Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) and Indigestion: evidence and sources

Background Trachyspermum ammi (commonly known as Ajwain), a medicinal plant of the Apiaceae family is scientifically acknowledged to harbor potential bioactive compounds for the treatment of gastrointestinal issues, loss of appetite, bronchial difficulties, cough, inflammation, diarrhoea, headache, hypertension, stomach discomfort, bronchitis and influenza. Candida albicans is generally a commensal fungus found in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. Objective This study was focused on secondary metabolites of T. ammi and its effects towards candidiasis infection as caused by C. albicans. Methods Phytochemical components of T. ammi as a crude extract were extracted through maceration method using three polar (ethanol, methanol and water) and two non-polar (chloroform and diethyl ether) solvents and subjected to 14 phytochemical tests. Further, the crude extract of T. ammi was analyzed over gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Evaluation of antimicrobial property of the extract was carried out by minimum fungal concentration (MFC) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). In addition, cell reduction assay was performed using flowcytometry to confirm the antifungal effect of Ajwain crude extract. Results The aqueous extract showed high presence of phytochemicals including alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, resins, steroids, tannins, inorganic acids, organic acids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, protein and coumarins. GCMS analysis revealed seven bioactive compounds, in which thymol was detected in significant amount in the chromatogram. FTIR performance showed the presence of various stretching vibration including OH, CH, CC, CO, CN and COC. However, the MFC and MIC of Ajwain extracts using different solvent showed that the methanolic extract possesses maximum antifungal efficacy at 250 μg/ml and 15.6 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, cell reduction assay exhibited significant cell reduction in Ajwain methanolic extract compared to the other crude extracts used in the study. Conclusion Overall, the findings revealed that Ajwain methanolic crude extract has antifungal activity against C. albicans; however, that further needs to be established at molecular level.

Background Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague is used for treating gastrointestinal disorders. Several studies indicated gastric antiulcer activity of T. ammi extract, yet the effect of its essential oil has not been studied on. Objectives The present study evaluates chemical composition of T. ammi essential oil and anti-peptic ulcer effect of the essential oil as well as its three major components in ethanol induced-gastric ulcers in rats. Methods Primarily chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Rats received the essential oil (500, 250, 125, 62.5, 31.25 mg/kg), thymol (30, 100 mg/kg), para-cymene (100, 150 mg/kg) and gamma-terpinene (100, 150 mg/kg) using gavage tube along with ethanol 80%. Finally, dissected stomachs were assessed both macroscopically and microscopically to evaluate anti-ulcerative effect of the essential oil and the pure compounds. Moreover, molecular docking was utilized to explore the interactive behavior of the main components with active site residues of H + /K + ATPase. Results Analysis of the essential oil indicated that para-cymene (37.18%), gamma-terpinene (35.36%) and thymol (20.51%) are the main components. Administration of different doses of the essential oil noticeably diminished the number of peptic ulcers in a dose-dependent manner. Among the main components, thymol was more potent than para-cymene and gamma-terpinene. Administration of the essential oil (500 mg/kg) and thymol (100 mg/kg) observed maximum inhibition percentage (98.58% and 79.37%, respectively). Molecular docking study provides the evidence of thymol ability to inhibit H + /K + ATPase. Conclusions The findings revealed that T. ammi essential oil can be applied to treat gastric ulcer as a natural agent. Graphical abstract.

Carum copticum L. commonly known as "Ajwain" is cultivated in many regions of the world including Iran and India, states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Traditionally, C. copticum has been used in the past for various therapeutic effects including bloating, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal tumors, abdominal pain, respiratory distress, and loss of appetite. It has other health benefits such as antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and hypolipidemic effects. This plant contains different important components such as carbohydrates, glucosides, saponins and phenolic compounds (carvacrol), volatile oils (thymol), terpiene, paracymene and beta-pinene, protein, fat, fiber, and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, iron, and nicotinic acid (niacin). In the previous studies, several pharmacological effects were shown for C. copticum. Therefore, in this paper, the pharmacological effects of the plant were reviewed.

Trachyspermum ammi commonly known as 'Ajwain' is distributed throughout India and is mostly cultivated in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The fruit possesses stimulant, antispasmodic and carminative properties and is used traditionally as an important remedial agent for flatulence, atonic dyspepsia, diarrhea, abdominal tumors, abdominal pains, piles, and bronchial problems, lack of appetite, galactogogue, asthma and amenorrhoea. Medicinally, it has been proven to possess various pharmacological activities like antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, cytotoxic, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, broncho-dilating actions, antilithiasis, diuretic, abortifacient, antitussive, nematicidal, anthelmintic and antifilarial. Further, studies reveal the presence of various phytochemical constituents mainly carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, phenolic compounds, volatile oil (thymol, γ-terpinene, para-cymene, and α- and β-pinene), protein, fat, fiber and mineral matter containing calcium, phosphorous, iron and nicotinic acid. These studies reveal that T. ammi is a source of medicinally active compounds and have various pharmacological effects; hence, it is encouraging to find its new therapeutic uses.