Abstract

PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON KHELLA- (AMMI VISNAGA L.)

Shah Alam*, Nighat Anjum, Jamal Akhtar and Fouzia Bashir

Abstract

Khella is one of the oldest medicinal plant documented in Eber’s papyrus of Egypt. The plant is an annual or biennial herb, fruits of which are used for medicinal purpose. Traditionally khella (Ammi visnaga L.) has been described as emetic, purgative, antispasmodic and diuretic which is used to treat renal colic, bronchial asthma and whooping cough by the Unani physicians. It has also been used for the treatment of psoriasis, vitiligo and ureteric stones. Phytochemical analysis of A. visnaga has identified several important active constituents, such as khellin, visnagin and visnadin having cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antispasmodic etc. properties. Plant is grown commercially in several countries and is an industrial source for production of herbal medicines. However, A. visnaga still remains a plant for further research studies. Studies on the biological activities of extracts and individual components constitute a core area of research. The biodiversity of A. visnaga on molecular basis is still untapped and further research studies will reveal its unmasked potential.

Keywords: Ammi visnaga, Khella, Khellin, Unani, Visnagin.