Ayurvedic Significance of World‘s Ancient Spice, Trachyspermum ammi Linn. (Ajwain)

Medicinal plants have a significant role in maintaining the well-being of human kind. Trachyspermum ammi, commonly known as ‘Ajwain' in Hindi, is among the most ancient spices of the world. It is considered as the world's topmost herbal spice because of its economic significance and important applications in the drug industry. It has significant place in Ayurvedic pharmacopeia and also extensively used in many folkloric medication system of the world to treat variety of human ailments. The plant has a rich phytochemical profile consisting of many important phytochemicals including carvone, thymol, limonene, hygroscopic saponin, crystalline flavone and dillapiole which are associated with many important therapeutic activities like anti-bacterial, anti-ulcer, anti-platelet, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory etc. The main objective of the present study is to summarize the overall importance of Trachyspermum ammi in terms of its photochemistry and therapeutic uses