ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF PIMPINELLA - AN OVERVIEW

Pimpinella species, belonging to Apiaceae (Lindl.) family, utilized in many fields of industry as spice, fruit, vegetable and beverage have especially been used in traditional medicine as a remedy in various countries. Essential oils (EO) of various species including Pimpinella cypria, Pimpinella kotshchyana, Pimpinella saxifraga, and Pimpinella anisum were reported to have antibacterial and antifungal activities. Furthermore, it was observed that P. anisum EO possessed antiviral properties. Along with its antimicrobial activity, Pimpinella species were found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, estrogenic, cytotoxic, insecticidal, and repellent properties. This review aims to provide an enhanced understanding on some Pimpinella species’ morphology, chemical constituent, industrial and medicinal usage, and antimicrobial activities against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.