at higher heart risk	Mixed dried fruit including figs, 4 weeks

²⁰

Other 8

●

Colon transit time

Shortened in trials

How long food takes to pass through the large bowel.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A slow transit time is a sign of constipation.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A shorter transit time is what constipation treatment aims for, but fig paste is not fresh fig.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁶	Significant reduction vs placebo (numbers not in the abstract)	80 adults with functional constipation	Fig paste, 8 weeks

^{6 14}

●

Number of bowel movements

Increased in trials

How often a person passes stool.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A basic measure of constipation.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Small gains reported; the size is unknown from the abstracts.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
²³	More bowel movements than placebo for both syrups (numbers not in the abstract)	90 pregnant women with constipation	Fig syrup or fig-walnut syrup, 14 days
¹⁸	More frequent defecation than control (numbers not in the abstract)	150 adults with IBS-C	Fig, 4 months

^{23 18}

●

Stool form (Bristol scale)

Kiwifruit was better than fig paste in trials

A seven-point picture scale for how hard or soft stool is.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Hard stool is a main complaint in constipation.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Shows fig paste helped less than kiwifruit, not that it did nothing.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹³	Kiwifruit beat fig paste: mean difference 0.39 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.66)	Adults in three high-quality trials	Kiwifruit vs fig paste

^{13 6}

●

Constipation-related quality of life

Improved in trials

A questionnaire on how much constipation affects daily life.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Shows how much the symptoms matter to the person.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One small trial in pregnancy.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
²³	Better than placebo: fig syrup -5.8 (95% CI -3.1 to -8.6); fig-walnut syrup -3.4 (-0.7 to -6.1)	90 pregnant women with constipation	Syrups, 14 days

²³

▼

Blood sugar after a glucose drink or meal

Lowered in trials

How high blood sugar rises in the hours after a drink or meal.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Large spikes matter in diabetes.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Small studies of an extract and a leaf tea; not fresh or dried figs.

Safety implication

In people on diabetes medicine, lower sugar could matter; ask a clinician.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁵	Glycaemic index -25% and -24% at the two higher extract doses	10 healthy adults	Fig fruit extract added to a glucose drink
¹⁹	Post-breakfast glucose 156.6 vs 293.7 mg/dL (P<0.001)	10 adults with type 1 diabetes	Fig leaf decoction, 1 month

^{5 19}

●

Blood mineral levels

No clear change in trials

Levels of calcium, potassium and other minerals in the blood.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Shows whether extra dietary minerals reach the blood.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Diet intake rose but blood levels did not.

Safety implication

Extra potassium intake matters for people with kidney disease.

Study	Result	People	Product
²	Blood mineral levels nearly the same on figs and usual diet	88 adults	Dried figs added to the usual diet, 5 weeks

▼

Eczema severity (EASI score)

Lowered in trials

A clinician score of how widespread and severe eczema is.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A standard eczema outcome.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Small preliminary trial of a leaf tea.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹	Significantly lower than placebo (numbers not in the abstract)	Adults with mild atopic dermatitis	Fig leaf tea

▼

Menstrual pain severity and duration

Lowered in trials

Self-rated pain score and days of pain during periods.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

The main complaint in primary dysmenorrhea.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One small study with an erratum.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
³	Lower than placebo and cinnamon (numbers not in the abstract)	99 midwifery students	Dried figs, 3 cycles

Safety

What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.

