What are the Side Effects of Fig Tree Leaves?

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 800 species of fig trees exist worldwide, but contact with the leaves and sap of the common fig (Ficus carica) can cause serious side effects, including severe skin reactions. Understanding the potential dangers of fig tree leaves is crucial, as the sap contains phototoxic compounds that react with sunlight, leading to blistering burns and other health issues.

Quick Summary

Fig tree leaves and their milky sap can cause severe skin irritation and burning, known as phytophotodermatitis, when exposed to sunlight due to compounds called psoralens. Other potential adverse effects include allergic reactions, digestive tract issues from high doses of ingested sap, and interactions with certain medications, such as those for diabetes.

Key Points

Phytophotodermatitis Risk: Contact with fig leaf sap followed by sun exposure can cause severe, blistering burns due to phototoxic compounds called psoralens.
Skin Irritation: The milky latex sap of the fig tree can cause immediate irritant dermatitis and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially those with latex allergies.
Blood Sugar Impact: Ingesting fig leaf extracts can lower blood sugar, posing a risk for individuals with diabetes who take insulin or other glucose-regulating medications.
Digestive Concerns: Consuming high doses of fig leaf sap can cause digestive tract bleeding and general gastrointestinal upset.
Protective Measures: Always wear gloves, long sleeves, and other protective clothing when handling fig trees to avoid sap exposure and sun sensitivity.
Surgical Precaution: Due to its blood sugar-lowering effects, fig supplements should be stopped at least two weeks before any surgical procedure.
Long-term Skin Damage: Severe cases of phytophotodermatitis can result in long-term skin discoloration, such as hyperpigmentation.

Phytophotodermatitis: A Severe Skin Reaction

The most well-documented and severe side effect of contact with fig tree leaves is phytophotodermatitis. This inflammatory skin reaction occurs when the phototoxic compounds in the fig tree's milky sap, known as furanocoumarins (including psoralens), come into contact with the skin and are then exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. The reaction can manifest with a burning sensation, pain, and redness, followed by the formation of edema, vesicles, and painful blisters within 24 to 72 hours. Cases of severe, second-degree burns have been reported, sometimes requiring hospitalization.

How Fig Sap Causes Photodermatitis

Contact: The milky sap from the leaves, stems, or wood of the fig tree makes contact with the skin. The concentration of psoralens, the primary phototoxic compound, is particularly high in the sap.
UV Activation: When the exposed skin is subjected to sunlight, the UV light activates the psoralens.
Cellular Damage: The activated psoralens bind to DNA and RNA in skin cells, leading to cellular damage and inflammation.
Symptom Onset: The skin's reaction is delayed, with burning and redness appearing hours after exposure, and blisters forming later.
Long-Term Effects: After the initial burn and blistering heal, the affected area often develops hyperpigmentation that can persist for months.

Allergic Reactions and Irritant Contact Dermatitis

In addition to phytophotodermatitis, some individuals may experience allergic contact dermatitis or general skin irritation from handling fig leaves, even without sun exposure. The fig tree is part of the Moraceae family, which also includes mulberry and rubber plants, and people with a sensitivity to natural rubber latex may also have allergic reactions to fig sap. Irritant dermatitis can also arise from contact with the trichomes, or fine hairs, on various parts of the plant. Symptoms of these contact reactions can include itching, redness, and rash.

Internal Complications from Ingestion

While culinary uses of fig leaves (such as wrapping food for grilling) are common, consuming large amounts, especially of the sap, can lead to internal issues. High doses of fig leaf latex have been associated with bleeding in the digestive tract in some individuals. The leaves are also not intended for large-scale consumption due to their bitter taste and potential for digestive discomfort. Fig leaf supplements should only be taken under medical supervision, and their safety profile for long-term use is not well-established.

Interactions with Medications

Fig leaves and their extracts can impact blood sugar levels, which is a concern for people with diabetes. The hypoglycemic effect of fig leaves means they could potentially cause blood sugar to drop too low when combined with insulin or other diabetes medications. Medical supervision is necessary to monitor blood sugar and adjust medication dosages if using fig leaves as a supplement. Furthermore, due to their effect on blood glucose, fig products should be discontinued at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery to avoid complications with blood sugar control.

Comparison of Adverse Effects


Side Effect	Cause	Symptoms	Mitigation	Risk Level
Phytophotodermatitis	Furanocoumarins in sap + UV light exposure	Blistering burns, redness, itching, swelling, hyperpigmentation	Wear protective clothing, avoid sun exposure after contact, wash skin immediately	High (can cause severe burns)
Allergic Contact Dermatitis	Immune response to compounds in fig sap	Rash, redness, itching, swelling	Avoid contact if sensitive, wear gloves and long sleeves	Moderate (varies by individual sensitivity)
Gastrointestinal Issues	Ingestion of high doses of fig leaf latex	Digestive tract bleeding, stomach upset, diarrhea	Do not ingest sap; limit fig leaf tea consumption to moderate amounts	Moderate (depends on dosage and individual)
Drug Interactions	Hypoglycemic effect of fig leaves	Potentially dangerously low blood sugar levels when combined with diabetes drugs	Consult a doctor before use, monitor blood sugar, discontinue before surgery	Moderate (requires medical supervision)
Irritant Dermatitis	Contact with trichomes (hairs) on leaves	Redness, itching, rash	Wear protective gear like gloves and long sleeves when handling	Low (generally mild irritation)

Conclusion

The side effects of fig tree leaves are predominantly related to the potent milky sap they contain. Phytophotodermatitis, a painful burn-like reaction triggered by sun exposure after sap contact, is the most serious risk and can lead to long-term skin hyperpigmentation. Additionally, the potential for allergic reactions, gastrointestinal problems from ingesting the sap, and critical interactions with blood-sugar-regulating medications underscore the need for caution. For gardeners, harvesters, or anyone handling fig trees, wearing protective gear is essential to prevent sap contact. Individuals with diabetes or those considering medicinal use should consult a healthcare professional. Understanding these risks ensures that this popular plant can be enjoyed for its fruit with proper precautions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, touching fig leaves can cause a rash, particularly if the milky sap gets on the skin. The sap contains compounds that can lead to either an irritant reaction or a phototoxic burn, known as phytophotodermatitis, if the skin is then exposed to sunlight.

Phytophotodermatitis is a painful skin inflammation caused by furanocoumarin compounds, or psoralens, in fig sap that are activated by UV light. It leads to a severe sunburn-like reaction with redness, blistering, and potential long-term hyperpigmentation.

Fig leaf tea is possibly safe for short-term medicinal use, but long-term safety is not well-documented. Individuals with diabetes should use it with caution and monitor their blood sugar due to its glucose-lowering effects.

People with known allergies to figs, mulberry, or natural rubber latex should avoid fig leaf products. Additionally, individuals with diabetes, those on blood-thinning medication, and those scheduled for surgery should consult a doctor before use.

Yes, the sap of fig leaves can be mildly toxic to pets if ingested, causing oral irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset. Skin contact with the sap can also cause contact dermatitis.

If you get fig sap on your skin, wash the affected area immediately with soap and water. Afterwards, avoid exposing the area to direct sunlight for several days to prevent a phototoxic reaction.

While drying may reduce some effects, the phototoxic compounds can still be present. The latex sap, which is the primary source of the problem, is still a risk. It is best to handle even dried leaves with caution.