Did you know that fig can support gastric health? It might not be something you’ve even thought about before – but this fruit brings big benefits.
What is cluster fig?
Ficus glomerata, commonly known as cluster fig, is a deciduous tree found all over India and Southeast Asia. Anciently used as natural medicine, the fruits have a rich nutritional profile, and are rich in phenols, flavonoids, sterols and terpenoids. This means that they can bring numerous health and antioxidant benefits, one of those being gastric support.
How can fig support gastric health?
Research has shown that cluster fig extract can support the stomach lining, promote a healthy gastric environment, and help control acidity.
Due to its high antioxidant capacity, cluster fig can prevent damage to the mucosa (stomach lining) as it prevents oxidative damage by blocking lipid peroxidation. This occurs when lipids (fats) are oxidized, and start to break down cell membranes and form harmful byproducts. By preventing this process from occurring, gastric health can be supported and improved.
It is thought that the acidity control is a result of the phenolic acid that the fruit contains. Phenolics are powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and prevent cell damage. Studies have shown that phenolic acid can also lower the acidity and reduce the volume of acid in the stomach. It is stomach acid that causes gastric ulceration, so this is a beneficial ingredient for horses who may have been diagnosed with or are prone to gastric ulcers.
More recent research is also supporting the use of fig leaf extract as a source of natural antioxidants. This research has been conducted in vitro so far (in a laboratory), by assessing antioxidant levels in equine blood before and after being treated with the leaf extract. There is still further research needed in this area, however, it is further evidence that this plant provides significant benefits to health.
How much cluster fig is beneficial?
Research suggests that 30-40g per day (for the average 500kg horse) of cluster fig extract is most effective in reducing stomach acidity and increasing mucus production, however, safe levels are much higher than this.
Take Away
Ficus glomerata offers valuable antioxidant properties that may support your horse’s overall health, particularly in relation to gastric function. As always, it’s important to consult a veterinarian with any concerns about your horse’s digestive health. Incorporating a nutritional supplement as part of a long-term management strategy can be a worthwhile addition to both prevention and treatment plans.
Written by Anna Jones BSc (Hons) Equine Science - Customer Care & Marketing Associate
References
Eshwarappa, R. S., Iyer, S., Subaramaihha, S. R., Richard, S. A., & Dhananjaya, B. L. (2015). Antioxidant activities of ficus glomerata (moraceae) leaf gall extracts. Pharmacognosy research, 7(1), 114–120. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8490.147225
Rao, C.hV., Verma, A. R., Vijayakumar, M., & Rastogi, S. (2008). Gastroprotective effect of standardized extract of Ficus glomerata fruit on experimental gastric ulcers in rats. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 115(2), 323–326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2007.09.019
Tkachenko, H. (2018) Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Equine Plasma and Erythrocytes Treated in Vitro by Leaf Extract Obtained From Ficus Religiosa L.(Moraceae). Agrobiodiversity for improving nutrition, health and life quality, (2).
Tkachenko, H. (2023). In Vitro Antioxidant Response of the Equine Blood Treated by Extract Derived from Leaves of Ficus Sagittata Vahl (Moraceae). Agrobiodiversity for Improving Nutrition, Health and Life Quality. 7. 10.15414/ainhlq.2023.0020.