INTRODUCTION:

Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague is an annual herbaceous plant that is popularly known as ajwain and is a member of the highly prized Apiaceae family, which has significant medicinal potential. The herb is reportedly cultivated extensively in dry and semi-arid places when the soil contains a large level of salts.

Ajwain is a plant that is native to Egypt but is now widely grown throughout the world, including in Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Europe.

The herb should be picked in May or June and is typically planted in October or November. Ajwain's greyish brown seeds or fruits are frequently used for medicinal and dietary purposes. The herb has a variety of chemical components that have been identified. The reported phytochemical constituents of ajwain include fibre (11.9%), carbohydrates (24.6%), tannins, glycosides, moisture (8.9%), protein (17.1%), fat (21.1%), saponins, flavones, and other components (7.1%) involving calcium, phosphorous, iron, cobalt, copper, iodine, manganese, thiamine, riboflavin, and nicotinic acid [6-8%]. A significant amount of saponin was produced during the alcoholic extraction procedure. It appears that the existence of an Ajwain essential oil is responsible for its flavour and odour. As a result, the compartments of Ajwain fruits can accumulate up to 5% essential oil.

However, some research indicated that the output of fruit essential oil might reach 9%, which may be significant. Thymol is typically the primary component of Ajwain essential oil and can yield anywhere between 35% and 60%. Para-cymene, Gamma-terpinene, Alpha-pinene, Beta-pinene, -terpinene, Styrene, Delta-3-carene, Beta-phyllanderene, terpinene-4-ol, and carvacrol are all found in the non-thymol fraction (Thymene). However, in a study, the main oil elements introduced were carvone (46.2%), limonene (38.1%), and dillapiole (8.9%). Additionally, from the fruits of Ajwain, oleic, linoleic, palmitic, petroselinic, and resin acids are extracted.¹

Additionally useful for treating aphrodisiacs and early ejaculation are ajwain seeds. Ajwain is one of the best external pain relievers for rheumatism, colic, asthma, and delirium. Due to the high thymol content of ajwain oil, pregnant women should not take it without first diluting it. While ajwain leaves are not frequently used at home, ajwain seeds are primarily utilised to treat digestive issues. Several studies have been conducted to examine Trachyspermum ammi basic oil.²

Thymol, the primary ingredient in this oil, is used to treat bronchial issues, appetite loss, and digestive disorders. Humans are affected by the oil's fungicidal, antimicrobial, and anti-aggregatory properties. Traditional medicinal plants like ajwain are frequently used to treat a wide range of illnesses in both people and animals. It has a significant role in the treatment of diarrhoea, atonic dyspepsia, and flatulence. The bitter, pungent, anthelmintic, carminative, laxative, and stomachic properties of ajwain seed make it a popular spice. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, treats stomach tumours, abdominal discomfort, and piles.The essential oil found in seeds has a thymol content of about 50% and is a potent fungicide, antispasmodic, and germicide. Additionally, thymol is utilised in toothpaste and fragrances.³

Fig. 1: Ajwain

Ajwain fruit water-soluble extract was found to contain a variety of substances, including the novel monoterpenoid 3, 7-Dimethyloct-3(10).-ene-1, 2, 6, 7-tetrol and two novel mono-terpenoid glucosides, 2S and 6ZThree, seven-dimethyloctane (10)1, 2, 6, and 7-Tetrol -ene 6-Hydroxythymol 3-O-D-Glucopyranoside and 1-O-D-Glucopyranoside are two novel aromatic compound glucosides. 2-Methyl-3-Buten-2-ol-D-Glucopyanoside is another. Glucide and Benzyl-D-Glucopyranoside, specifically (3R) 2,3,4,6-tetrol of 2-hydroxymethylbutane. Adenosine and uridine, as well as other glucosides including 1-Deoxy-L-Erythritol and 1-Deoxypentitol, were extracted from Ajwain fruits.⁴Due to the high salt content of the soil, Trachspermum ammi is primarily grown in dry and semi-arid climates. It is an annual herb that grows to a height of 60–90 cm.⁵The volatile components of essential oils mainly consist of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and their oxygenated derivatives such as alcohols, aldehyde, ketones, acids and esters⁶The ethanolic extract from Trachyspermum ammi seeds has antibacterial and antioxidant activities that may make it useful as a natural food additive against some of the most significant food-borne pathogenic bacteria.⁷Fruits of ajwain contain various minerals like aluminium, calcium, cadmium, copper, iron and lithium whereas nitrates and nitrite were not detected in Ajowan fruit. The fruits afforded riboflavin, thiamine, nicotinic acid, carotene, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, phosphorus and zinc.⁸The aromatic fresh herb and fruits were hydrodistilled separately on a Clevanger apparatus for 4h. Essential oils (Herb-0.29%, light yellow; seed-1%, yellow) were collected in small amber coloured bottles and refrigerated.¹⁰

Classification: ⁵

Table 1: classification of Trachyaspermum Ammi

Kingdom	Plantae
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta
Super division	Spermatophyta
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Apiales
Family	Apiaceae
Genus	Trachyspermum
Species	T. ammi

Vernacular Names:⁵

· Sanskrit: Yamini, Yaminiki, Yaviniki

· Assamese: Jain

· Bengali: Yamani, Yauvan, Yavan, Javan, Yavani, Yoyana

· English: Bishop’s weed

· Gujrati: Ajma, Ajmo, Yavan, Javain

· Hindi: Ajwain, Jevain

· Kannada: Oma, Yom, Omu

· Malayalam: Oman, Ayanodakan

· Marathi: Onva

· Oriya: Juani

· Tamil: Omam

· Telugu: Vamu

Synonyms:⁵

· Ammi copticum L.

