Taxonomy and chemical composition of genus Apium

Family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) is a unique family in the flowering plants due to its characteristic inflorescences and fruits besides the distinctive chemistry reflected in odor, flavor and even toxicity of many of its members. Plants of the family Apiaceae are usually used medicinally as a cure for gastrointestinal complaints, cardiovascular ailments, they are also used as antispasmodics, sedatives and a source of resins, gum resins, flavouring agents, flavonoids, coumarins , foods and even poisons. Subfamily Apioideae comprises numerous members reputed for their high content of coumarins, flavonoids and volatile oils. One member belonging to this subfamily were chosen as a subject for the present work, viz. Apium. Taxonomy, phytochemicals and biological activities of genus Apium were listed here.