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Trachyspermum ammi Sprague Scientific Name: Trachyspermum ammi
Sprague Synonym: Carumajowan, Ptychotisajowan, Trachyspermum
copticum (L.); Carum copticum Family: Apiaceae Genus: Trachyspermum
Species: ammi Common Name: Bishop's weed, Ajwain Parts Used: Whole
plant, fruits (seeds), oil. Plant Description: Trachyspermum ammi
is a profusely branched annual herb, 60-90 cm tall. Stem is
striated; inflorescence compound umbel with 16 umbellets, each
containing up to 16 flowers; flowers actinomorphic, white, male and
bisexual; corolla 5, petals bilobed; stamens 5, alternating with
the petals; ovary inferior; stigma knob-like; fruit aromatic,
ovoid, cordate, cremocarp with a persistent stylopodium; leaves
pinnate, with a terminal and 7 pairs of lateral leaflets. Fruit,
consists of two mericarps, grayish brown, ovoid, compressed, about
2 mm long and 1.7 mm wide, 5 ridges and 6 vittae in each mericarp,
usually separate, 5 primary ridges. Chemical Constituents: Ajwain
seed analysis has revealed it to contain fiber (11.9%),
carbohydrates (38.6%), tannins, glycosides, moisture (8.9%),
protein (15.4%), fat (18.1%), saponins, flavone and mineral matter
(7.1%) containing calcium, phosphorous, iron and nicotinic acid.
Ajwain fruits yield 2% to 4% brownish essential oil, with thymol as
the major constituent (35% to 60%). The nonthymol fraction
(thymene) contains para-cymene, γ-terpenine, α- and β-pinenes,
dipentene, α-terpinene, and carvacrol. Minute amounts of camphene,
myrcene, and α-3-carene also have been found in the plant.
Alcoholic extracts contain a highly hygroscopic saponin. From the
fruits, an yellow, crystalline flavone and a steroid-like substance
has been isolated and it also contains
6-O-β-glucopyranosyloxythymol, glucoside and yields 25% oleoresin
containing 12% volatile oil (thymol, γ-terpinene, para-cymene, and
α- and β-pinene). The principal oil constituents of T. ammi are
carvone (46%), limonene (38%), and dillapiole (9%).
Chemical structures of bioactive compound found in Trachyspermum
ammi Sprague
α-pinene, β-pinene Calcium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Archibald_Spraguehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Archibald_Spraguehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Archibald_Sprague
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Arabinose Chromium
Iso-thymol p-cymene Terpene
Sesquiterpinoides Cadinene Action of Herb: anti-microbial,
hypolipidemic, digestive stimulant, anti-hypertensive,
hepatoprotective, anti-spasmodic, broncho-dilating, anti-lithiasis,
diuretic, abortifacient, galactogogic, anti-platelet aggregatory,
anti-inflammatory, anti-tussive, anti-filarial, gestro-protective,
nematicidal, anthelmintic, detoxification of aflatoxins, and
ameliorative effects. Therapeutic uses of T. ammi fruits include;
stomachic, carminative, and expectorant, antiseptic and amoebiasis,
antimicrobial. It relaxes spasms, improves digestion, increases
perspiration, and is strongly antiseptic. Medicinal Uses:
Internally it is used for earache, colds, coughs, influenza,
asthma, diarrhea, cholera, colic, indigestion, wind, edema,
arthritis, and rheumatism (fruits) and externally for vaginal
discharge and rheumatism (fruits). Used mainly in Ayurvedic
medicine as a stimulating decongestant for the respiratory and
digestive systems. Oil is given to expel hookworms. Used in the
treatment of kidney stones, and psoriasis. Contraindications:
Pregnancy and hyperacidity Side Effects: nausea and headache. Its
excess use may effects nervous system Dosage: 250 mg – 5 gm per day
or 3 – 15 ml per day of a 1:3 @ 60% tincture. Incompatibilities
with other medications: Taking ajowan seeds with the following
drugs may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising: Abciximab,
Antithrombin, Argatroban, Aspirin, Dipyridamole, Clopidogrel,
Dalteparin, Danaparoid, Dipyridamole, Enoxaparin, Eptifibatide,
Fondaparinux, Heparin, Indobufen, Lepirudin, Ticlopidine,
Tinzaparin, Tirofiban,Warfarin.
