Fumaria officinalis: Phytochemical complexity and its medicinal significance

Abstract

Fumaria officinalis L. has long been valued in traditional medicine across Europe and Asia, where it has played a significant role in indigenous herbal practices. This review aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, and potential therapeutic applications of F. officinalis through a modern phytochemistry perspective. Advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques – such as HPLC, GC–MS, and LC-MS/MS – have enabled detailed analysis of its complex chemical profile, with a particular focus on isoquinoline alkaloids and phenolic compounds. Protopine, identified as the predominant alkaloid, together with several phenolic constituents, is implicated in the plant's reported anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant activities. A systematic review of literature sourced from major databases including Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect (with an emphasis on studies published within the last decade) was conducted to correlate the chemical composition with pharmacological outcomes. This integration of traditional ethnobotanical knowledge with contemporary analytical methods not only highlights the structural diversity of F. officinalis but also reinforces its potential as a natural source for drug development. The review discusses the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the bioactive compounds, shedding light on their mechanisms of action and potential synergistic effects. Ultimately, these findings support the notion that F. officinalis is a promising candidate for the development of novel natural therapeutics. Further research should prioritize the isolation of additional bioactive constituents, detailed structure elucidation, and clinical validation to fully exploit its pharmacological potential.