Anatomical characterization and evaluation of antioxidant activity of Ficus racemosa L. in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam

Ficus racemosa L. (Moraceae) is a tropical plant widely distributed in Asia and traditionally used in herbal medicine. This study aimed to investigate the morphological and anatomical characteristics of Ficus racemosa and evaluate the antioxidant activity of its fruit extract collected in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam. Morphological observations showed that the plant is a medium-sized tree with alternate ovate to elliptic leaves and fruits growing in clusters on the trunk or large branches. Anatomical analysis of the root, stem, and leaf revealed typical dicotyledonous structures, including clearly differentiated phloem and xylem forming collateral vascular bundles. The stem also contained characteristic laticifers, while the leaf exhibited a dorsiventral structure with well-developed palisade and spongy mesophyll layers. The antioxidant activity of the ethanolic fruit extract was evaluated using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. The results showed a concentration-dependent increase in DPPH inhibition, with an IC₅₀ value of 14.02 μg/mL compared with 3.13 μg/mL for Vitamin C. These findings indicate that Ficus racemosa fruit possesses considerable antioxidant potential. The results provide a scientific basis for further phytochemical and pharmacological studies as well as potential applications of this species as a natural