A Review on Phytochemical Investigations and Biological Activities of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague

Abstract

Trachyspermum ammi L. Sprague syn. Carum copticum Benth. & Hook, commonly known as ajwain, is an annual aromatic and herbaceous plant of the family Apiaceae. The fruits of T. ammi are native to Egypt and widely cultivated in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and distributed throughout India. Ajwain is commercially cultivated in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat (Surendranagar, Saurashtra region), Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and other states also. Traditionally the plant is used in Ayurvedic and Unani formulations for the treatment of various disorders like flatulence, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, abdominal pains, piles, and bronchial problems, lack of appetite, galactogogue, asthma and amenorrhoea. It has been reported to possess many pharmacological bioactivities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, hypolipidaemic, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, antiasthmatic, antitussive, and many more. This review summarizes the reported traditional benefits, phytochemical and pharmacological studies of T. ammi.