Trachyspermum ammi
The Trachyspermum genus comprises over 15 known species and belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is distributed primarily throughout parts of the Northern Hemisphere, with a particular concentration in various regions across Asia.
Trachyspermum ammi Linn. is a highly branched annual herbaceous plant, typically reaching heights of 60 to 90 cm. It produces white actinomorphic flowers with a corolla composed of bilobed, five-petaled blooms and five stamens alternating with the petals. The ovary is inferior, and the stigma resembles a bud. The seeds are greyish-brown, oval-shaped, and flattened, measuring approximately 2 mm in length and 1.7 mm in width. Each mericarp exhibits five prominent ridges and six clearly defined vittae. The foliage features pinnate leaves with a single terminal leaflet and seven pairs of lateral leaflets.
Commonly referred to as “Bishop’s Weed” in English, “Kammun” in Arabic, and “Königskümmel” in German, T. ammi is one of the most important traditional medicinal plants and aromatic spices, widely used in culinary practices and aromatherapy across many global regions [1].
Historically, the plant has been employed in the treatment of various health conditions, including bronchial disorders, migraines, constipation, bloating, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, and intestinal parasitic infections [2].
The essential oil extracted from T. ammi seeds is notably rich in thymol, a powerful phenolic compound renowned for its antifungal, antimicrobial, and antispasmodic effects. Due to these active properties, the plant has long been recognized as a key anti-inflammatory agent in traditional medicine. Moreover, T. ammi has been associated with blood pressure-lowering effects, making it a natural therapeutic option for cardiovascular health management [3].
This plant also boasts a strong presence in the culinary world, especially in northern and northeastern Asia, where it is cultivated not only as a spice but also as a flavourful edible herb [3]. In addition to its aromatic use, it serves as a natural preservative due to its antimicrobial properties [4].
Chemically, T. ammi encompasses a diverse range of volatile and non-volatile compounds, including coumarins, phenolic glucosides, terpenoids, and phthalides. Its essential oil is predominantly composed of phenols (over 60% of its content) and monoterpenes.
Key components identified in the oil include:
- Thymol (40–60%)
- γ-Terpinene (20–35%)
- p-Cymene (20–30%)
- Carvacrol (5–10%)
Additionally, minor but significant non-phenolic constituents such as camphene and myrcene have also been detected in Ajowan seeds [5].
**Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Chemical Composition (%) some of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil from India and Iran:
|
|
India |
Iran |
|
Thymol |
40-48 |
40-60 |
|
Cymene |
20-25 |
15-20 |
|
γ-terpinene |
20-35 |
14-16 |
|
Eugenol |
up to 2 |
up to 2 |
|
β-pinene |
up to 2 |
up to 2 |
|
verbenol |
up to 1 |
trace |
Applications and Benefits Across Various Industries:
1- Pharmaceutical Industry
Ajwain essential oil holds considerable value in the pharmaceutical sector due to its potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic properties. Rich in thymol, it demonstrates strong efficacy against a range of bacterial strains such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as fungi like Candida albicans.
Key medicinal applications include:
-
- Treatment of skin infections, wounds, and oral diseases
- Used as a carminative and antispasmodic in digestive remedies to relieve bloating, gas, and stomach cramps by stimulating enzymatic activity
- Functions as a bronchodilator and decongestant, aiding in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, and persistent coughs
- Exhibits analgesic properties, making it effective in reducing joint and muscle pain when applied topically
2- Food and Beverage Industry
Ajwain oil is widely embraced in the food and beverage industry for its strong, pungent aroma and slightly bitter-spicy flavour. Its thymol content imparts a distinctive character to:
-
- Pickles, chutneys, sauces, and processed foods
- Acts as a natural preservative, thanks to its antimicrobial action, effectively extending shelf life by inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth
- Used in digestive tonics and herbal beverages to promote digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort
3- Cosmetic and Personal Care Industry
In the cosmetics and skincare realm, ajwain essential oil is favoured for its broad-spectrum antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is included in:
-
- Anti-acne products, serums, and creams to soothe rashes and skin irritations
- Antioxidant-rich formulations, helping fight free radical damage, diminish signs of ageing, and protect skin integrity
- Haircare products such as shampoos and scalp oils, supporting the treatment of dandruff, scalp infections, and promoting stronger hair growth by stimulating hair follicles
- Used in aromatherapy blends for stress relief, mental clarity, and relaxation, owing to its strong herbaceous scent
4- Agriculture and Pest Control Industry
Ajwain essential oil is increasingly recognised as an eco-friendly, plant-based pesticide. Its high thymol concentration renders it toxic to a variety of pests:
-
- Effective against mosquitoes and crop-damaging insects
- Provides a safer alternative to synthetic pesticides, supporting sustainable farming practices
- Exhibits antifungal properties, preventing plant diseases
- When diluted, it may act as a plant growth promoter, enhancing germination and crop resilience
5- Industrial Applications
In the industrial sector, ajwain oil is used in manufacturing:
-
- Disinfectants, surface cleaners, soaps, and detergents, where thymol provides powerful antimicrobial action
- Thymol-based products are suitable for high-hygiene settings such as hospitals, food processing units, and domestic environments
- In the fragrance industry, its unique aroma is blended with woody, spicy, or medicinal notes to create long-lasting, niche perfumes and diffusers
6- Medical and Alternative Health Uses
Ajwain oil plays a notable role in traditional and alternative medicine:
-
- Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, helping combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses
- Used to treat intestinal parasites and worms, supporting gut health
- In massage therapy, it helps relieve muscular tension, cramps, and joint stiffness
- Its use in inhalation therapy offers relief from nasal congestion, sinusitis, and respiratory discomfort
References
1- A. Wisetsai, R. Lekphrom and F. T. Schevenels, Natural product research 2018, 32, 2499.
2- M. A. Razzak, Int J Unani Integr Med 2020, 4, 19.
3- F. Siddiquie, F. Ahsan, T. Mahmood, M. A. Ahmad, A. Singh and S. Bano, Food Safety and Health 2024.
4- P. Ravindran, 'The encyclopedia of herbs and spices', CABI, 2017.
5- S. Masoudi, A. Rustaiyan, N. Ameri, A. Monfared, H. Komeilizadeh, M. Kamalinejad and J. Jamir-Roodi, Journal of essential oil research 2002, 14, 288.
