Evaluation of biological activity of Ferula tatarica Fisch. ex Spreng. for determination of pharmaceutical potential

The article presents scientific information aimed at addressing the challenges of establishing the pharmaceutical potential of Ferula tatarica Fisch. ex Spreng, selected from forb-cereal-meadow phytocenoses in the ecosystems of Northern Kazakhstan. This species is widely used in folk medicine and requires an assessment of its antibacterial, antifungal, and anthelmintic activities. The object of the study is Ferula tatarica samples in the flowering phase, along with plant extracts. Preparation and analysis of extracts in accordance with the State Pharmacopoeia of the Republic of Kazakhstan; analysis of antimicrobial and antifungal properties using serial dilution in agar and disk diffusion; assessment of anthelmintic properties on Lumbricus terrestris. The study also covers the distribution of Ferula tatarica in Northern Kazakhstan and the coenopopulation of the Ferula-timothy (F. tatarica, Phleum pratense) phytocenosis in the Akmola region. The antimicrobial activity of aqueous infusions of the underground and aboveground parts of Ferula tatarica against the tested microorganisms – E. coli, C. papapsilosis, and Aspergillus niger – was revealed. The activity of oil and water-alcohol extracts of Ferula tatarica was also noted against the opportunistic mold fungus Aspergillus spp. Anthelmintic properties were found in oil, water-alcohol, and water extracts, as these affected the behavior and caused the death of Lumbricus terrestris. The greatest effect and the most rapid death of annelids were induced by alcohol tinctures, while oil extracts showed the least effect. Ferula tatarica is present in the coenopopulation of the Ferula-timothy (F. tatarica, Phleum pratense) phytocenosis in the Akmola region of Northern Kazakhstan. Water infusions of the underground and aboveground parts of Ferula tatarica exhibit pronounced antimicrobial activity against E. coli, C. papapsilosis, and Aspergillus niger. Oil and water-alcohol extracts show activity against Aspergillus niger. Furthermore, oil, water-alcohol, and water extracts demonstrate anthelmintic properties, altering the behavior and causing the death of Lumbricus terrestris. The observed biological activity of Ferula tatarica demonstrates its pharmaceutical potential, warranting further research on the species.