Yawani:

Phytochemistry:

The alcoholic extract was found to contain a highly hygroscopic saponin, with a hemolytic index of 500. A yellow, crystalline flavone (m.p. 291-94°) and a steroidal substance (m.p.140-50°) have also been isolated from the fruits1. The principal constituents of the essential oil from the fruits are the phenols, mainly thymol and some carvacrol. The Indian Pharmacopoeia requires ajowan oil to contain not less than 40 per cent thymol. The remainder of the oil is called thymene. Thymene, which constitutes c.45 per cent of the oil, has the following composition: p-cymene, 50-55; g-terpinene, 30-35; a- and ß-pinenes, 4-5; and dipentene, 4-6%. Presence of minute mounts of camphene, myrcene and D3-carene is also reported

PHARMACOLOGY:

The principal constituents of Bishops Weed oil are the phenols, mainly thymol and some carvacrol. Thymol is a powerful antiseptic and antifungal agent. It is an ingredient in deodorant, mouthwashes and toothpastes. The aqueous portion, left after the separation of the essential oil, is known as omum-water and is prescribed in flatulence and gripe, especially in children (Indian Medicinal Plants—An Illustrated Dictionary, C.P.Khare. 666. 2007).

Preliminary pharmacological studies of the oil indicated that it had a parasympathomimetic effect and produced contraction of the isolated ileum, tracheal chain and bronchial musculature in guinea pigs. It depressed the cardiac musculature in frogs and caused a marked fall in blood pressure in cats. On account of its low toxicity, further trials of the oil as an hypotensive agent are recommended. The drug also seems to possess some anti-diuretic effect

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