Many heavy metals and metalloids (e.g., Pb, Cd, and Ni) can contaminate the environment and cause severe health problems. Through this study, investigated the possible corrective effects of Ficus carica extract (FCE) against nickel (Ni) induced stress response and damage on the liver of rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (8 rats per group) and co-treated with FCE (350 mg/kg) and exposed to Nickel chloride (10 mg/kg) for 4-weeks. The volatile compounds of FCE were characterized by solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) coupled with GC-MS, and the biochemical parameters of stress were determined. The SPME-GC/MS analysis of FCE indicated the presence of thirty (30) phyto-bioactive compounds including alcohols, aldehydes, organic acids, ketones, furans, terpenes, ester and others. The best capacity for scavenging DPPH free radicals and metal chelating were found with the IC 50 values of 0.49 and 2.91 mg/mL, respectively. Ni induced damage to various macromolecules. Malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls, alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferarse levels were significantly increased in Ni exposed group compared to control group and co-treatment with FCE reduced the levels of these parameters. In conclusion, current findings showed that Ni-induced oxidative damage and the administration of FCE can improve correct and restore the alteration in the rat liver.

Heavy metals including nickel have adverse effects on hematological system and red blood cells antioxidant defense. The purpose of the study is to examine the possible corrective effect of fig (Ficus carica L.) extract (FCE) on hematological parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities in red blood cells of rats exposed to sub-lethal concentration of nickel. Male Wistar rats were exposed to nickel chloride (10 mg/kg) and then treated or no with FCE (350 mg/kg) for 4-weeks. The intoxication induces alteration of haematological parameters and enhances blood haemolysis, generates oxidative stress induced decrease in the antioxidant enzyme activities and depletion in reduced glutathione levels in intoxicated group compared to the control group. The oral administration of FCE increase significantly hemoglobin levels (Hb), red blood cells count (RBC), hematocrit (Ht) and decreases white blood cells counts (WBC), and platelets in F. carica treated groups, and also the extract increase the GSH-Px and SOD antioxidant activity, GSH reserves in red blood cells, and reduces lipids peroxidation. The present study concludes that fig fruits may exhibit potent antioxidant potential for erythrocytes and have a positive effect on hematological system.