An Overview on Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi)

Abstract

Trachyspermum ammi, known as Ajwain or Ajowan was coined in Egypt, but now it has been grown, cultivated and used in other South Asian countries. The oil yielded by its seeds are a rich source of valuable antiseptic thymol, a stearoptene and seeds also possess a variety of pharmacological and therapeutic properties such as digestive, carminative, laxative, antidote, anthelminthic, lithotriptic, appetizer, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, detergent, antidote, diuretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant, antidepressive, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, analgesic, cardioprotective, chemopreventive, cerebroprotective, anti-HIV, antilithiatic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antipyretic effects of the phytochemical constituents in them. Other than seeds, roots of T. ammi also contain multiple medicinal properties. In vivo and in vitro studies based pharmacological properties were reviewed herein the present study. Further human and animal study is needed to improve quality of life.