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|data2 = Trachyspermum ammi, Carum copticum Benth. & Hook | |data2 = Trachyspermum ammi, Carum copticum Benth. & Hook | ||
|label3 = Family | |label3 = Family | ||
|data3 = Umbelliferae | |data3 = Apiaceae, Umbelliferae | ||
|label4 = Availability | |label4 = Availability | ||
|data4 = Available | |data4 = Available | ||
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|data8 = Awaited | |data8 = Awaited | ||
}} | }} | ||
[[File:Ajwain.jpg|thumb|'''Ajwain (''Carum copticum'')''']] | |||
'''[ | '''[[wikipedia:Trachyspermum_ammi|Carum copticum Benth. & Hook.]]''', commonly known as '''Ajwain''', '''Dipyaka''' or '''Ajowan''', is an annual herbaceous plant widely cultivated for its aromatic fruits. In [[Ayurveda]], it is highly valued as a carminative, digestive stimulant, and Kapha-Vata pacifying medicine.<ref name="API">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:02</ref> | ||
== English Name == | == English Name == | ||
| Line 136: | Line 136: | ||
=== 1. Gastrointestinal and Carminative Activity ([[Deepana]] & [[Pachana]]) === | === 1. Gastrointestinal and Carminative Activity ([[Deepana]] & [[Pachana]]) === | ||
* '''Traditional Use:''' Used for | * '''Traditional Use:''' Used for Gulma (abdominal lump), Adhmana (abdominal distention), Aruchi (anorexia), and Shula (colic pain). | ||
* '''Mechanism & Scientific Evidence:''' Animal and in vitro studies demonstrate that the extract and essential oil of | * '''Mechanism & Scientific Evidence:''' Animal and in vitro studies demonstrate that the extract and essential oil of T. ammi exhibit significant anti-spasmodic (anticholinergic-like) and smooth-muscle relaxing properties. The carminative action is primarily mediated by thymol, which stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, enhances metabolic activity, and relieves flatulence and intestinal colic.<ref name="Tharakan2014">Tharakan, S. T., et al. "Evaluation of spasmolytic and bronchodilator activities of Trachyspermum ammi." Journal of Ethnopharmacology.</ref> | ||
=== 2. Antimicrobial and Antifungal Efficacy (''Krumiroga'') === | === 2. Antimicrobial and Antifungal Efficacy (''Krumiroga'') === | ||
* '''Traditional Use:''' Employed in | * '''Traditional Use:''' Employed in Krumi roga (parasitic and microbial infections). | ||
* '''Mechanism & Scientific Evidence:''' | * '''Mechanism & Scientific Evidence:''' T. ammi essential oil and isolated thymol exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic bacteria (including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungi (such as Candida albicans). The high phenolic content disrupts microbial cell membranes, causing leakage of intracellular constituents.<ref name="Khosravi2009">Khosravi, A. R., et al. "In vitro antifungal activity of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil against dermatophytes." Mycoses.</ref> | ||
=== 3. Respiratory Support (''Hikka'' & Bronchodilation) === | === 3. Respiratory Support (''Hikka'' & Bronchodilation) === | ||
* '''Traditional Use:''' Used in respiratory distress, asthma ( | * '''Traditional Use:''' Used in respiratory distress, asthma (Shwasa), and cough. | ||
* '''Mechanism & Scientific Evidence:''' Pharmacological studies confirm that the bronchodilator activity of | * '''Mechanism & Scientific Evidence:''' Pharmacological studies confirm that the bronchodilator activity of T. ammi is comparable to standard reference drugs (like theophylline/atropine). The relaxation of tracheal chains by thymol and carvacrol facilitates easier airflow, validating its traditional use in obstructive airway diseases.<ref name="Boskabady2014">Boskabady, M. H., et al. "Bronchodilator and anticough effects of Trachyspermum ammi." Research Reports.</ref> | ||
=== 4. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties === | === 4. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties === | ||
* '''Mechanism & Scientific Evidence:''' | * '''Mechanism & Scientific Evidence:''' T. ammi seeds possess significant free-radical scavenging abilities due to their high concentration of phenolic compounds. In vivo anti-inflammatory models show that extracts can reduce acute and chronic inflammation, partly by inhibiting inflammatory pathways and prostaglandin synthesis.<ref name="Javed2012">Javed, I., et al. "Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Trachyspermum ammi extracts." Phytotherapy Research.</ref> | ||
== Summary of Therapeutic Profile == | == Summary of Therapeutic Profile == | ||
Latest revision as of 06:12, 23 September 2026
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Dipyaka |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Trachyspermum ammi, Carum copticum Benth. & Hook |
| Family | Apiaceae, Umbelliferae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Carum copticum Benth. & Hook., commonly known as Ajwain, Dipyaka or Ajowan, is an annual herbaceous plant widely cultivated for its aromatic fruits. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued as a carminative, digestive stimulant, and Kapha-Vata pacifying medicine.[1]
English Name
Celery, Ajowan
Therapeutic Use
Gulma (abdominal lump), Aruchi (anorexia), Adhmana (abdominal distention), Hikka, Chardi (vomiting), Krumi roga (worms), Sula (pain)[1]
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
- Dipyaka – Increases appetite.
- Yavani
- Bhutik
- Dipya
- Ajamodika
Synonyms in Bhavaprakasa Nighantu
- Ajamoda
- Kharashva – Fruits of ajamoda have an odor similar to a donkey.
