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Ajowan (Ajwain)

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Synonyms: Carum copticum

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Biological source

Botanical name: Trachyspermum ammi

Part used: dried ripe fruit

Family: Umbelliferae (Apiaceae)

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Geographical source

  • Native of Egypt.
  • Grown through, India,Mediterranean region and in south west Asian countries like Iraq, Afghanistan etc

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Macroscopical features

Color: brown

Odor:aromatic

Taste: spicy

Shape: ovoid and laterally compressed

Size: 1.7-3 mm long and 1.5-2.4 mm wide

Other features:

  • Each mericarp has five narrow primary ridges.
  • Top of cremocarp possess a bifid stylopod.

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Microscopical features

(similar to that of Fennel)

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Chemical constituents

Contain 2-4 % volatile oil

Main constituents are Thymol (25-60%), carvacrol, p-cymene, terpinene, alpha pinene, beta pinene etc

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Uses

  • Carminative, antispasmodic, antidiarrheal, antiseptic
  • Also useful as expectorant in respiratory complaints.
  • Used as ingredient in several Pharmaceutical formulations.