Talk:Jeeraka
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Jeeraka |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Cuminum cyminum L. |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | -- |
Cuminum cyminum L., popularly known as Jeeraka (Cumin), is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family Apiaceae. Its seeds are extensively used as a spice and a prominent medicinal herb in Ayurveda for treating various gastrointestinal ailments and metabolic disorders.
English name
Cumin seeds
Therapeutic Uses
Agnimandya (digestive impairment), Atisara (diarrhoea), Krumiroga (worms)[1]
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Jeeraka, Ajaji, Jirana, Kana, Kasmiri-jirak, Bahugandha
Varieties
Bhavprakasa nighantu
Mentioned 3 types of varieties[2]
- Jiraka
- Krishnajeeraka
- Kalajaji
Dhanvantari nighantu
Mentioned 4 types of varieties
- Jiraka
- Suklajiraka
- Krishnajirak
- Bruhatpali
Botanical Profile & Traditional Context
In traditional Ayurvedic texts, Jeeraka is classified under dipaniya (digestive stimulant) and pachana (carminative) groups. It helps balance Vata and Kapha doshas while promoting digestive fire (Agni).
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Pungent (katu) |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Hot (ushna) |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Pungent (katu) |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha) |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Pacify Kapha and Vata, Helps in digestion (Dipana and Pachana) |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/40 | Kalyanaka Guda |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/53 | Trivrritadi Modaka |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/58 | Hemantkalina Trivrit Yoga |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/1/43 | Ingredient in Vrushya Mahish Ras |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/4/16 | Ingredient in Vrushya Mahish Ras |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/4/21 | Ingredient in Vrushya Pupalika |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/142 | Ingredient in Yavani shadav |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/41 | Ingredient in Krishnadi Churna |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/55 | Ingredient in Chitrakadi Ghrita |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/60 | Ingredient in Jivantyadi Yavagu |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/103 | In treatment of Kaphaja udara roga(Generalized enlargement of Abdomen) |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/125 | As an ingredient of narayana churna |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/88 | As an ingredient of pancamuladhya ghrit evum churna |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/102 | In condition of chhardi,arsha,granthi,shoola |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/113 | Ajaji should be given with Marica, etc |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/27 | As a Ingridient of dipaniya and sangrahi gana |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/107 | As an ingredient of ajajyadi yoga dravya |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/78 | As an ingredient of Maha -Gandha hasti agada |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/95 | As an ingredient of Rishabhakadi agada |
| 20 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/231 | Used in the treatment of animals suffering with poison |
| 21 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/121 | Used as churna mixed with lavana & sneha in Vataja madatyaya |
| 22 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/177 | As an ingredient of Ashtanga lavana. (Kaphaja madatyaya) |
| 23 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/181 | Used as raga in kaphaja madatyaya |
| 24 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/183 | Used in pachana(digestive) |
| 25 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/22 | As an ingredient of 2nd Dviruttarahingvadi churna |
| 26 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/85 | As an ingredient of Pushkarmuladi yoga |
| 27 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/138 | Used in Vataja pratishyaya for Nasya karma |
| 28 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/216,217 | Used in Kavala (gargles/keeping thin paste of drugs in the mouth) in Arochaka. (anorexia) |
| 29 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/219 | Used in arochaka nashaka vati(Medicine for treatment of anorexia) |
| 30 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/54 | As an ingredient of Pippalyadi yoga |
Dose
1-3 gm of the drug in powder form[1]
Important Formulations
As per A.P.I.[1]
- Hingvadi churna
- Jirakadyarishta
- Jirakadi modak
Current availability
Available
- In India – Cultivated widely across India, with major production in Rajasthan and Punjab.
Phytochemical Composition
The therapeutic efficacy of Cuminum cyminum is attributed to its rich volatile oil and bioactive secondary metabolite profile, which includes:
- Volatile Oils: Cuminaldehyde, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, and β-pinene.
- Flavonoids & Polyphenols: Apigenin, luteolin, and various glycosides.
- Other Constituents: Fixed oils, proteins, and essential minerals.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Gastrointestinal and Carminative Effects
Jeeraka is traditionally and scientifically validated for its powerful carminative and digestive properties.
- Mechanism: It stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes and bile acids, enhancing nutrient absorption and relieving abdominal distension.
- Scientific Evidence: Experimental studies demonstrate that cumin extracts significantly reduce gastric acidity and protect against mucosal damage[3]
Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Properties
Modern pharmacological studies show that cumin helps manage blood glucose and lipid profiles.
- Mechanism: Its active constituents improve insulin sensitivity and exhibit antioxidant activity that protects pancreatic beta cells.
- Scientific Evidence: Research indicates that oral administration of cumin seed powder lowers fasting blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels in diabetic models[4]
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Actions
Cumin exhibits broad-spectrum activity against various bacterial and fungal strains.
- Mechanism: Essential oil components like cuminaldehyde disrupt microbial cell membranes, inhibiting pathogen growth.
- Scientific Evidence: In vitro evaluations confirm significant inhibitory zones against foodborne pathogens and multi-drug resistant strains[5]
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Acute Toxicity: Cumin is safe for culinary and therapeutic consumption with a high safety profile.
- Precautions: Use with caution in high Pitta conditions or excessive bleeding disorders due to its hot (ushna) potency.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
- Seed Powder (Churna): 1–3 g daily with warm water or honey[1].
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Indigestion / Agnimandya | Cuminaldehyde, Terpenes | Digestive stimulant, Carminative |
| Diarrhoea / Atisara | Tannins, Volatile oils | Astringent, Antimicrobial |
| Hyperglycemia | Polyphenols, Flavonoids | Insulin sensitization, Antioxidant |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 1 :34
- ↑ Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Haritakyadi varga, verse no.-81,82
- ↑ Johri, R. K. (2011). Cuminum cyminum and sa-jeera: a review of their antidiabetic, antioxidant and gastroprotective effects. *Pharmacognosy Reviews*, 5(9), 63–72.
- ↑ Jagtap, A. G., & Patil, P. B. (2010). Antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activity of Cuminum cyminum in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. *Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology*, 62(7), 917–923.
- ↑ Beigi, M., & Tavakoli, H. (2018). Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Cuminum cyminum essential oil. *Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants*, 21(4), 1052–1060.