Talk:Dipyaka
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| 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]
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[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 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 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 *Sula* (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 (*Swasa*), 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.
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