- Maayuro
- Brahmakusha
- Kaaravi
- Lochamastaka[2]
Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties
According to classical Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics (Rasa Panchaka), Dipyaka has the following properties:[1]
| Sr. No. | Pharmacological Criteria | Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (Rasa) | Pungent (Katu) |
| 2 | Potency (Veerya) | Hot (Ushna) |
| 3 | Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) | Pungent (Katu) |
| 4 | Qualities (Guna) | Light (Laghu), Rough (Ruksha), Sharp (Tikshna) |
| 5 | Dosha Action (Karma) | Pacifies Kapha and Vata |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its Actions
Dipyaka is prominently documented across multiple therapeutic chapters of the Charaka Samhita:
| Sr. No. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity / Formulation / Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 23/20 | Santarpanajanya vikar chikitsa (management of over-nutrition disorder) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/170 | Harita Varga (Class of green herbs) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/307 | Krutanna Varga (Class on food articles) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/69 | Ingredient of Hingusauvarchaladya ghrita |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/71 | Ingredient of Hapushadya ghrita |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/86 | Ingredient of Shatyadi Churna |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/165 | Pathya Diet in Gulma (wholesome food in treatment of abdominal lump) |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/168 | Vata, Kapha and Mala Anulomanarth |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/27 | Used for making decoction in Kaphaja prameha (diabetes) |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/29 | Used for making decoction in Kaphaja prameha (diabetes) |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/38 | Trikantakadhya Tail/Ghrit in Vata-kaphaja prameha (diabetes) |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/41 | Ingredient in Madhvasava |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/54 | Ingredient in Apara Lasunadya Ghrita |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/55 | Ingredient in Apara Lasunadya Ghrita |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/36 | Ingredient in Triphaladhyarishta |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/43 | Ingredient in Kshara Gudika |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/55 | Ingredient in Chitrakadi Ghrita |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/103 | In treatment of Kaphaja uadara roga |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/125 | As an ingredient of Narayan churna |
| 20 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/63 | As an ingredient of Traushnadi churna |
Dose
- Powder (Churna): 1 – 3 g daily.[1]
Important Formulations
As per A.P.I.[1]
- Ajamodarka
- Ajmodadi churna
Current Availability
Available
Major Phytoconstituents
The pharmacological efficacy of Trachyspermum ammi is predominantly attributed to its essential oil content, which ranges from 2% to 5%. The primary active constituent is thymol (accounting for 35% to 60% of the oil), accompanied by p-cymene, γ-terpinene, α-pinene, β-pinene, and carvacrol.
Therapeutic Efficacy & Modern Scientific Research
Modern pharmacological evaluations and clinical studies validate many of the traditional claims associated with *Trachyspermum ammi*. Its core therapeutic domains include:
1. Gastrointestinal and Carminative Activity (Deepana & Pachana)
- Traditional Use: Used for Gulma (abdominal lump), Adhmana (abdominal distention), Aruchi (anorexia), and Shula (colic pain).
- Mechanism & Scientific Evidence: Animal and in vitro studies demonstrate that the extract and essential oil of T. ammi exhibit significant anti-spasmodic (anticholinergic-like) and smooth-muscle relaxing properties. The carminative action is primarily mediated by thymol, which stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, enhances metabolic activity, and relieves flatulence and intestinal colic.[3]
2. Antimicrobial and Antifungal Efficacy (Krumiroga)
- Traditional Use: Employed in Krumi roga (parasitic and microbial infections).
- Mechanism & Scientific Evidence: T. ammi essential oil and isolated thymol exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic bacteria (including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungi (such as Candida albicans). The high phenolic content disrupts microbial cell membranes, causing leakage of intracellular constituents.[4]
3. Respiratory Support (Hikka & Bronchodilation)
- Traditional Use: Used in respiratory distress, asthma (Shwasa), and cough.
- Mechanism & Scientific Evidence: Pharmacological studies confirm that the bronchodilator activity of T. ammi is comparable to standard reference drugs (like theophylline/atropine). The relaxation of tracheal chains by thymol and carvacrol facilitates easier airflow, validating its traditional use in obstructive airway diseases.[5]
4. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
- Mechanism & Scientific Evidence: T. ammi seeds possess significant free-radical scavenging abilities due to their high concentration of phenolic compounds. In vivo anti-inflammatory models show that extracts can reduce acute and chronic inflammation, partly by inhibiting inflammatory pathways and prostaglandin synthesis.[6]
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal Colic / Flatulence | Thymol, Carvacrol | Spasmolytic, Digestive stimulant, Carminative |
| Microbial / Fungal Infections | Essential Oils, Phenolics | Cell membrane disruption, Broad-spectrum antimicrobial |
| Respiratory Disorders / Asthma | Thymol, p-cymene | Bronchodilation, Tracheal smooth muscle relaxation |
| Inflammation / Oxidative Stress | Phenolic compounds | Free-radical scavenging, Anti-inflammatory pathway inhibition |
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Precautions: Due to the hot potency (Ushna veerya) and sharp qualities (Tikshna guna), it should be used cautiously in individuals with high Pitta aggravation or severe gastritis.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
- Fruit Powder (Churna): 1 – 3 g daily.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:02
- ↑ Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, verse no.- 77, Edited by Padmashree Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020.
- ↑ Tharakan, S. T., et al. "Evaluation of spasmolytic and bronchodilator activities of Trachyspermum ammi." Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
- ↑ Khosravi, A. R., et al. "In vitro antifungal activity of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil against dermatophytes." Mycoses.
- ↑ Boskabady, M. H., et al. "Bronchodilator and anticough effects of Trachyspermum ammi." Research Reports.
- ↑ Javed, I., et al. "Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Trachyspermum ammi extracts." Phytotherapy Research.