Abstract

YAVANI (TRACHYSPERMUM AMMI (LINN.)): A REVIEW BASED ON CLASSICAL AYURVEDIC TEXTS

Shalini* and Nidhi Kumari

Abstract

Trachyspermum ammi (Linn.) is commonly known as Ajowan or Ajwain. It is an erect annual herb belonging to family Apiaceae and mostly used as a spice in our Indian kitchen. The plants of Apiaceae family comprises of valuable phytochemicals and essential oils, such as thymol. It possess biological activities including antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, anti-allergic and immune-stimulating, etc. All the properties of medicinal herbs and spices is influenced by the phenolic compounds, vitamins and trace elements present in them, as well as the volatile constituents of essential oils. The properties of Yavani mentioned in ancient ayurvedic text are hridya, ruchikarak, sugandhayukta, kaphavata-nashaka etc. Yavani is mentioned as Koshthashoola hara. Ajwain oil contain 50 % of Thymol which is strong germicide, antibacterial, fungicidal and antispasmodic. The aim of this review article is to highlight the importance of Yavani in ancient text. Charaka samhita, yogaratnakara, bhaishajya ratnavali. This herb is used in our ancient text in a number of formulations.

Keywords: Yavani, Ajwain, Thymol, Trachyspermum ammi.