This research investigated two extraction solvents and evaluated antioxidant potential using the most dependable assay for antioxidant activity. Additionally, the study sought to assess the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant properties of extracts from locally sourced (Indonesian) Ficus carica Linn. leaves. Maceration was employed for extraction with two organic solvents: methanol and ethanol. Phytochemical screening of the extracts targeted several secondary metabolite groups, including alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, glycosides, and saponins. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using gallic acid and quercetin as reference standards, respectively. Antioxidant activity was measured via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assay, with ascorbic acid serving as the reference compound. Screening results indicated the presence of all examined metabolite classes in the extracts, except for alkaloids, which were absent in the methanol extract. Total phenolic and flavonoid levels were 33.93 ± 0.31 and 40.76 ± 0.23 mg GAE/g, and 26.28 ± 0.20 and 24.35 ± 0.31 mg QE/g for the ethanol and methanol extracts, respectively. Both extracts exhibited potent antioxidant effects, with the methanol extract displaying marginally superior activity. Findings further revealed that the methanol extract of F. carica Linn. leaves contained fewer phytochemicals yet showed greater antioxidant capacity than the ethanol extract.
