LEVISTICUM OFFICINALE: PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECT OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES (REVIEW)

Abstract

Abstract. Plants of the celery family (Apiaceae), used in traditional medicine, have a wide spectrum of effect due to the content of various phytochemical compounds in their composition. One of the promising plants of this family is the medicinal Lovage (Levisticum Officinale). Due to the pharmacological properties of biologically active substances contained in various parts of Levisticum officinale, this plant is increasingly used in medical practice, and as a medicinal raw material is included in some European Pharmacopoeias. Rhizomes, grass and seeds are used as raw materials for medical purposes. The preparation of raw materials is due to the accumulation of biologically active substances: the rhizomes are used from the autumn of the second year of life or for the third or fourth year, which; grass and fruits are also harvested in the autumn. Biologically active substances of the medicinal Lovage (Levisticum officinale) have different effects. The main compound contained in the essential oils of Levisticum officinale are phthalides. In addition to antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective and antioxidant effects, they are also characterized by gastro and hepatoprotective, neuroprotective properties. Flavonoids are active components with a cytotoxic effect against tumor cells; their neuroprotective and antithrombic effects are known; they have a positive effect on the reproductive system. Chlorogenic acids of medicinal Lovage have antinociceptive and antihypertensive effects. Polyacetylenes inhibit the growth of tumor cells; they have an effect against platelets aggregation. Among the alkaloids of the plant raw materials of medicinal Lovage, tetramethylpyrazine is the most studied, the bioactivity of which is due to antiplatelet aggregation, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. The revealed wide spectrum of pharmacological action of bioactive compounds of the medicinal Lovage determines the prospect of its use in medical and pharmaceutical practice.