Astrodaucus persicus (Boiss.) Drude: A Mini-Review on Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Effects

Astrodaucus persicus (Boiss) Drude is an annual flowering plant of the Apiaceae family. A. persicus is mainly native to Asia and grows mostly in Iran, Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. In Iran, it grows mainly in Mazandaran, Golestan, Semnan, Tehran, Qazvin, and Kurdistan provinces. In Iran and Turkey, the plant's aerial parts and young roots are traditionally used as food additives. Various studies have been performed on essential oils and plant extracts. Essential oil compounds and some plant extract compounds have been identified. Different pharmacological effects of plant extracts and essential oils have also been reported. Monoterpenes are the main constituents in the essential oils of various parts of A. persicus. Plant extract (especially plant roots extract) effectively treats breast and colorectal cancers, which seems to be due to the presence of benzodioxole compounds or the antioxidant effects in the roots. The ripe fruits of the plant have potent larvicidal effects. Also, the fruits and roots of the plant significantly inhibit Plasmodium berghei, which can be effective in treating malaria.