Main points to know 4

Fig allergy can be serious. Allergic reactions to fresh or dried figs, including itchy mouth and anaphylaxis, have been reported. In one study of six patients, the reactions followed sensitisation to airborne allergens from the weeping fig houseplant (Ficus benjamina), not to rubber latex. A child with house dust mite allergy reacted straight away to a fresh fig. Swelling of the face or throat or trouble breathing is an emergency. Case series ^{10 22}
Fig tree sap can burn skin in the sun. Touching the milky sap of the fig tree and then going into sunlight can cause painful, blistering burns (phytophotodermatitis). Reports describe this in people picking figs or pruning the tree. This is about handling the tree, not eating the fruit. Wash sap off the skin and keep it out of the sun; a clinician should see a blistering rash. Case report ^{7 17 24}
Dried figs can carry mould toxins. Dried fruits, including figs, can carry mould toxins such as aflatoxin. A survey of 1253 export dried figs from Turkey found aflatoxin in 253, and 29 were above EU upper limits. Buy from sources that test, and throw out mouldy figs. Review ^{11 25}
Potassium: ask if you have kidney disease or take certain medicines. MedlinePlus says people with kidney problems should not eat too many potassium-rich foods, and that some blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics) can raise blood potassium. Dried figs have about 680 mg per 100 g (USDA), nearly three times the raw figure. Authoritative guidance ^{28 30 29}

Side effects 4

Effect	How often	Severity and recovery	Evidence
Itchy mouth, hives or swelling after eating fig (allergy) Described as rare. No frequency was in the sources read.	Not established	mild to severe Mild reactions settle; severe ones need emergency treatment.	Case series ^{10 22}
Painful blistering skin reaction after touching fig sap and then sun (phytophotodermatitis) From handling the tree, not from eating the fruit.	Not established	mild to moderate Usually self-limited; some cases need steroid treatment; darker skin marks can remain.	Case report ^{7 17 24}
Foodborne illness from unwashed or poorly handled fresh figs FDA gives general produce advice; no fig-specific outbreak data were read.	Not established	mild to severe Varies	Authoritative guidance ²⁶
Intolerance with fig leaf tea (two dropouts in a small crossover study) Leaf tea, not the fruit.	2 of 10 people	not stated Not stated	Clinical trial ¹⁹

Liver

No liver injury linked to eating figs was found in the sources read. LiverTox was not checked. A trial of fig paste reported organ-toxicity blood tests in the normal range. ⁶

How often. No frequency found.

This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Figs supports liver health.

Medicines and supplements 4

With	Why it matters	Importance	Evidence	What to do
ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics and other medicines that raise blood potassium prescription	These medicines can raise blood potassium; figs add potassium, much more concentrated in dried figs.	MedlinePlus lists these medicines as a cause of high blood potassium and says fruit and vegetables are rich potassium sources. No source read tests figs with these medicines.	Authoritative guidance Low certainty ^{28 30}	If you take one of these medicines or have kidney disease, ask a clinician or pharmacist about potassium-rich foods such as dried figs.
Warfarin and other blood thinners prescription	Vitamin K in food can affect warfarin. USDA lists 4.7 micrograms per 100 g raw figs and 15.6 micrograms per 100 g dried figs.	No source read tells people on warfarin what to do about figs, so no claim is made.	None found Not enough evidence ^{29 30}	Ask your anticoagulant clinic whether any change in your usual diet matters.
Diabetes medicines prescription	Fig leaf tea and fig fruit extract lowered after-meal sugar in two small studies, so a theoretical effect on medicine needs exists for those products.	Not tested with fruit or with diabetes medicine in the abstracts read.	Clinical trial Very low certainty ^{19 5}	Do not change diabetes treatment because of figs, leaf tea or extracts; ask your care team, especially about leaf tea and extracts.
Other medicines and supplements other		No other medicine interaction with eating figs was found in the sources read. Fig leaf teas and extracts were not checked for interactions.	None found Not enough evidence	A pharmacist can check your own medicines.

Who should check first 3

Situation	Advice	Evidence
Known allergy to figs, or a weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) allergy	Avoid figs and get an allergy assessment. Follow your own emergency plan.	Case series ^{10 22}
Advanced kidney disease or a doctor-advised low-potassium diet	Ask the care team about figs, especially dried figs.	Authoritative guidance ²⁸
Gallstone symptoms (severe pain, fever, yellow skin)	Seek medical care; the only trial of a fig preparation for gallstones is small and not a reason to delay care.	Clinical trial ⁸

Overdose, product quality and regulators

Summary. Eaten fig fruit is an ordinary food. The concerns in the sources read are allergy, mould toxins in dried figs and sun-triggered skin burns from the sap.

