Botanical Name: Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Common name: Ajwain, Ajowan Read More
Botanical Name: |
Trachyspermum ammi (L.) |
Common name: |
Ajwain, Ajowan |
Plant family: |
Apiaceae |
Genus: |
Trachyspermum |
Appearance/Color: |
Yellow brown and Thin |
Odor: |
Spicy, medicinal and strong note |
Blends With: |
Thyme, Parsley
and Sage Dalmatian |
Origin |
India |
Source |
Seeds |
Method of
Extraction |
Steam Distillation |
Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L. Sprague) is an annual
aromatic and herbaceous plant of the family Apiaceae. It is an erect annual
herb with a striate stem and originated in the eastern regions of Persia and
India. Its fruits are small, and grayish-brown in color.
Trachyspermum ammi commonly known as ‘Ajwain’ is distributed
throughout India and is mostly cultivated in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The fruit
possesses stimulant, antispasmodic and carminative properties and is used
traditionally as an important remedial agent for flatulence, atonic dyspepsia,
diarrhea, abdominal tumors, abdominal pains, piles, and bronchial problems,
lack of appetite, galactogogue, asthma and amenorrhoea. Medicinally, it has
been proven to possess various pharmacological activities like antifungal,
antioxidant, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, cytotoxic, hypolipidemic,
antihypertensive, antispasmodic, broncho-dilating actions, antilithiasis,
diuretic, abortifacient, antitussive, nematicidal, anthelmintic and
antifilarial.
Ajowan is traditionally used with
vegetables that can be indigestible such as cabbage, onion, cucumber, carrot,
turnip and beetroot. Apart from that it has several pharmaceutical and
ayurvedic properties. In India, it is widely used in Pickles since ancient times.
Ajowan Oil in Pharma
It is a highly valued medicinally important seed spice. The
roots are diuretic in nature and the seeds possess excellent aphrodisiac
properties. The seeds contain 2–4.4% brown colored oil known as ajwain oil. The
main component of this oil is thymol, which is used in the treatment of
gastro-intestinal ailments, lack of appetite and bronchial problems. The oil
exhibits fungicidal, antimicrobial and anti-aggregatory effects on humans.
Ajwain is a traditional potential herb and is widely used for curing various
diseases in humans and animals. The fruit possesses stimulant, antispasmodic
and carminative properties. It is an important remedial agent for flatulence,
atonic dyspepsia and diarrhea. The seed of ajwain is bitter, pungent and it
acts as anthelmintic, carminative, laxative, and stomachic. It also cures
abdominal tumors, abdominal pains and piles. Seeds contain an essential oil
containing about 50% thymol which is a strong germicide, anti-spasmodic and
fungicide. Thymol is also used in toothpaste and perfumery.
Essence of Ajowan Oil
Ajwain with its
characteristic aromatic smell and pungent taste is widely used as a spice in
curries. Its seeds are used in small quantities for flavoring numerous foods,
as preservatives, in medicine and for the manufacture of essential oil in
perfumery. In Indian system of medicine, 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.
COMMON USAGE
·
Antifungal Pain Relief
·
Common Cold
·
Kidney Stones
·
Bronchodilator
·
Skin Care
Ingredients:
S. No |
Key Constituents |
Strength (%) |
1 |
Thymol |
36.9-53.8 |
2 |
g-Terpinene |
14.6-35.0 |
3 |
p-Cymene |
20.8-24.0 |
4 |
Carvacrol |
1.0-16.4 |
5 |
p-limonene |
0.25-5.1 |
6 |
b-Pinene |
1.2-3.5 |
7 |
a-Pinene |
0.3-1.8 |
TOXICOLOGICAL
INFORMATION
Safety Summary
·
Hazardous: Drug interaction; potentially
carcinogenic, based on estragole content; reproductive hormone modulation; may
inhibit blood clotting.
·
Contraindications (all routes): Pregnancy,
breastfeeding, endometriosis, estrogen-dependant cancers, children under 5
years of Age.
·
Caution (Oral): Diabetes medication,
anticoagulant medication, major surgery, peptic ulcer, hemophilia, other
bleeding disorders.
·
Maximum Dermal Use Level: 0.2% (IFRA)
Organ Specific Effects
·
Adverse Skin Reactions: Not known
·
Cardiovascular Effects: Not Known
·
Reproductive Toxicity: Not Known
·
Hepatotoxicity: Not Found
Systemic Effects
·
Acute Toxicity:
o
ORAL (LD50): Acute: 2250 mg/kg [Rat]
o
DERMAL (LD50): Acute: 5000 mg/kg [Rabbit]
·
Subcute & Subchronic Toxicity: Skin: May
cause skin irritation. Eyes: May cause eye irritation. Ingestion: May cause
gastrointestinal tract irritation. Inhalation: Inhalation of mist or vapor may
cause respiratory tract irritation.
·
Carcinogenic: Not Classified
ECOLOGICAL
INFORMATION
·
Ecotoxicity: Not available
·
Products of Biodegradation: Possibly hazardous
short term degradation products are not likely. However, long term degradation
products may arise.
·
Toxicity of the Products of Biodegradation: Not
available