Ficin
Scientific names: Ficus insipida, Ficus anthelminthica, Ficus glabrata, Ficus laurifolia
Family: Moraceae
Alternate names: Amate, Doctor Oje, Ficine, Figuier Blanc, Jonote, Leche de Higueron, Leche de Oje, Oje
Background
Crude ficin is a latex from the trunk of a tropical fig tree. Purified ficin is an enzyme from the latex. Crude and purified ficin are used as medicine. Purified ficin is also used in some medical procedures and in manufacturing.
Crude ficin and purified ficin are used for infections of the intestines by parasites. Purified ficin is also used for indigestion, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses. Crude ficin can also be unsafe when used in large amounts.
In medical procedures, purified ficin is used in the production of stitching material (sutures), in the preparation of animal arteries for implantation in people, and in blood typing.
In manufacturing, purified ficin is used in making cheese and sausage casings and chillproofing beer. Ficin is sometimes included in meat tenderizers, usually in combination with papain and/or bromelain.
Crude ficin and purified ficin are used for infections of the intestines by parasites. Purified ficin is also used for indigestion, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses. Crude ficin can also be unsafe when used in large amounts.
In medical procedures, purified ficin is used in the production of stitching material (sutures), in the preparation of animal arteries for implantation in people, and in blood typing.
In manufacturing, purified ficin is used in making cheese and sausage casings and chillproofing beer. Ficin is sometimes included in meat tenderizers, usually in combination with papain and/or bromelain.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Purified ficin is LIKELY SAFE when used in food amounts. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if purified ficin is safe when used as a medicine. Crude ficin (latex) is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth at high doses. High doses of crude ficin can cause seizures, coma, and even death. There isn't enough reliable information to know if crude ficin is safe when taken by mouth in smaller doses.
When applied to the skin: Crude ficin is LIKELY UNSAFE when applied to the skin. It can cause bleeding and allergic reactions. There isn't enough reliable information to know if purified ficin is safe when applied to the skin.
Children: Crude ficin is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin in children. Crude ficin can cause seizures, coma, or even death in children.
When applied to the skin: Crude ficin is LIKELY UNSAFE when applied to the skin. It can cause bleeding and allergic reactions. There isn't enough reliable information to know if purified ficin is safe when applied to the skin.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Crude ficin is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin when pregnant or breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Children: Crude ficin is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin in children. Crude ficin can cause seizures, coma, or even death in children.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Indigestion (dyspepsia).
- Infection of the intestines by parasites.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of ficin depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for ficin. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Ficin interacts with any medicines. Before taking Ficin, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Ficin contains chemicals that might help break down proteins and kill intestinal worms. It also has effects that might slow blood clotting, which may increase the risk for bleeding.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 30/04/2023 10:00:00. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
