Exploring two medicinally important Selinum species: bridging traditional knowledge with modern pharmacological...

Selinum is an important genus in the Apiaceae family, known for its essential oil-bearing medicinal properties. Selinum vaginatum C. B. Clarke and Ligusticopsis wallichiana (DC.) Pimenov & Kljuykov (Syn. Selinum wallichianum (DC.) Raizada & H. O. Saxena and Selinum tenuifolium Wall. ex DC.) are the two important species found in Himachal Pradesh, India.

The primary objective of this review is to present an updated report on the phytochemistry, traditional knowledge, and pharmacological profile of two species of the genus Selinum that are found in the Western Himalayas.

The genus Selinum is commonly referred to as Bhutakeshi or Bhootkeshi. Strong evidence supports Selinum's claims for its traditional ethnomedical importance and is used to treat cardiovascular diseases, asthma, toothache, mental disorders and diabetes. It is also used as an insect repellent and in magico-religious practices. The plant has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anticonvulsant, and antimicrobial activities. The plant is rich in phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids that contribute to its bioactivities.

This review outlines the important phytochemicals, traditional uses, and potential pharmacological properties of Selinum species. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the mechanistic importance of its bioactive components in drug development processes and to investigate the therapeutic potential at the clinical level.