A Concise overview of phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical aspects of Persian Cumin; Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B.Fedtsch

Bunium persicum is one of the most medically and economically important species of Apiaceae family. Despite variety of phytochemical and experimental research on this species, there is no considerable update on all related outcomes. Accordingly, current work compiles an overview on Cumin's phytochemical and pharmacological activities. Papers related to phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties of B. persicum were filtered from databases as PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus with the term "Bunium persicum" till 15th May 2020. Genetic, pure pharmaceutical and agriculture papers were excluded. Moreover, traditional applications of this herb in Persian medicine were studied and included. In all, 54 papers reporting the compositions, Anticonvulsant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-glycation, antidiarrhea, anti-hematotoxic, anti-toxoplasmosis, hypoglycemic, larvicidal, scolicidal, anticholinergic and antihistaminic activities of B. persicum as well as reducing and stabilizing effects in nanoparticles. Three clinical trials have also been conducted on B. persicum. There are also numerous effects, cited in traditional manuscripts such as gastroprotective, kidney tonic, slimming activity and antidote for poisons. Most dominant chemical composition of Cumin is the essential oil, responsible for various potent antimicrobial and antifungal activities. The herb also contain phenolic and flavonoid compounds which reflect the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Many of the experimental and pharmacological studies on B. persicum have traces in traditional manuscripts. There are also medical aspects which have not yet been evaluated. Despite various experimental investigations, lack of extensive clinical studies which is currently limited to few trials on remarked activities of B. persicum is still remained to be covered.

Keywords: Bunium persicum; Herbal medicine; Persian cumin; Review; pharmacology; phytochemistry.