Ficus carica L. is also known as ‘anjir/anjeer’ in Hindi and ‘fig’ in English. It is produced in countries like Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Greece, California, and Brazil. It grows in hot, dry and slightly cold climatic conditions. Figs are consumed worldwide in both dried and fresh forms.^1–3 The edible part of anjeer, which is a fruit, is a receptacle, fleshy and hollow.² 

Anjeer tree is a native plant of Asia (southwestern part) and has now spread to Europe and other parts of the world. Anjeer plays a vital role in Indian mythology as an object of worship. Anjeer tree has been known to be a rich source of food and medicine since ancient times.³ 

Unani, Siddha, Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines use anjeer for various medicinal properties. It is used as a diuretic, expectorant and mild laxative in the Unani medication system.³ Most interesting biological activities of anjeer can be studied to develop healing methods using it in future.² 

Parts of anjeer plant such as seeds, fruits, barks, leaves, shoots and latex have been exploited for various medicinal applications. Due to its therapeutic benefits, anjeer has traditionally been used in medicines for the treatment of various conditions such as cardiovascular disorders, colic, loss of appetite, indigestion and diarrhoea (gastrointestinal disorders), cough, sore throat, bronchial problems (respiratory disorders). It is also used as a remedy due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Studies have also shown that anjeer exhibits the following activities:¹ 

• Hypolipidemic  
• Hepatoprotective 
• Antidiabetic  
• Antipyretic  
• Antispasmodic  
• Antifungal  
• Antibacterial  
• Immunomodulatory¹