Biological activities of essential oils from the genus Ferula (Apiaceae)

The genus Ferula (Apiaceae) comprises about 170 species occurring from central Asia westward to northern Africa. This genus is well-known in folk medicine for the treatment of various organ disorders. Most of Ferula species possess strong aromatic smell that is due to the presence of essential oil or oleoresin in their different organs. This article reviews anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and other biological activities of Ferula oils reported to date. For medicinal applications, the chemical composition of volatile oils obtained from different Ferula species is summarized in Appendix.