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'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trachyspermum_ammi Carum copticum Benth. & Hook.]''', commonly known as '''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>
'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trachyspermum_ammi Carum copticum Benth. & Hook.]''', commonly known as '''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" /> ''Trachyspermum ammi'' (L.) Sprague is regarded as a synonym of ''Carum copticum''.<ref name="Boskabady2014" />


== English Name ==
== English Name ==
Line 50: Line 50:
* ''Brahmakusha''
* ''Brahmakusha''
* ''Kaaravi''
* ''Kaaravi''
* ''Lochamastaka''<ref name="Bhavaprakash">Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, verse no.- 77, Edited by Padmashree Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020.</ref>
* ''Lochamastaka''<ref name="Bhavaprakash" />


== Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties ==
== Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties ==
Line 128: Line 128:


== Major Phytoconstituents ==
== 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.
The pharmacological activity of ''Trachyspermum ammi'' (''Carum copticum'') is mainly attributed to its essential oil. The oil composition varies with geographical origin: thymol is the main component of oil from south Indian plants (reported up to 97.9%), whereas carvacrol, &gamma;-terpinene and ''p''-cymene are the main components of oil from other regions.<ref name="Boskabady2014" />


== Therapeutic Efficacy & Modern Scientific Research ==
== 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:
Modern pharmacological studies support several of the traditional uses of ''Trachyspermum ammi'' (''Carum copticum''):


=== 1. Gastrointestinal and Carminative Activity (''Deepana'' & ''Pachana'') ===
=== 1. Gastrointestinal and Antispasmodic Activity (''Deepana'' & ''Pachana'') ===
* '''Traditional Use:''' Used for *Gulma* (abdominal lump), *Adhmana* (abdominal distention), *Aruchi* (anorexia), and *Sula* (colic pain).
* '''Traditional Use:''' Used for ''Gulma'' (abdominal lump), ''Adhmana'' (abdominal distention), ''Aruchi'' (anorexia) and ''Sula'' (colic pain).<ref name="API" />
* '''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>
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' The aqueous-methanolic seed extract inhibited K<sup>+</sup>-induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum and shifted Ca<sup>2+</sup> dose-response curves to the right, similar to verapamil, indicating a calcium channel blocking (antispasmodic) effect.<ref name="Gilani2005" />


=== 2. Antimicrobial and Antifungal Efficacy (''Krumiroga'') ===
=== 2. Antimicrobial Efficacy (''Krumiroga'') ===
* '''Traditional Use:''' Employed in *Krumi roga* (parasitic and microbial infections).
* '''Traditional Use:''' Employed in ''Krumi roga'' (worms / microbial infections).<ref name="API" />
* '''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>
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' The essential oil of ''Carum copticum'' and its main compounds have been reported to have antibacterial and antifungal activity, assessed by MIC and MBC methods.<ref name="Kazemi2015" />


=== 3. Respiratory Support (''Hikka'' & Bronchodilation) ===
=== 3. Respiratory Support (''Swasa'' & Bronchodilation) ===
* '''Traditional Use:''' Used in respiratory distress, asthma (*Swasa*), and cough.
* '''Traditional Use:''' Used in asthma and dyspnea (''Swasa'') and cough; the plant is described in traditional medicine as anti-asthmatic and anti-dyspneic.<ref name="Boskabady2014" />
* '''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>
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' The seed extract inhibited carbachol- and K<sup>+</sup>-induced contractions in isolated guinea-pig trachea and shifted the carbachol and histamine dose-response curves to the right, suggesting a non-specific bronchodilator effect possibly mediated through calcium channel blockade.<ref name="Gilani2005" /> Bronchodilator effects of ''C. copticum'' have also been reviewed.<ref name="Boskabady2014" />


=== 4. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties ===
=== 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.<ref name="Javed2012">Javed, I., et al. "Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Trachyspermum ammi extracts." Phytotherapy Research.</ref>
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' The essential oil of ''Carum copticum'' showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory evaluation.<ref name="Kazemi2015" />
 
=== 5. Hepatoprotective and Antihypertensive Activity ===
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' In rats, pretreatment with the seed extract (500 mg/kg orally) prevented the rise in serum ALP and aminotransferases induced by paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride, and the extract caused a dose-dependent fall in arterial blood pressure in anaesthetized rats (3&ndash;100 mg/kg).<ref name="Gilani2005" />


== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
Line 156: Line 159:
|-
|-
| '''Gastrointestinal Colic / Flatulence'''
| '''Gastrointestinal Colic / Flatulence'''
| Thymol, Carvacrol
| Seed extract (calcium antagonist constituents)
| Spasmolytic, Digestive stimulant, Carminative
| Antispasmodic (calcium channel blockade)<ref name="Gilani2005" />
|-
|-
| '''Microbial / Fungal Infections'''
| '''Microbial / Fungal Infections'''
| Essential Oils, Phenolics
| Essential oil
| Cell membrane disruption, Broad-spectrum antimicrobial
| Antibacterial, antifungal<ref name="Kazemi2015" />
|-
|-
| '''Respiratory Disorders / Asthma'''
| '''Respiratory Disorders / Asthma'''
| Thymol, p-cymene
| Seed extract
| Bronchodilation, Tracheal smooth muscle relaxation
| Bronchodilation, tracheal smooth muscle relaxation<ref name="Gilani2005" />
|-
|-
| '''Inflammation / Oxidative Stress'''
| '''Inflammation / Oxidative Stress'''
| Phenolic compounds
| Essential oil
| Free-radical scavenging, Anti-inflammatory pathway inhibition
| Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory<ref name="Kazemi2015" />
|}
|}


== Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage ==
== 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.
* '''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. This is a classical rationale rather than a clinical finding.
* '''Standard Therapeutic Dosage:'''  
* '''Standard Therapeutic Dosage:'''  
** ''Fruit Powder (Churna):'' 1 – 3 g daily.<ref name="API" />
** ''Fruit Powder (Churna):'' 1 – 3 g daily.<ref name="API" />
Line 179: Line 182:
== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
{{Reflist|refs=
<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>
<ref name="API">{{cite book |title=The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India |year=1986 |publisher=Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India |location=New Delhi |edition=Part I |volume=I |pages=02}}</ref> <!-- verify volume and page -->
<ref name="Bhavaprakash">Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, verse no.- 77, Edited by Padmashree Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020.</ref>
<ref name="Bhavaprakash">{{cite book |last=Bhavamishra |first=Shri |title=Bhavaprakash Nighantu |others=Edited by Padmashree Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar |edition=Reprint |publisher=Chaukhambha Bharati Academy |year=2020 |pages=Haritakyadi Varga, verse 77}}</ref>
<ref name="Tharakan2014">Tharakan, S. T., et al. "Evaluation of spasmolytic and bronchodilator activities of Trachyspermum ammi." Journal of Ethnopharmacology.</ref>
<ref name="Boskabady2014">{{cite journal |last1=Boskabady |first1=M. H. |last2=Alitaneh |first2=S. |last3=Alavinezhad |first3=A. |year=2014 |title=Carum copticum L.: a herbal medicine with various pharmacological effects |journal=BioMed Research International |volume=2014 |pages=569087 |doi=10.1155/2014/569087 |url=https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4096002}}</ref>
<ref name="Khosravi2009">Khosravi, A. R., et al. "In vitro antifungal activity of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil against dermatophytes." Mycoses.</ref>
<ref name="Gilani2005">{{cite journal |last1=Gilani |first1=A. H. |last2=Jabeen |first2=Q. |last3=Ghayur |first3=M. N. |last4=Janbaz |first4=K. H. |last5=Akhtar |first5=M. S. |year=2005 |title=Studies on the antihypertensive, antispasmodic, bronchodilator and hepatoprotective activities of the Carum copticum seed extract |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=98 |issue=1–2 |pages=127–135 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2005.01.017 |pmid=15763373 |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15763373/}}</ref>
<ref name="Boskabady2014">Boskabady, M. H., et al. "Bronchodilator and anticough effects of Trachyspermum ammi." Research Reports.</ref>
<ref name="Kazemi2015">{{cite journal |last=Kazemi |first=M. |year=2015 |title=Phenolic profile, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of Carum copticum L. essential oil |journal=Bulgarian Chemical Communications |volume=47 |issue=1 |pages=149–155 |url=https://hero.epa.gov/hero/index.cfm/reference/details/reference_id/3440018}}</ref>
<ref name="Javed2012">Javed, I., et al. "Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Trachyspermum ammi extracts." Phytotherapy Research.</ref>
}}
}}



