Zeera siyah (Carum carvi Linn.): A culinary spice and an important drug of unani medicine

Abstract

Traditional medicine is the source of primary health care due to its cultural acceptability and better compatibility with the human body and lesser side effects. Zeera siyah (Carum carvi) a famous culinary spice is an important medicinal plant in the Unani system of medicine (USM) due to its multiple therapeutic properties. In USM, the pharmacological actions of Zeera siyah are Hazim (Digestive), Muqawwi-e-Meda (Stomachic), Kasir-i-Riyah (Carminative), Qabiz (Astringent), Mukhrij-i-Didan-i-Shikam’ (Vermifuge), Muqawwi-i-Jigar (Hepatotonic) etc. Carum carvi is reported for its Diuretic Activity, Hepatoprotective Activity, Antioxidant Activity, Antihyperlipidemic Activity, Anticancer activity etc. This study explores the pharmacological, phytochemical and therapeutic properties of Carum carvi Lin. A number of pharmacological activities mentioned in Unani medicine are validated and many activities need further exploration owing to immense therapeutic scope in this drug.