Medical Constituents of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) for Human Benefits

Abstract

Ajwain seed analysis has revealed it to contain fiber (11.9%), carbohydrates (38.6%), tannins, glycosides, moisture (8.9%), protein (15.4%), fat (18.1%), saponins, flavone and mineral matter (7.1%) containing calcium, phosphorous, iron and nicotinic acid. Ajwain fruits yield 2% to 4% brownish essential oil, with thymol as the major constituent (35% to 60%). The non-thymol fraction (thymene) contains para-cymene, γ-terpenine, α- and β-pinenes, dipentene, α-terpinene, and carvacrol. Minute amounts of camphene, myrcene, and α-3-carene also have been found in the plant. Alcoholic extracts contain a highly hygroscopic saponin. From the fruits, an yellow, crystalline flavone and a steroid-like substance has been isolated and it also contains 6-O-β-glucopyranosyloxythymol, glucoside and yields 25% oleoresin containing 12% volatile oil (thymol, γ-terpinene, para-cymene, and α- and β-pinene). The principal oil constituents of T. ammi are carvone (46%), limonene (38%), and dillapiole (9%). Ajwain is administered for curing stomach disorders, a paste of crushed fruits is applied externally for relieving colic pains; and a hot and dry fomentation of the fruits is applied on chest for asthma. Therapeutic uses of T. ammi fruits include; stomachic, carminative and expectorant, antiseptic and amoebiasis, antimicrobial. Seeds soaked in lemon juice with P runus amygdalus (badam) are given in curing amenhorroea and it is also used as antipyretic, febrifugal and in the treatment of typhoid fever. The antihypertensive effect of T. ammi administered intravenously in vivo, and the antispasmodic and bronchodilating actions in vitro showed that calcium channel blockade has been found to mediate the spasmolytic effects of plant materials and it is being considered that this mechanism contributed to their observed result and supported the traditional use of T. ammi in hyperactive disease states of the gut such as colic and diarrhea as well as in hypertension. Ajwain seeds revealed significant reduction of cough number which may be a result of its potent antitussive effect. The bronchodilatory effect of decocted extract of Ajwain on the asthmatic patients’ airways was examined in a subsequent trial study. According to the results, the extract has a relatively bronchodilatory effect on asthmatic airways compared to the effect of Theophylline at concentrations used. Ajwain was attributed to have diuretic and antilithiasis activity in ethnopharmacological reports. Accordingly, a human study was performed and in which, seeds of Ajwain were decocted in milk and given orally to volunteers suffering from urinary stone for a nine days period. The results were reported satisfactory against pure ca-oxalate stone. Another activity which has been proved for Ajwain is the antihyperlipidemic property. An in vivo study revealed that Ajwain seeds powder is extensively effective on lipid profile and can decrease total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids. Moreover, organic extract of seeds reduced atherogenic index and increased the level of HDL-cholesterol in albino rabbits. Ajwain was evaluated for the potentiality of antihypertensive and antispasmodic activity. In the related investigation, the aqueous-methanolic extract of the seeds caused a dose dependent decrease in arterial blood pressure in anaesthetized animal models. Furthermore, inhibitory effect on the K+-induced contractions was seen in isolated rabbit aorta and jejunum preparations during the application of Ajwain extract. These findings prove the potential antihypertensive and antispasmodic activity of Ajwain.