Phytochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Apiaceae Compounds
Summary
The Apiaceae family is distinguished by a rich assemblage of phytochemicals, notably coumarins, furanocoumarins, polyacetylenes, flavonoids and essential oils. These compounds confer a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, enzyme-inhibitory and cytotoxic properties. Coumarins and their derivatives act as free‐radical scavengers and modulators of key signalling pathways, while furanocoumarins exhibit phototoxic and enzyme-inhibitory effects that have been harnessed in dermatological and anticancer research. Polyacetylenes contribute to antiparasitic and antineoplastic activities, whereas essential oils rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes display potent antimicrobial and insecticidal effects. Recent advances have clarified structure–activity relationships, enhancing the potential for rational design of bioactive derivatives. Globally, these findings underpin applications in pharmaceutical development, functional foods, cosmetic formulations and agricultural biopesticides, emphasising the continual importance of Apiaceae phytochemistry in addressing human health and environmental challenges.
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Phytochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Apiaceae Compounds publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical properties and biological activities of apiaceae compounds across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Coumarins: Benzopyrone derivatives common in Apiaceae, noted for antioxidant and enzyme-modulatory activities.
Furanocoumarins: Coumarins fused with a furan ring, often phototoxic and inhibitory towards various enzymes.
Polyacetylenes: Linear compounds containing multiple carbon–carbon triple bonds with antiparasitic and cytotoxic effects.
Essential oils: Complex mixtures of volatile terpenoids and aromatics obtained by distillation, typically antimicrobial and antioxidant.
α-Glucosidase: A digestive enzyme that hydrolyses carbohydrates; its inhibition is a therapeutic target in diabetes management.
References
- Suppression of lipopolysaccharide-induced COX-2 expression via p38MAPK, JNK, and C/EBPβ phosphorylation inhibition by furomagydarin A, a benzofuran glycoside from Magydaris pastinacea. Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry (2023).
- Phytochemical variation and biological activities of Zosima absinthifolia during various stages of growth. International Journal of Food Properties (2020).
- Ferulagonodosa Subsp. geniculata (Guss.) Troia & Raimondo from Sicily (Italy): Isolation of Essential Oil and Evaluation of Its Bioactivity. Molecules (2020).
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