Investigation of antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, chemical composition, and traditional medicinal properties of the extracts and essential oils of the Pimpinella species from a broad perspective: a review

Pimpinella plants have traditionally been used to treat many diseases related to respiratory system and have analgesic, antidepressant, and antispasmodic effects. They belong to the Umbelliferae family and grow in dry rocky places, rock crevices, meadows, mountain pastures, and grasslands. This review contains a summary of all extraction methods of different Pimpinella species from 2003 to 2020. Most of the studies focused on the main components of essential oils. They also indicated that the presence of the anethol and its isomers in the essential oils leads to its antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Also, recent studies suggested that essential oil of Pimpinella anisum L. medicinal plants prevents infection of COVID-19 virus and treats mild infections. However, few studies have demonstrated the toxicity of some Pimpinella species, most confirmed the anti-cancer effect of many species and the safe use of different Pimpinella species at moderate doses.

Automated summary

Pimpinella plants are traditionally used for respiratory system diseases with analgesic, antidepressant, and antispasmodic effects. They belong to the Umbelliferae family and grow in dry rocky areas and grasslands. Studies have shown that the main component of Pimpinella essential oils is anethol, which has antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.