Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, Toxicity Profile, and Gastroprotective Effect of the Ethanolic Bark Extract of Ficus sycomorus

Background Ficus sycomorus ( F. sycomorus ) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for treating various ailments. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, toxicity profile, and antiulcer activity of ethanolic bark extract. Methods Extracts were screened for phytochemicals using standard qualitative tests. Antioxidant activity was assessed using a 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Acute and subacute oral toxicity tests were conducted in albino rats for 28 days, and mortality and hematological parameters were monitored. Its gastroprotective effects were evaluated in aspirin‐induced gastric ulcers in rats. Results Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, alkaloids, and anthraquinones. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity (87.0% RSA), which was comparable to that of propyl gallate. No mortality was observed in the acute toxicity study (LD 50 > 5000 mg/kg). In the 28‐day subacute study, statistically significant but physiologically within‐normal‐range changes were observed in packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and white blood cells (WBCs) at higher doses. The extract at 250 mg/kg significantly ( p < 0.01) reduced the mean ulcer index to 3.20 ± 0.29 compared with the ulcer control group (5.60 ± 0.08), with a preventive index of 42.86%. Conclusion The ethanolic extract of F. sycomorus bark is rich in bioactive compounds, possesses potent antioxidant and antiulcer activities, and demonstrates a high safety profile in rodent models. These findings provide the scientific basis for traditional medicinal applications.