Abstract

TRACHYSPERMUM AMMI: ANCIENT UNANI MEDICINE FOR MODERN CURE, A REVIEW OF POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS.

Dr. Saba Khan*, Dr. Ismath Shameem, Dr. Suhail Sahibole and Dr. Aafreen Siddiqui

Abstract

Trachyspermum ammi Linn is commonly known as Ajwain, belonging to family Apiaceae. It is well known spice and traditional aromatic herb widely used in Unani System of medicine for various diseases. Medicinally, it has been proven to possess pharmacological activities like emmenagogue, abortificient, analgesic, antiepileptic, estrogenic, hypolipidemic, antidiarrhoeal, bronchodilatory lithotriptic, antiinflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-helmintic, antitussive, antispasmodic, antioxidant, diuretic, galactogogue etc. Unani physicians have used Ajwain in various disorders like amenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, pruritus vulvae, renal stone, dyspepsia, obesity, diarrhea, epilepsy, intestinal worms and asthma in different forms. These multiple therapeutic uses can be explained by multiple compounds. The phytochemical studies on T.ammi have revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, fixed oils, glycosides, tannins, saponin and flavonoids, cumene, thymene, essential oils like thymol, c-terpinene, p-cymene. The present review summarizes the benefits of Ajwain in various diseases mentioned in Unani syetem of medicine in a scientific manner.

Keywords: Trachyspermum ammi, Ajwain, Unani system of medicine, Therapeutic uses.