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Organoleptic Characteristics Table: Shows the organoleptic
characteristics of T. ammi.
Moisture content and ash analysis
Table: Shows the moisture content and ash analysis of powder
drug and crude methanol extract (M) of T. ammi.
Drug A B C D Powder ++ + + - Crude (M) ++ + + -
A=Moisture content; B= Ash content; C=Acid insoluble Ash;
D=Water soluble ash
Physical characteristics analysis Table: Shows the physical
characteristics analysis of extracts and fractionsT.ammi.
Extract/fraction
Physical characteristics analysis
Colour Consistency Smell Texture
M Mustard brown
Thick and sticky
Desirable Hard
E.A Pale brown Liquefied at room temp
Fragrant Syrupy
B Brownish Thick Fragrant Slightly harder
CHL Brownish yellow
thick and soft Slightly unpleasant
little brutal
H grayish black
- Fresh aroma
-
M = methanol; E.A = ethyle-acetate; B = butonol; CHL =
chloroform; H = water. Chemical constituent analysis Following
tests were performed to identify chemical constituents. a) Test for
alkaloids b) Test for proteins c) Test for carbohydrates d) Test
for saponins e) Test for flavonoides f) Test for sterols
Properties Crude drug
Texture Curved
External colour Grayish black
Internal marking Longitudinal
Shape Elongated
Size Small to medium sized pods
Fracture Visible
Taste and odour Sour and sweet smell
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(g) Test for gums h) Test for steroids i) Test for ketones j)
Test for tannins k) Test for triterpenes
Table: Shows the Chemical constituent analysis (type of
class).
++++ = 100%, +++ =75%, ++ =50%, + =25% BIOLOGICAL
CHARACTERISTICS ANALYSIS (In vitro studies) Antioxidant
activity
Table: Antioxidant activity of T. ammi by DPPH radical
scavenging assay. Extracts/fractions API% inhibition M 84 E.A 72 B
67.2 Chl 50 H - Ascorbic acid 92 DMSO - Ethanol -
API=Average percentage inhibition is based on three replicates.
M = Methanol; E.A = Ethyl-acetate; B = Butanol; Chl = Chloroform; H
= water; DMSO = Dimethyl sulfonyl oxide.
Chemical classes Occurrence chemical constituents in %
M EA B CH AQ
a) Triterpenes +++ +++ ++ + +
b) Alkaloids:
+ + + + +
c) Tannins I(Pb acetate) +++
++ + + +
II(Phenazone) +++ ++ + + +
d) Saponins + - - - +
e) Carbohydrates
+ + + + +
f) Sterols + + + + +
g) Proteins + + + - -
h) Flavanoides + + + + +
i) Gums + - - - -
j) Ketones _ _ _ _ _
k) Steroids ++ + + + _
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Microscopic examination of Trachyspermum ammi L. The diagnostic
features of T. ammi fruit are the epicarp which is composed of a
layer of cells extending form characteristic protuberances of
different size and shape; several fragments of vittae interlinked
with the parenchyma and collenchyma of the mesocarp; sclereids
layer within the mesocarp at the tip of the mesocarp; a single
layer of fairly large, thin walled cells associated with testa was
found present in endocarp; lignified fibro-vascular tissue; fibres;
vessels; endosperm with aleurone grains and calcium oxalate
crystals.
Figure microscopic features of T. ammi fruit. 1. Part of
sclereid layer of mesocarp; 2. Endosperm containing calcium oxalate
crystals; 3.Surface view of endocarp; 4.Epicarp with base of large
protuberance surrounded by cells showing smaller protuberances; 5.
Inside and oblique surface view of large; 6. Protuberances
fragments; protuberances; 7.Surface view of epicarp with smaller
protuberances; 8.Collenchyma of mesocarp with a fragment of vitta;
9a.Protuberances from top level of epicarp; 9b.Lower level of
epicarp focused showing protuberances; 10.Detached protuberances;
11. End part of a vitta; 12. Transverse section of mericarp; 13.
Fibro-vascular tissues.
