Ferula gummosa, a Traditional Medicine with Novel Applications

Abstract

Ferula gummosa with the Persian name of Barijeh is reputed due to its traditional history. The aim of this review was to investigate traditional and novel applications of this valuable plant. Relevant databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect®, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, and Springer) and local books on ethnopharmacology of F. gummosa were studied without limitation up to January 1, 2015, and the results of these studies were collected and reviewed. F. gummosa has been traditionally used as an antiseptic, an anti-flatulent, an anti-seizure agent, an anti-spasm, a pain killer, an inflammation reliever, and a tonic of memory enhancement. In recent studies, the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anti-leptic, spasmolytic, and many other applications of F. gummosa have been confirmed. There are many studies on biological activities of F. gummosa, but these studies have been limited to experimental and animal studies. It is required to expand these studies to find the new pharmaceutical applications.

Keywords: Ferula gummosa; anti-seizure; galbanum; modern; pinene; traditional.