AJWAN

Synonym                                              :  Ajmodaka , Bishop’s seed .

Biological source                                  :  It consist of dried ripe fruits of Trychispermum-ammi Sprague .

Scientific name                                     :  Trychispermum-ammi Sprague .

Family                                                  :  Umbillifere .

Geographical distribution                       :  It is found in Egypt , Pakistan , Afganistan , India etc

Organoleptic / Morphological Evaluation :

i)  Colour                                  -      Yellowish-brown.

ii) Odour                                  -      Aggrecable .

iii) Taste                                   -      Aromatic , warm like Thymol ( Volatile-oil) .

iv) Size                                     -      1.7-3 mm long , 1.5 – 2.4 mm width and 0.5 – 1.5mm thick .

v)  Shape                                  -     Ovoid( egg-shaped) or Cordate ( heart-shaped) .

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Therapeutic Uses :

i)                    It is used as Carminative stimulant and spice .

ii)                   Oil is use to obtain thymol which posses anti-microbiasl activity , and it is used as anti-septic , anti-fungal , insecticide and antihelmintic .

iii)                 Seeds are used in Indigestion and Diarrhoea .

iv)                 It is also used in  preparing lotions and ointments in mouth-washes , tooth-paste and gargle .