Conium maculatum: A review

Abstract

Conium maculatum belonging to family Apiaceae. It is one of the most poisonous species among higher plants. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Its major chemical constituents are piperidine alkaloids. Apart from that flavonoids, coumarins, polyacetylenes, vitamins, essential oils and non-volatile oils. Conium maculatum extract and its alkaloidal fractions have been found to have significant pharmacological activities in low doses. While in high doses (above 20mg/kg) toxicity and teratogenicity is reported. In the current work, pharmacognostic, phyto-chemical, pharmacological, medicinal and toxicological effects of Conium maculatum were reviewed.