Dill in traditional medicine and modern phytotherapy

Abstract

Due to numerous side effects of synthetic remedies, people are turning increasingly to phytotherapy, which is based on the use of medicinal herbs. Pharmaceutical industry shows great interest in the usage of plants as raw materials in the remedy production. In the past ten years, a large number of in vitro and clinical studies focused on the therapeutic effects of spices, creating a scientific basis for their application in modern phytotherapy. Dill has a long and ancient history in many countries as a medicinal herb. Uses described in traditional medicine are aphrodisiac, analgesic, antipyretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, appetite stimulant and vaginal contraceptive. Treatment of diarrhoea, astma, neuralgia, dysuria, dysmenorrhoea, gallbladder disease, insomnia, hiatus hernia and kidney stones are also described. However, according to experimental it is established that dill reduces flatulence, eliminates spasms in the small intestine, protects the mucous membrane of the stomach from damage caused by increased acidity of gastric juice, the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs, and that it has antibacterial effect on Helicobacter pylori. All of these characteristics make the treatment of gastritis effective. Also, it was found that dill acts as hepatoprotectant, hypolipidaemic and anti-diabetic, as well as anti-inflammatory agent. Dill also influences the nervous system by protecting it against mild cognitive disorders that result from aging or the initial stages of Alzheimer's disease. It also improves memory and reduces stress and can be used in the treatment of epilepsy. Dill is also a good sedative since it acts as a depressant of the central nervous system and reduces mobility producing a calming effect. This herb also impacts the reproductive system of males as an aphrodisiac and a natural contraceptive while it affects females by regulating the menstrual cycle. Dill has antifungal properties against Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and Sacharomyces cerevisae, as well as antibacterial, especially on certain strains of bacteria which are resistant to synthetic antibiotics in wide use. It also has antiparasitic properties against Giardia lamblia and Pheretima posthuma. Taking everything into consideration, it can be concluded that dill, as a traditional remedy, has its legitimate reasons for being used in modern phytotherapy.