· Carum copticum L.

Applications:

Ajwain use in conventional and medical Persian medicine²

Traditional medical practises frequently employ ajwain for a number of pharmacological and therapeutic purposes. Ajwain has a long history in Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) and is well-known.

The most beneficial component of Ajwain, according to Persian practitioners, are its seeds. Ajwain's temperament can be characterised as hot and dry in the third degree, as well as having some bitterness and acridity.

In the field of neurology, seeds have been used orally to treat paralysis, tremor, palsy, and other neural problems. To treat the diseased conditions and improve hearing weakness, Persian practitioners also used an eye and ear drop made from Ajwain seeds.

Ajwain was reported to be beneficial in the treatment of cough, pleurisy, and dysphonia. Fruits were frequently given to patients with liver spleen disease as well as gastrointestinal problems as nausea, vomiting, reflux, cramping in the abdomen, and appetite loss. Additionally, they were claimed to have stimulant and carminative effects and to be helpful for gastrointestinal issues. Ajwain has been described as an antidote for numerous natural poisonous substances as well as an anthelmintic medication. If consumed with wine, it was also thought to be helpful for removing calculi and stones. Persian healers also used the seeds as a diuretic, galactagogue, and aphrodisiac. Ajwain as a cosmetic agent produces a yellowish complexion on the skin when applied locally. According to reports in the field of toxicology, washing the injured area in a decoction made from ajwain seeds reduces the agony brought on by a scorpion bite. Additionally, it was employed to lessen the negative consequences of opioid withdrawal. Additionally, the powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug ajwain was introduced. As a result, it was used either alone or in conjunction with egg white or honey to apply to the affected area. Ajwain was utilised by Persian medical professionals to treat chronic fevers and aches. Ajwain seeds were also used to make hydrosol and oil, which were utilised medically.

Analgesic and antinociceptiveeffect²

An in vivo examination was conducted to assess the analgesic and antinociceptive properties of ajwain. A Tail-flick Analgesiometer Device is used. The results of the investigation showed that, within 2 hours of medication administration, the ethanolic extract dramatically increased Tail-Flick Latency (TFL). Ajwain hydroalcoholic extract and morphine sulphate have been compared for their antinociceptive effects utilising the formalin test in an experimental trial study. Results showed that the antinociceptive effects of ajwain extract were present in both early and late phases. Similar research has been done on the whole essential oil of Ajwain, which was found to be significantly effective in the late phase of the formalin test and may be related to thymol in the oil.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity²

Activities that are antibacterial and antifungal. Agar diffusion assay was used to test the antibacterial efficacy of Ajwain against Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhi-murium, Shigellaflexneri, and Staphylococcus aureus. According to the study, acetone extract is more active than aqueous extract. Ajwain’sethanolic extract demonstrated antibacterial efficacy against eight Helicobacter pylori strains in a different investigation. Additionally, using the agar well-diffusion method, ajwain methanolic extract demonstrated bactericidal efficacy against 11 species at 2 mg/well. Diameter of Inhibition Zones (DIZ) was used to measure it.

Against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, DIZ was over 15 mm; 10 to 14 mm against7-9 mm against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Bordetella bronchiseptica; Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus pumilus. On the other hand, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Micrococcus luteus were not the subject of any documented activity. Given that Ajwain's essential oil may contain significant levels of thymol or carvacrol, these phenolic compounds are said to serve as either bactericidal or bacteriostatic agents depending on concentration.

Total essential oil derived from the seeds of ajwain was tested for fungicidal function, and it had a proper effect on Aspergillusniger and Curvularia ovoidea at 5000 ppm as the lowest inhibitory dose. Ethanol extract of ajwain seed showed antifungal activity.⁶

Insecticidal assessment²

According to reports, the essential oil from the seeds of ajwain can limit the growth and development of Callosobruchus chinensis as well as demonstrate insecticidal activity during the oviposition stage.

Antiplatelet activity²

The dried ethereal extract of ajwain has been shown to have antiplatelet action. As a result, in an in vitro experiment using samples of human blood, ajwain seeds prevented platelet aggregation brought on by arachidonic acid, collagen, and adrenaline.