Jackson BP, Snowdon DW. 2005. Atlas of microscopy of medicinal
plants, culinary herbs and spices. CBS Publishers &
Distributors (Pvt) Ltd.
Analgesic activity of T. ammi extract Analgesic activity of
ethanolic extract of T. ammi was assessed using a Tail-flick
analgesiometer and it revealed significant increase in tail-flick
latency within 2 hours after the administration of drug. In another
experimental study, formalin induced licking and biting was found
reduced in hydrochloric T. ammi extract treated rats as compared
with morphine sulphate in both early and late phases. In a
randomized controlled placebo control clinical trial, it was found
that essential oil of T. ammi significantly reduced the neuropathic
feet burn. Anti-microbial activity Acetone and aqueous extract of
T. ammi were assessed for anti-bacterial activity by using agar
diffusion assay method on following bacterial strains: Enterococcus
faecalis, Escherichia coli,
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Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi,
Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri, and Staphylococcus
aureus. It was found that acetone extract possessed more potent
anti-bacterial activity as compared to aqueous extract. In other
studies ethanolic and methanolic extracts also exhibited
significant anti-bacterial activity. The essential oil extracted
from T. ammi seeds exhibited significant fungicidal effect against
two fungal strains Aspergillus niger and Curvularia ovoidea.
Insecticidal Activity Volatile oil extracted from T. ammi was found
to exhibit potent inhibition of egg hatching and development of
Callosobruchus chinensis. Anthelmintic Activity Anthelmintic
activity of T. ammi was assessed by evaluation of Haemonchus
contortusin sheep and Ascaris lumbricoides in humans. Nematicidal
activity Essential oils particularly thymol and carvacrol extracted
from T. ammi were found to exhibit potent nematicidal activity
against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus a pinewood nematode.
Anti-platelet Activity Investigations on T. ammi seeds and its
dried ethereal extract revealed anti-platelet activity.
Anti-inflammatory Activity Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of T.
ammi revealed significant anti-inflammatory activity invivo.
Antitussive and Bronchodilatory Effects Two different
concentrations of aqueous and macerated extracts of T. ammi seeds
were assessed for anti-tussive and broncho-dilatory effects. Both
the extracts were found to possess potent activity due to the
presence of rich volatile oil content. Diuretic and Anti-lithiasis
Activity A human study was performed to validate the
ethno-pharmacological reports on T. ammi. A milk decoction was
given orally to the volunteer patients suffering from renal stone
problem for nine days. Anti-hyperlipidemic Activity In vivo study
on T. ammi seeds revealed their anti-hyperlipidemic property by
lowering of lipid profile parameters along with reducing
atherogenic index and increasing the HDL- cholesterol level in
albino rabbits. Anti-oxidant Activity Invivo investigation of T.
ammi extract revealed its potent anti-oxidant and ameliorative
effects against hexachlorocyclohexane induced oxidative stress and
toxicity. Anti-viral Activity Methanolic extract of T. ammi in
invitro assay revealed potent inhibition of Hepatitis C virus
protease. Spermicidal Activity In vitro study of T. ammi essential
oil exhibited significant spermicidal activity. Hepato-protective
Effects Methanolic extract of T. ammi exhibited invivo
hepato-protectitive effect against lethal dose of paracetamol in
mice and carbon tetrachloride induced toxicity. Anti-ulcer Activity
Ethanolic extract of T. ammi caused decrease in ulcer index in
animals and revealed ulcer protection in all models as compared to
the control group.
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Anti-hypertensive and Anti-spasmodic Activity Aqueous-methanolic
extract of T. ammi showed dose-dependent lowering of arterial blood
pressure in anaesthetized animal models. Inhibition of potassium
induced contractions was also observed in isolated rabbit aorta and
jejunum preparations during the application of T. ammi extract.
Digestive Stimulant Activity T. ammi may stimulate digestive
activity by increasing the secretion of gastric acid, bile acids
and digestive enzymes. Estrogenic Activity T. ammi possess second
highest total phytoestrogen content. The dried extract of T. ammi
seeds possesses 473ppm total phytoestrogen content. Toxicity and
Tratogenicity T. ammi extract was reported to exhibit teratogenic
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