Apiaceae

  Trachyspermum ammi (L.) sprague fruits is commonly called Ajowan belongs to the family ‘Apiaceae’. It’s fruits yielded 2% to 4% brownish essential oil, with thymol as the major constituent (35% to 60%). It also contain monoterpenoids and reported some new constituents. The plant is used traditionally as a stimulant, carminative, flatulence, atonic dyspepsia, diarrhoea, abdominal tumours, abdominal pains, piles, and bronchial problems, lack of appetite, galactogogue, asthma and amenorrhoea. It possess various pharmacological activities like antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, cytotoxic activity, hypolipidaemic, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, broncho-dilating actions, antilithiasis, diuretic, abortifacient, antitussive, nematicidal, anthelmintic and antifilarial activity. This review deals with the evidence-based information regarding the pharmacological activity of Trachyspermum ammi. Key words: Trachyspermum ammi, Apiaceae, Ajowan fruits, constituents, pharmacological activities.