Latest revision as of 06:15, 6 October 2026


Dipyaka
Section/Chapter Herb database/Dipyaka
Botanical name(s) Carum copticum Benth. & Hook
Family 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 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] Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague is regarded as a synonym of Carum copticum.[2]

English Name

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[3]

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 Kaphaj prameha (diabetes)
10 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/29 Used for making decoction in Kaphaj prameha (diabetes)
11 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/38 Trikantakadhya Tail/Ghrit in Vata-kaphaj 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 Kshar 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 activity of Trachyspermum ammi (Carum copticum) is mainly attributed to its essential oil. The oil composition varies with geographical origin: thymol is the main component of oil from south Indian plants (reported up to 97.9%), whereas carvacrol, γ-terpinene and p-cymene are the main components of oil from other regions.[2]

Therapeutic Efficacy & Modern Scientific Research

Modern pharmacological studies support several of the traditional uses of Trachyspermum ammi (Carum copticum):

1. Gastrointestinal and Antispasmodic Activity (Deepana & Pachana)

  • Traditional Use: Used for Gulma (abdominal lump), Adhmana (abdominal distention), Aruchi (anorexia) and Sula (colic pain).[1]
  • Scientific Evidence: The aqueous-methanolic seed extract inhibited K+-induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum and shifted Ca2+ dose-response curves to the right, similar to verapamil, indicating a calcium channel blocking (antispasmodic) effect.[4]

2. Antimicrobial Efficacy (Krumiroga)

  • Traditional Use: Employed in Krumi roga (worms / microbial infections).[1]
  • Scientific Evidence: The essential oil of Carum copticum and its main compounds have been reported to have antibacterial and antifungal activity, assessed by MIC and MBC methods.[5]

3. Respiratory Support (Swasa & Bronchodilation)

  • Traditional Use: Used in asthma and dyspnea (Swasa) and cough; the plant is described in traditional medicine as anti-asthmatic and anti-dyspneic.[2]
  • Scientific Evidence: The seed extract inhibited carbachol- and K+-induced contractions in isolated guinea-pig trachea and shifted the carbachol and histamine dose-response curves to the right, suggesting a non-specific bronchodilator effect possibly mediated through calcium channel blockade.[4] Bronchodilator effects of C. copticum have also been reviewed.[2]

4. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties

  • Scientific Evidence: The essential oil of Carum copticum showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory evaluation.[5]

5. Hepatoprotective and Antihypertensive Activity

  • Scientific Evidence: In rats, pretreatment with the seed extract (500 mg/kg orally) prevented the rise in serum ALP and aminotransferases induced by paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride, and the extract caused a dose-dependent fall in arterial blood pressure in anaesthetized rats (3–100 mg/kg).[4]

Summary of Therapeutic Profile

Therapeutic Applications of Trachyspermum ammi
Indication Active Biomolecules Primary Pharmacological Action
Gastrointestinal Colic / Flatulence Seed extract (calcium antagonist constituents) Antispasmodic (calcium channel blockade)[4]
Microbial / Fungal Infections Essential oil Antibacterial, antifungal[5]
Respiratory Disorders / Asthma Seed extract Bronchodilation, tracheal smooth muscle relaxation[4]
Inflammation / Oxidative Stress Essential oil Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory[5]

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. This is a classical rationale rather than a clinical finding.
  • Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
    • Fruit Powder (Churna): 1 – 3 g daily.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. I (Part I ed.). New Delhi: Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India. 1986. p. 02. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Boskabady, M. H.; Alitaneh, S.; Alavinezhad, A. (2014). "Carum copticum L.: a herbal medicine with various pharmacological effects". BioMed Research International. 2014: 569087. doi:10.1155/2014/569087. 
  3. ↑ Bhavamishra, Shri (2020). Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Edited by Padmashree Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar (Reprint ed.). Chaukhambha Bharati Academy. pp. Haritakyadi Varga, verse 77. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Gilani, A. H.; Jabeen, Q.; Ghayur, M. N.; Janbaz, K. H.; Akhtar, M. S. (2005). "Studies on the antihypertensive, antispasmodic, bronchodilator and hepatoprotective activities of the Carum copticum seed extract". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 98 (1–2): 127–135. PMID 15763373. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.01.017. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Kazemi, M. (2015). "Phenolic profile, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of Carum copticum L. essential oil". Bulgarian Chemical Communications. 47 (1): 149–155. 

Herbs

This article is under development ..