Preliminary assessment of antioxidant activity of young edible leaves of seven Ficus species in the ethnic diet in Xishuangbanna, Southwest China

► Young leaves of seven Ficus species contain considerable phenolics and flavonoids. ► Extracts of the young leaves exhibit excellent in vitro antioxidant capacities. ► Phenolics and flavonoids act as important antioxidants. ► Young leaves of two Ficus species show notable antioxidant potential.