Animal. A 2026 mouse study of fig leaf extract reported low acute toxicity for leaf extract (not the fruit).

Human doses studied. Trials of fig paste, syrup, dried figs and leaf tea for weeks to months reported no safety problem in the abstracts read.

Overdose response. Not found.

Genotoxicity. Not reviewed.

Toxic or hazardous parts. The milky sap of the tree, leaves and green fruit is phototoxic on skin; leaves and twigs contain furanocoumarins (a 2026 analysis).

Dried figs can carry mould toxins (aflatoxin, ochratoxin A). Fresh figs, like any produce, can carry bacteria.

Mould toxins in dried fruit worldwide (2023 review). Dried fruits including figs can contain aflatoxins and ochratoxin A; risk varies with origin, climate and storage. ¹¹

Aflatoxin in Turkish export dried figs (2024-2025). Aflatoxin was detected in 253 of 1253 samples, and 29 were above EU upper limits. ²⁵

Bacteria on fresh produce. FDA says to wash produce under running water, without soap or produce wash, cut away bruised areas, and keep it at 40 F (about 4 C) or below. ²⁶

Body	Action	Date
FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) (United States)	Consumer advice on washing and storing fresh produce source	2026-10-25 (page read)
MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) (United States)	Says people with poor kidney function should not eat too many potassium-rich foods and lists ACE inhibitors, ARBs and potassium-sparing diuretics as causes of high blood potassium source	2026-10-25 (page read)

When to get medical help

Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat
Trouble breathing, wheezing or a tight throat
Feeling faint, dizzy or collapsing after eating
Spreading hives after eating fig
Blistering skin rash after handling a fig tree and being in the sun
Severe gallstone-type pain with fever or yellow skin

Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

What are figs good for?

They are a sweet, fibre-containing fruit. Small trials of fig paste and fig syrup found easier bowel movements in constipation, but plain figs have not been tested for it.

^{6 23}

Do figs help with constipation?

Two placebo-controlled trials of fig paste (80 adults) and fig syrup (90 pregnant women) found easier bowel movements. A pooled analysis found kiwifruit did better than fig paste. The results may not apply to fresh or dried figs.

^{6 23 13}

Do figs lower cholesterol or blood sugar?

A trial of mixed dried fruit including figs found no improvement in blood fats and slightly higher fasting glucose than a matched snack. A fig fruit extract lowered the sugar response to a glucose drink in 10 healthy adults, but it is an extract and the study was industry-linked.

^{20 5}

Do figs help with period pain?

One study of 99 students reported less pain and stress with dried figs than with placebo. It is a single small study with a published erratum.

Can figs treat gallstones or cancer?

No. One small gallstone trial of a vinegar-soaked fig preparation had no placebo, and cancer claims come from cell and animal work. Gallstone symptoms need medical care.

^{8 16}

How many calories and how much fibre are in a fig?

USDA lists a large raw fig (64 g) at about 47 calories, 1.9 g of fibre and 10.4 g of sugars. One dried fig (8.4 g) has about 21 calories and 0.8 g of fibre.

^{29 30}

Are dried figs different from fresh figs?

Yes. Drying concentrates sugar, fibre and minerals: 100 g of dried figs has about 249 calories and 47.9 g of sugars, against 74 calories and 16.3 g for raw figs.

^{29 30 21}

Can you be allergic to figs?

Yes. Reactions from an itchy mouth to anaphylaxis have been reported, in some people linked to allergy to the weeping fig houseplant, and in a child with dust mite allergy.

^{10 22}

Are figs part of latex-fruit syndrome?

We cannot say. A 2024 review names banana, avocado, kiwifruit and papaya as the commonest fruits and its abstract does not name figs. In the 2003 fig allergy study, none of the patients was sensitised to rubber latex.

^{12 10}

Can fig sap burn my skin?

Yes. Fig tree sap on skin followed by sunlight can cause painful blistering (phytophotodermatitis). Reports involve picking figs or pruning the tree. Wash sap off and see a clinician for a blistering rash.

