Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam.: An overview of phytochemistry and biological functionalities

Abstract

Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam., (Apiaceae), known as” Bachnikha” or ”Khella” in Morocco, is one of the oldest and most important medicinal herbs native to the Mediterranean region of Asia, Europe, and North Africa. Several studies have reported its importance as a diuretic, antiasthmatic, antipsoriasis, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, vasodilator, and smooth muscle relaxant. These promising and valuable pharmacological effects result from a variety of important natural compounds constituting groups in the plant structure, e.g., γ-pyrones, coumarins, chromones, polyphenols, alkaloids, reducing compounds, cardiac glycosides, catechols, sterols, terpenes, quinones, mucilage, essential oil, C-heterosides, and O-heterosides. Within this framework, the current review was prepared for the first time to cover the phytochemical constituents and various pharmacological and therapeutic impacts of A. visnaga (L.) Lam., aiming to enrich Moroccan traditional knowledge.