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Synonym: Jira
Biological source: It consists of dried ripe fruits of Cuminum cyminum belonging to family Umbelliferae.
Geographical source: it is indigenous to Nile territory. It is cultivated in Morocco, Sicily, India, Syria and China.
Macroscopic characters:
Colour: Brown coloured, ridges are light in colour.
Odour: Characteristic and aromatic
Taste: Characteristic and aromatic
Shape: elongated and tapering at both ends, Cremocarps generally separate. Each mericarp is having five longitudinal ridges. Alternating with these are secondary ridges which are flat and bear conspicuous emergences.
Size: 4 to 6 mm in length and about 2 mm thick
Cuminaldehyde
Phellandrene
Chemical constituents:
Cumin fruits contain 2.5-4% volatile oil, 10 % fixed oil and protein. Volatile oil mainly consists of 30-50% cuminaldehyde, small quantities of α-pinene, β-pinene, phellandrene, cuminic alcohol, hydrated cuminaldehyde and hydro cuminine.
Uses:
It is used as stimulant, carminative, and also in diarrhea and dyspepsia.
References:
1. Trease D. & Evans W.C.: Text Book of Pharmacognosy: W.B. Saunders.
2. Tyler V. E. Brady L. R. & Robbers J. E.: Pharmacognosy; Lea Feibger, USA.
3. Wallis T. E.; Text Book of Pharmacognosy; CBS Publishers, Delhi.
4. Kokate C. K., Purohit A. P. & Gokhale S. B.: Pharmacognosy; Nirali Publications, Pune.
5. Harbone J. B.: Phytochemical Methods: A guide to modern techniques Analysis: Chapman & Hall, London.
6. Bruneton J.: Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants: Intercept Limited.
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