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.
Is It Effective?
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.
- Indigestion (dyspepsia).
- Infection of the intestines by parasites.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of ficin for these uses.
Is it Safe?
Ficin contains chemicals that might help break down proteins and kill intestinal worms.
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.
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.
It is not known if Ficin interacts with any medicines. Before taking Ficin, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
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.
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