^{7 17 24}

Are figs safe if I have kidney disease or take blood pressure medicine?

Ask a clinician. MedlinePlus says people with kidney problems should not eat too many potassium-rich foods, and ACE inhibitors, ARBs and potassium-sparing diuretics can raise blood potassium. Dried figs have about 680 mg of potassium per 100 g.

^{28 30}

Can dried figs contain mould toxins?

They can. A survey of 1253 Turkish export samples found aflatoxin in 253, with 29 above EU upper limits. Discard mouldy figs.

^{25 11}

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Editorial transparency

Written by: AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the sources listed.
Medical review: None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
First published: 2026-10-25
Last substantive update: 2026-10-25
How we research: We started from our existing fig summary, re-read the USDA FoodData Central records for raw and dried figs, and read PubMed abstracts and the MedlinePlus and FDA pages. Only abstracts were read for studies. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.
How we rate evidence: See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
Independence: No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.

Sources 30

Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.

Abe T, Koyama Y, Nishimura K, et al.. Efficacy and Safety of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Leaf Tea in Adults with Mild Atopic Dermatitis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Preliminary Trial.. Nutrients. 2022. PMID 36364740. DOI 10.3390/nu14214470. (abstract)
Alshaeri HK, Natto ZS, Tonstad S, et al.. Effect of dried California Mission figs on mineral status and food replacement.. Public Health Nutr. 2015. PMID 25156424. DOI 10.1017/S1368980014001566. (abstract)
Amanak K. Effects of Dry Figs on Primary Dysmenorrhea Symptoms, perceived Stress Levels and the Quality of Life.. P R Health Sci J. 2020. PMID 33320461. (abstract)
Arvaniti OS, Samaras Y, Gatidou G, et al.. Review on fresh and dried figs: Chemical analysis and occurrence of phytochemical compounds, antioxidant capacity and health effects.. Food Res Int. 2019. PMID 30884655. DOI 10.1016/j.foodres.2019.01.055. (abstract)
Atkinson FS, Villar A, Mulà A, et al.. Abscisic Acid Standardized Fig (Ficus carica) Extracts Ameliorate Postprandial Glycemic and Insulinemic Responses in Healthy Adults.. Nutrients. 2019. PMID 31370154. DOI 10.3390/nu11081757. (abstract)
Baek HI, Ha KC, Kim HM, et al.. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Ficus carica paste for the management of functional constipation.. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2016. PMID 27440682. DOI 10.6133/apjcn.092015.06. (abstract)
Barker CS, McGovern TW, Elston DM. Botanical Briefs: Fig Phytophotodermatitis (Ficus carica).. Cutis. 2024. PMID 38820103. DOI 10.12788/cutis.0990. (abstract)
Bukhari M, Gull I, Fatima M, et al.. Evaluation of the anti-cholelithiasis activity of vinegar-soaked Ficus carica fruit in adults: A randomized controlled trial.. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2024. PMID 39799455. (abstract)
Calzada F, Ramírez-Santos J, Pérez-Álvarez H, et al.. Characterizing the Antihyperglycemic Activity and Underlying Mechanisms of the Aqueous Extract of the Leaves from Ficus carica L.. Molecules. 2026. PMID 42451577. DOI 10.3390/molecules31132207. (abstract)
Focke M, Hemmer W, Wöhrl S, et al.. Cross-reactivity between Ficus benjamina latex and fig fruit in patients with clinical fig allergy.. Clin Exp Allergy. 2003. PMID 12859455. DOI 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2003.01704.x. (abstract)
González-Curbelo MÁ, Kabak B. Occurrence of Mycotoxins in Dried Fruits Worldwide, with a Focus on Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A: A Review.. Toxins (Basel). 2023. PMID 37756002. DOI 10.3390/toxins15090576. (abstract)
