THE PHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF ANETHUM GRAVEOLENS.A REVIEW

Abstract

Anethum graveolens contained essential oils, fatty oil, proteins, carbohydrates, furanocoumarin, polyphenols, mineral and many other biologically active constituents. It is widely used traditionally. The pharmacological studies showed that Anethum graveolens induced antimicrobial, anti- inflammatory, analgesic, gastric mucosal protective and antisecretory effects, smooth muscle relaxant effect, hyperlipidaemic, increased progesterone concentration, and many other effects. This review will highlight the chemical constituent and pharmacological effects of Anethum graveolens. Foreign organic matter: not more than 2.0%, total ash: not more than 11.0%, acid-insoluble ash: not more than 1.5%, water-soluble extractive: not less than 15.0%, and alcohol-soluble extractive: not less than 4.0%. Chemical constituents Anethum graveolens contained essential oils, fatty oil, moisture (8.39%), proteins (15.68%), carbohydrates (36%), fiber (14.80%), ash (9.8%) and mineral elements such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium, vitamin A and niacin. Fruits of Anethum graveolens contain 1 - 4% essential oil comprising of major compounds: carvone (30 - 60%), limonene (33%), α-phellandrene (20.61%), including pinene, diterpene, dihydrocarvone, cineole, myrcene, paramyrcene, dillapiole, isomyristicin, myristicin, myristin, apiol and dillapiol. Anethum graveolens essential oil also contained furanocoumarin, 5-(4-hydroxy-3methyl-2- butenyloxy)-6, 7- furocoumarin, oxypeucedanin, oxypeucedanin hydrate and falcarindiol (6, 10-12). The total phenol and total flavonoid contents of Anethum graveolens L. extract were 105.2 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of the dried extract and 58.2 mg of catechin equivalents/g of the dried extract, respectively (13).