Toxicity studies of trachyspermum ammi(L) sprague ex turrill and its Smooth muscles effects

Abstract

Spices are utilized for the treatment of different disorders since the ancient age. Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi, family Apiaceae, commonly known as ajowan) is an annual herb and iswidely distributed in Pakistan. It is one of the spices that is used traditionally to relieve certain complaints. It is also used world-wide as a flavoring agent in curries, pickles, sauces and cakes. The seeds of the ajowan are widely used for medicinal purpose. Major active constituents of T. ammi are thymol, p-cymene and γ-terpinene. The present study is conducted to find out the effect of T. ammi on gastrointestinal tract. The in-vitro study was conducted on rabbit jejunum. The volatile oil of T. ammi seed extract produced interesting effects on intestinal smooth muscles. Anti-diarrhoeal effect was observed at different concentrations of seed extract of T. ammi. Absence of insect infestation and contamination has become an important consideration in storage of grain and to maintain a high quality product. Toxicity of T. ammi was assayed by performing insecticidal and wormicidal activity. Insecticidal activity was determined on Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus oryzae at different concentrations, that is, 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100mg. 100%mortalitywas obtained at concentrations 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg and no effectwas observed at lowconcentration. Wormicidal potential was determined on earth worm (Lumbricus terrestris). The extract of T. ammi has no toxicity at low doses, so it can be utilized safely in the treatment of diarrhoea.