Isolation and Characterization of Bergapten from the Root Bark of Ficus exasperata (Vahl)

Despite the wide ethnomedicinal applications of Ficus exasperata, little is known about the active principles responsible for the observed biological effects, thus limiting opportunities for further therapeutic applications. The bioassay guided chemical investigation of F. exasperata root bark resulted in the isolation of a furocoumarin (D-1) shown to be partly responsible for the acclaimed anti-diabetic effect of the plant.