The Journey of Cyrenaic Medicinal Plant Silphium: A Review

Abstract

The paper tries to discuss the mysterious extinction of the ancient herb known to the Romans as Silphium (Greek Silphion). It was assumed that the Silphium plants became lost in the first century AD. Moreover, evidence from the literature depicts the presence of Silphion plant up to the fifth century. Silphium in classical antiquity was used for being an aphrodisiac or as medicine. A myriad of medical properties attributed to Silphium, the most renowned use in ancient times was as a contraceptive, abortifacient, for menstrual disorders and as an emmenagogue that would expel the fetus. The valuable product was the resin. It was the indispensable article of trade from the ancient North African city of ‘Cyrene’, growing abundantly in a narrow coastal tract. It was so important a plant for the people of that locality that, most of their coins bore a picture of that plant. But unfortunately, the plant became extinct due to its over-exploitation, including over-harvesting and over-grazing, compounded by changes in the local climate.