PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF AMMI VISNAGA (APIACAE)

Abstract

Ammi visnaga (bisnaga, toothpick weed or khella) belongs to the family Apiaceae and it is a herbaceous medicinal plant. It is found mainly in the Mediterranean regions and also distributed abundantly throughout the world as introduced species. Many times, A. visnaga is weed as well as used in many countries as herbal medicine for different purposes. Ancient records reveal various medicinal properties of A. visnaga as a popular source to cure variety of different ailments. The plant is used directly as a herb or as a component for production of a number of herbal medicines used in the cure of renal colic, ureteric stones, angina pectoris, the coronary vessels, cardiovascular disorders and asthma. Also it is used as a folk medicine for vitiligo and psoriasis. This review highlights the commonly recognized medicinal uses of A. visnaga, its chemistry and ethnobotanical uses and will also serve as ready reference for future research.