Abstract
Ferula oopoda (Boiss. and Buhse) Boiss. is an ethnomedicinally important species widely used in Central and South Asia for the treatment of gastrointestinal, respiratory, neurological, and parasitic disorders. Despite its extensive traditional applications, comprehensive scientific evaluation of its pharmacological potential remains limited. This review systematically analyzes, for the first time, the available literature on the botany, phytochemical composition, ethnomedicinal uses, and pharmacological activities of F. oopoda, while highlighting current research gaps and future perspectives for drug discovery. To date, thirty-three secondary metabolites have been isolated from F. oopoda, including sesquiterpene lactones (STLs), sesquiterpenoids, monoterpene-phenyl esters, and phenolic acid glucosides. In addition, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses detected several low-molecular-weight constituents in essential oils and organic extracts. Both crude extracts and isolated compounds have displayed a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antibacterial, anti-plasmodial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antiulcer effects. However, detailed mechanistic studies, pharmacokinetic investigations, and in vivo validations remain limited. Future research integrating structure-activity relationship studies and molecular target identification with omics-based approaches (e.g., metabolomics), in silico techniques such as molecular docking, and nano-drug delivery systems will be essential to advance its development into evidence-based therapeutic agents.