Anthelmintic activity³

Trachyspermum ammi’s anthelmintic activity demonstrates its effectiveness against particular helminths, such as Ascaris lumbricoides in humans and Haemonchus contortus in sheep. Anthelmintic Effects Through ATPase activity potentiation and resulting loss of energy reserves, Trachyspermum ammi inhibits the energy metabolism of parasites. The plant’s cholinergic activity with peristaltic motions of the gut has also been recorded, aiding in the expulsion of intestinal parasites and possibly contributing to its anthelmintic activity.

Effects of anti-inflammatory²

Ajwain was examined for its potential to have an anti-inflammatory impact. As a result, total alcoholic extract and total aqueous extract both significantly reduce inflammation in living organisms.

Activity of a diuretic and anti- lithiasis²

In ethnopharmacological accounts, ajwain was said to have diuretic and anti-lithiasis activity. Accordingly, a human trial was conducted, in which subjects with urinary stones were given Ajwain seeds decocted in milk over the course of nine days. Against pure calcium oxalate stone, the results were regarded as satisfactory.

Properties that prevent hyperlipidemia²

The antihyperlipidemic function of ajwain is another activity that has been demonstrated. Ajwain seed powder is highly effective in lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total lipids, according to an in vivo investigation. Additionally, in albino rabbits, organic seed extract improved HDL cholesterol levels and decreased atherogenic index.

Antihypertensive antispasmodic and broncho dilating activity³

Trachyspermum ammi’s intravenous administration’s in vivo antihypertensive effects as well as its in vitro antispasmodic and bronchodilator properties. The traditional use of Trachyspermum ammi in hyperactive disease states of the gut, such as colic and diarrhoea, as well as in hypertension, was supported by the study of calcium channel blockade, which has been found to mediate the spasmolytic effects of plant materials. This mechanism was considered to have contributed to their observed result.

Antioxidant characteristics²

In an in vivo experiment, the antioxidant and ameliorative properties of ajwain extract were assessed on hexachlorocyclohexane induced oxidative stress and toxicity. The dietary Ajwain extract would, as a result, lessen the toxicity brought on by hepatic free radical stress, according to the results.

Effects of Antivirals²

An in vitro study was performed on the herb’s methanolic extract to evaluate the antiviral activity of ajwain, and the results revealed substantial inhibitory effects on the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) protease.

Embryonic Activity²

Ajwain essential oil’s spermicidal properties were discovered by an in vitro investigation, which found that the volatile oil had strong spermicidal action. As a result, the oil might be used as a natural contraceptive.

Effects on Hepatoprotective²

The Ajwain methanolic extract also shown in vivo hepatoprotective efficacy with 80% protection against a normally deadly dose of paracetamol in mice, in addition to its powerful antioxidant activity. The extract also had anti-CCl4 properties that prevented pentobarbital sleep duration from being prolonged, and it balanced the levels of hepatic enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aminotransferases (AST and ALT) during liver damage.

Antiulcer Function²

Ajwain ethanolic extract demonstrated ulcer prevention in all models and caused a significant decrease in ulcer index in animals that had received pretreatment. Comparing the extract to the animal model’s control group resulted in a reduction in ulcerative lesions overall.

Estrogenic Function²

The dry Ajwain seed’s total phytoestrogen concentration was found to be 473 ppm. In terms of total phytoestrogen concentration, the herb comes in second among the evaluated plants. The herb has historically been employed as a galactagogue, it should be mentioned.

Detoxification of aflatoxin³

An aflatoxin Inactivation factor (IF) was discovered to be present in an aqueous extract of ajowan seeds. Following IF treatment, examination of the toxins using thin layer chromatography revealed a proportionate decrease in aflatoxin G1 > G2 > B1 > B2. These conclusions were supported by the quantification of toxin using an ELISA and a fluorotoxin metre. Over the controls, a roughly 80% decrease in total aflatoxin content was seen. Toxin inactivation is the term used to describe the observable phenomena of decreased overall toxin levels.

It was discovered that temperature has an impact on the rate of toxin inactivation. It was shown to be quick during the first five hours at 45 8C before slowing down. Even after boiling and autoclaving, the IF was shown to still be very active, demonstrating partial heat stability. Below pH 4.0, the action was eliminated. It steadily grew above pH 4.0 and peaked at pH 10.0. It was discovered that IF was gamma radiation resistant. IF could be used to remove toxins from samples of maize that have been contaminated. This study highlights the potential of ajowan IF in removing aflatoxin from commodities contaminated with food.

Digestive stimulants activity²

Traditional healers advised using the herb as a medication to stimulate the digestive system. It has now been established that ajwain can boost the production of bile acids, gastric acid, and digestive enzymes. The food transitory duration may also be shortened. Ajwain increased the effectiveness of pancreatic lipase and amylase as the enzyme modulatory action, which may assist the digestive stimulating activity.

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Received on 27.05.2023 Modified on 12.07.2023

Res. J. Pharmacognosy and Phytochem. 2023; 15(4):319-323.

DOI: 10.52711/0975-4385.2023.00050