Gromek W, Kołdej N, Świtała S, et al.. Revisiting Latex-Fruit Syndrome after 30 Years of Research: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Description of Two Cases.. J Clin Med. 2024. PMID 39064262. DOI 10.3390/jcm13144222. (abstract)
Huo J, Wu L, Lv J, et al.. Effect of fruit intake on functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and crossover studies.. Front Nutr. 2022. PMID 36276840. DOI 10.3389/fnut.2022.1018502. (abstract)
Katsirma Z, Dimidi E, Rodriguez-Mateos A, et al.. Fruits and their impact on the gut microbiota, gut motility and constipation.. Food Funct. 2021. PMID 34505614. DOI 10.1039/d1fo01125a. (abstract)
Kim KJ, Kim DO. High-resolution LC-MS/MS-based phytochemical profiling and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of fig (Ficus carica L.) fruits, leaves, and twigs.. Food Chem. 2026. PMID 42731162. DOI 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.151015. (abstract)
Morovati MR, Ghanbari-Movahed M, Barton EM, et al.. A systematic review on potential anticancer activities of Ficus carica L. with focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms.. Phytomedicine. 2022. PMID 35952577. DOI 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154333. (abstract)
Pinto AR, Machado Cunha I, Rebelo Gomes E. Fig Tree-Induced Phytophotodermatitis: A Case Report on the Perils of a Hobby.. Cureus. 2023. PMID 37581161. DOI 10.7759/cureus.41888. (abstract)
Pourmasoumi M, Ghiasvand R, Darvishi L, et al.. Comparison and Assessment of Flixweed and Fig Effects on Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Predominant Constipation: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.. Explore (NY). 2019. PMID 30318190. DOI 10.1016/j.explore.2018.09.003. (abstract)
Serraclara A, Hawkins F, Pérez C, et al.. Hypoglycemic action of an oral fig-leaf decoction in type-I diabetic patients.. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 1998. PMID 9597370. DOI 10.1016/s0168-8227(97)00112-5. (abstract)
Sullivan VK, Petersen KS, Kris-Etherton PM. Dried fruit consumption and cardiometabolic health: a randomised crossover trial.. Br J Nutr. 2020. PMID 32513313. DOI 10.1017/S0007114520002007. (abstract)
Tikent A, Laaraj S, Adiba A, et al.. Nutritional composition health benefits and quality of fresh and dried figs from Eastern Morocco.. Sci Rep. 2025. PMID 40118970. DOI 10.1038/s41598-025-92131-4. (abstract)
Urbani S, Aruanno A, Nucera E. Adverse reaction to Ficus Carica: reported case of a possible cross-reactivity with Der p1.. Clin Mol Allergy. 2020. PMID 32518529. DOI 10.1186/s12948-020-00125-6. (abstract)
Valizadeh R, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Hajizadeh K, et al.. The effect of combined fig-Walnut syrup on functional constipation in pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial.. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2025. PMID 39825362. DOI 10.1186/s12986-025-00895-3. (abstract)
Veraldi S, Rossi LC, Nazzaro G. Ficus carica L photodermatitis: a report of five cases with histopathologic study and review of the literature.. Dermatol Online J. 2023. PMID 38478649. DOI 10.5070/D329562413. (abstract)
Yarali E, Ulken U, Pehlivan R. Aflatoxin levels in dried figs export from Turkey.. Mycotoxin Res. 2026. PMID 41762336. DOI 10.1007/s12550-026-00644-2. (abstract)
. FDA: Selecting and Serving Produce Safely. . . (full-text)
. GBIF Backbone: Ficus carica L. (usageKey 5361909). . . (full-text)
. MedlinePlus: Potassium in diet. . . (full-text)
. USDA FoodData Central: Figs, raw (FDC 173021, SR Legacy). . . (full-text)
. USDA FoodData Central: Figs, dried, uncooked (FDC 174665, SR Legacy). . . (full-text)

Where to buy

Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:

Unsweetened with no added sugar, if you want the fruit alone
Sulfur dioxide (sulfites) listed on the label: some people react
A best-by date and a resealable bag
Dried fruit is high in sugar and calories, so watch portions

Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.

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Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.