Cumin: Potential Health Benefits

Abstract

Cumin is an aromatic herb prepared from the dried seeds of the plant Cuminum cyminum L. (family Apiaceae). As a culinary ingredient, it is amajor constituent of curry powder, and as a spice, its popularity is considered second only to pepper. Therapeutic uses of cumin in traditional medicines date back millenia and include treatment for gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, and jaundice, as well as for hypertension, epilepsy, fever, childhood maladies, and gynecological and respiratory disorders. This narrative review summarizes recent human trials that assess its efficacy in relieving symptoms associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease and considers suggestions for future studies.