and several indole alkaloids from the alcoholic extract of dried leaves and twigs.
The leaves, stem and twigs are used for treating rheumatic arthritis, nervous disorders, urine retention and as a tonic for weak muscles or nerves.
Trachyspermum ammi
(Linn.) Sprague.
Synonym T. copticum Link.
Carum copticum Benth. ex Hiern. Family Umbellferae; Apiaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar.
English Ammi, Lovage, Carum, Aj owan.
Ayurvedic b Yavaani, Yamaani,
Yavaanikaa, Yamaanikaa, Dipyaka.
Unani Nankhwaah, Desi Ajawaayin. Siddha/Tamil b Omam.
Action Fruits—carminative,
antispasmodic, anticholerin, antidiarrhoeal, bechic, stimulant.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the dried fruits in tympanitis, constipation, colic and helminthiasis. Oil—used as an expectorant in emphysema, bronchial and other respiratory ailments.
Used externally in cases of rheumatism. Leafjuice—anthelmintic. Root— carminative, diuretic, febrifuge.
The aqueous extract of the fruit is a popular remedy for diarrhoea in Indian medicine.
The fruit, in addition to protein (17.1), fat (21.8), carbohydrates (24.6) and mineral matter (7.9%), contains sugars, tannins, flavone and sterol. The seeds contain a phenolic glucoside, 2-methyl-3-glucosyloxy-5-isopropyl
phenol.
The principal constituents of the Ajowan oil are the phenols, mainly thymol (35—60%) and some carvacrol. (Crystalized thymol is known in the trade as Ajowan-kaa-phuul, Flowerof-Ajowan.)
Thymol is a powerful antiseptic and antifungal. It is an ingredient in deodorant mouth-washes, toothpastes and gargles. The aqueous portion, left after the separation of essential oil, is known as Omum-water and is prescribed in flatulence and gripe, especially in children.
Dosage Fruit—3—6 g powder. (API, Vol. I.)
Trachyspermu m
roxburghianum (DC.) Craib.
