Title:A Comprehensive Review of the Pharmacological Effects of Genus Ferula
on Central Nervous System Disorders
Volume: 24
Issue: 2
Author(s): Seyyed Majid Bagheri*Mansour Esmailidehaj
Affiliation:
- Department of Physiology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Yazd Neuroendocrine
Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Keywords:
Ferula, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antinociceptive, anti-dementia.
Abstract:
Background: Plants of the genus Ferula have long been used to treat neurological
diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), pain, depression, and seizures. The main compounds
include coumarins, monoterpenes, sulfide compounds, and polyphenol compounds, which can
improve the functioning of the nervous system.
Objective: This article has been compiled with the aim of collecting evidence and articles related to
the Ferula effects on central nervous system disease.
Methods: This review article was prepared by searching the terms Ferula and analgesic,
anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anti-multiple sclerosis, anti-dementia, and neuroprotective
effects.The relevant information was collected through searching electronic databases such as ISI
Web of Knowledge, PubMed, and Google Scholar.
Results: Genus Ferula has a protective effect on nerve cells by reducing cytokines such as IL-6, IL-
1b, and TNF-α. Therefore, the effects of Ferula plants and their effective ingredients can be used to
prevent or improve diseases that destroy the nervous system. The members of this genus play a role
in strengthening and improving the antioxidant system, reducing the level of oxidative stress, and
inhibiting or reducing inflammatory factors in the nervous system.
Conclusion: Although the effects of several species of Ferula on the nervous system have been investigated,
most studies have not clearly identified the molecular mechanisms as well as the specific
functional regions of the brain. The present study was compiled in order to investigate different
aspects of the effects of Ferula plants on the central nervous system.