Fumaria officinalis L. (F. parviflora Lam.) (Papaveraceae)

Abstract

It is a dainty, fern-like, annual herb, found in Persia, Nepal , and as a weed in many other countries. Both F. officinalis and F. parviflora are known as Shahatra in India and used interchangeably. Greeks and Romans were aware of this plant for its diuretic and alterative properties. Dioscorides called it Kapnos and Pliny named it Fumaria from Fumus (smoke), because the plant irritates the eyes like smoke. Ibn al-Baitar mentioned its Greek names as Fasaniyus and Faqeez with reference to Dioscorides. Highly esteemed by generations of herbalists, fumitory is a superb liver tonic—as befits a plant ruled by Jupiter. A good digestive herb, highly recommended for all hepatic ailments, from simple biliousness to chronic malfunctioning of the liver; it cures nausea, vomiting and painful cramps and also dispels lassitude and improves concentration. In the Ayurvedic classic texts of Charaka and Sushruta, Fumaria parviflora is recommended for the treatment of fevers, blood disorders, chronic skin diseases, urinary diseases and cough. Indian fumitory (Fumaria indica) is known as Parpat in Ayurveda and traditionally used to calm brain. In Germany, F. officinalis is approved for “colicky pain affecting the gallbladder and biliary system, together with the gastrointestinal tract.” It contains isoquinoline alkaloids, potassium salts, and tannins, and is a major source of fumaric acid. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of leaves of F. parviflora exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity and reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1. Pretreatment of rats with aqueous-methanol extract significantly prevented APAP-hepatotoxicity, but failed to prevent CCI₄-induced liver damage. Coadministration of ethanol extract prevented lead-induced testicular toxicity in male rats. In a double-blind, RCT, fumitory was devoid of any significant therapeutic benefit over placebo in German patients with IBS.