Introduction of Eryngium caeruleum medicinal plant

Most of the medicinal plants belong to the genera of Apiaceae, which are cultivated in Iran in countless varieties. Eryngium caeruleum is a herbaceous, monocarpic plant and one of the most important species of Apiaceae family, which is used as a local vegetable with medicinal and aromatic properties. Eryngium caeruleum vegetable, which is called Chuchagh (Chochag or Anarchoqaq) in Gilaki language and Zelang or Zolang in Mazandaran language, is a type of edible vegetable of the celery family that grows in the north of Iran and its Persian name is six horns. In Shaheswar city vegetable Eryngium caeruleum is called Sheshak and in Ramsar city it is called Shoshak (actually six horns). This plant has phenolic compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins, which are known as the most important natural antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of this medicinal plant is high and it has been determined that the methanolic extract of Eryngium caeruleum leaves has a favorable activity, the reason of which depends on its high phenolic and flavonoid content. As we know, the presence of antioxidants in the diet is very important. Eryngium caeruleum is one of the medicinal plants with unknown potentials that is being forgotten. This plant has many uses, such as vegetable growing, flower growing, and medicine, which can play an important role in the health of people, as well as creating employment in rural communities, if it is scientifically recognized, cultivated, developed, and used correctly. In this article, the introduction of this medicinal plant, its active ingredients and its numerous uses are discussed.