Ferula asafoetida Linn. and Coriandrum sativum Linn. - A review on physical, psychological and environmental health

Abstract

Background: Ferula asafoetida Linn. and Coriandrum sativum Linn. belonging to Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family are used in food for seasoning, restoration of taste, to increase shelf-life and to restore health. Their essential oils and extracts are extensively employed by industrial sector like food industry, beverage industry, fragrance industry, cosmetic industry and pharma industry.  However, their use is not limited to food and industrial sector. They have diverse usage in physical ailments, psychological disorder, environmental health. Materials and methods: Data is collected from search engines like Scopus, PubMed, Research Gate, and Google Scholar. Result: Among several herbs used, asafoetida and coriander are only herbs used in spices, medical and environmental well-being. In tradition medicine asafoetida and coriander is used in epilepsy, hysteria, dental carries, alcoholism, stomach-ache, flatulence and coriander in rheumatoid arthritis, emesis, indigestion, fever, conjunctivitis and indolent swelling etc. Aside of this, they are widely used as botanical pesticides since pharmacological researches has shown that they have insecticidal, larvicidal, insect repellent, ovicidal, and acaricidal properties. As compared to manufactured chemicals, botanicals are thought to be less hazardous to the environment and human health. Recently, neuroprotective, antidepressant/ anxiolytic, learning and memory improvement, insecticidal, larvicidal, insect repellent, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-helminthic, gastroprotective etc properties are proven pharmacologically and biologically in animal models and humans. Conclusion: Use of essential oils should be employed in physical, psychological and environmental health by various means such as aroma therapy, topical application, inhalation, ingestion, colognes, spray and baths, not only eradicate the disease but also to rejuvenate the whole body.