Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceHeart & metabolic

Fig Leaf Extract

Ficus carica leaf, traditionally taken as a decoction for diabetes in Mediterranean folk medicine. One very small human trial from 1998 and a handful of rodent studies are essentially the whole evidence base.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Blood glucose in type 1 diabetes Limited evidence

    A small randomized crossover trial in type 1 diabetic patients found that a fig-leaf decoction taken with breakfast lowered post-meal glucose and reduced insulin requirements slightly. It involved roughly ten participants and has never been replicated.

  • Mechanism in animal models Limited evidence

    A rat study reported that fig leaf extract altered GLUT-2 expression in pancreatic beta cells and liver in a streptozotocin-nicotinamide diabetes model. Animal mechanism data does not establish a clinical effect.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe 1998 trial used a decoction of fig leaves taken with breakfast; commercial extracts are typically sold at 250–500 mg once or twice daily, which is a label dose with no trial behind it.
SafetyFig leaf sap contains furocoumarins (psoralens) that cause phototoxic skin reactions on contact, and handling raw leaves in sunlight can cause burns. Because it may lower blood glucose, combining it with insulin or antidiabetic drugs risks hypoglycaemia. Avoid in pregnancy.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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