Trachyspermum ammi: A review on traditional and modern pharmacological aspects

Abstract

Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague ex Turril) is a dried seed and a well-known spice globally. Carum copticum is the Latin name for this spice. In medieval Persian medical and pharmaceutical manuscripts, it is referred as Zenyan or Nankhah. Ajwain is widely recognized in both Ayurveda and Unani as a traditional Persian medication for thousands of years. This plant contains a variety of bioactive compounds of pharmacological importance, involving carbohydrates, fat, fiber, volatile oil, glycosides, protein, phenolic compounds, saponins, and mineral content. The ajwain extract is known as "Admoda Arka" in Ayurveda. Ethnopharmacological uses according to Vaidya gurus are coughs, colds, pain, headaches, heartburn, asthma, diarrhea, painful menstruation, cholera, stomach discomfort, and smooth respiratory and kidney function. It has been used in modern medicine as Bronchodilator, Cardiac Stimulant, Carminative, Digestive Stimulant, Diuretic, Galactagogue, Hypo-glycemic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiflatulent, Analgesic, Antimicrobial, Antihypertensive, and Antifilarial. We investigated that its bioactive compounds are effective as nutrition as well as medicine. Here, we summarized the phytochemistry along with pharmacognostic and nutritional values. Also, information regarding pharmacological roles along with safety measurements are mentioned. Clinical Pharmacology and its traditional uses showed significant activities that can be used for therapeutic approaches.

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