Ficin

Enzyme

What is it

Ficin is a proteolytic enzyme (protease) extracted from the latex of fig trees (Ficus species). It cleaves peptide bonds in proteins and is used in food processing, supplements, and traditionally as a vermifuge.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Digestive support

Mixed Evidence

Ficin can hydrolyze proteins in lab settings; direct clinical evidence for symptomatic digestive benefit in humans is sparse.

How it works

Ficin is a cysteine protease that uses an active-site cysteine to hydrolyze peptide bonds in dietary proteins. In digestive enzyme supplements, it appears alongside bromelain and papain to help break down protein-rich meals. Historically used to expel intestinal parasites and as a meat tenderizer. The enzyme functions across pH 4-8, useful in various digestive tract segments. Human clinical evidence for symptomatic benefit from oral ficin specifically is limited.

Dosage

No RDA or UL. Included in digestive enzyme blends, typically a few milligrams per serving with potency expressed in activity units rather than mass.

When and how to take it

Take with protein-containing meals when used in digestive enzyme blends.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Digestive enzyme blend component

Commonly paired with bromelain, papain, and other proteases.

Activity (FIP or USP units) matters more than mass.

Safety

Skin contact with concentrated ficin or fig latex can irritate. Occupational exposure has caused allergic asthma and dermatitis. Oral use in enzyme blends is generally tolerated; people with fig or latex allergies may react.

Who should be cautious

Avoid if allergic to figs or fig latex. Caution in pregnancy (historical vermifuge use). Stop before surgery due to theoretical bleeding risk.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with anticoagulants/antiplatelets common to all proteolytic enzymes. High-quality evidence specific to ficin is lacking.

Food sources

Fig latex (not consumed as food)

Amount
N/A
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Can I be allergic to ficin?⌄

Yes. People allergic to figs or fig latex can react.

References

Ficin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Ficin on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Ficin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.