6 Least Known Health Benefits Of Ajwain

Ajwain, also known as carom seeds, is an aromatic spice widely used in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine. Its scientific name is Trachyspermum ammi, and it belongs to the Apiaceae family. Ajwain seeds have a pungent and slightly bitter taste, resembling thyme and cumin, making them a popular ingredient in various dishes and herbal remedies.

Apart from its culinary applications, ajwain offers several potential health benefits due to its rich composition of active compounds, such as essential oils, thymol, and limonene.

While ajwain offers potential health benefits, it's important to note that individual results may vary, and it should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, it's always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using ajwain or any other herbal remedy.

# Fight bacteria and fungi

The inhibitory effects on bacterial and fungal growth demonstrated by thymol and carvacrol, two active compounds found in ajwain, are likely responsible for these outcomes. Research conducted in test tubes suggests that these compounds have the potential to combat harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella, which are known to cause food poisoning and various health conditions.

In particular, a test-tube study showed that carom seeds exhibited greater efficacy against drug-resistant strains of bacteria and fungi, including Candida albicans, Candida krusei, and Streptococcus mutans, when compared to other solvents.

It is important to note that further research is necessary to determine the specific impact of ajwain seeds on bacterial and fungal growth in humans.

# Improve cholesterol levels

Animal studies have provided evidence suggesting that the consumption of carom seeds may have the potential to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both of which are considered risk factors for heart disease.

In a study conducted on rabbits, the administration of carom seed powder resulted in a decrease in total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

Similarly, a study involving rats demonstrated that carom seed extract was effective in lowering total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, while also increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, which is beneficial for heart health.

However, it is important to note that in both of these studies, the effective doses of carom seed powder were higher than what would typically be consumed through a normal diet.

Further research is necessary to explore the potential impact of carom seeds on cholesterol levels in humans.

# May lower blood pressure

High blood pressure, known as hypertension, is a prevalent condition that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Conventional treatment methods typically involve the use of medications such as calcium-channel blockers, which function by preventing the entry of calcium into heart cells. This action promotes the relaxation and dilation of blood vessels, ultimately resulting in decreased blood pressure.

Certain studies suggest that thymol, a prominent constituent of carom seeds, may possess calcium-channel-blocking properties, potentially contributing to the reduction of blood pressure levels.

For instance, research conducted on rats demonstrates that the administration of carom seed extract leads to a decrease in blood pressure levels.

Nevertheless, the current body of research regarding the effectiveness of carom seeds in lowering blood pressure levels remains limited. Further studies are necessary to comprehensively understand the potential impact of these seeds on blood pressure in humans.

# Combats peptic ulcers and relieves indigestion

In Ayurvedic medicine, carom seeds are widely recognized and utilized as a household remedy for various digestive issues.

Several studies suggest that carom seed extract may possess properties that combat peptic ulcers, which are characterized by sores in the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.

For instance, a study conducted on rats over a two-week period observed that treatment with carom seed extract effectively improved stomach ulcers induced by ibuprofen. The results indicated that the extract's impact was comparable to that of a commonly prescribed medication used for treating peptic ulcers.

Moreover, carom seed extract shows potential in preventing and treating symptoms of gas and chronic indigestion. Chronic indigestion refers to persistent pain and discomfort in the upper part of the stomach, often associated with delayed stomach emptying.

Notably, studies on rats have demonstrated that carom seed spice can expedite the process of food passage through the stomach, which may help alleviate symptoms of indigestion. However, it is important to note that these findings have not been confirmed through human studies.

# May prevent coughing and improve airflow

Limited evidence suggests that carom seeds could potentially offer relief from coughing.

Although research on this topic is limited, one study conducted on guinea pigs discovered that carom seeds exhibited a greater anticoughing effect compared to codeine, a commonly prescribed medication for cough treatment.

Furthermore, carom seeds may have the ability to enhance airflow to the lungs. A study involving individuals with asthma found that administering 0.057–0.113 ml per pound (0.125–0.25 ml per kg) of body weight of carom seed extract resulted in increased lung airflow within 30–180 minutes after treatment. The observed effect was comparable to that of theophylline, a frequently prescribed medication for asthma.

However, it is crucial to note that additional research is necessary to gain a better understanding of how carom seeds specifically impact coughing and other respiratory symptoms in humans.

# Has anti-inflammatory effects

Inflammation can have both positive and negative effects on the body. Short-term inflammation is a natural defense mechanism that helps protect against illness or injury.

However, chronic inflammation can be detrimental to the body and increase the risk of certain diseases.

Carom seeds have been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties and have the potential to reduce inflammation within the body.

A study conducted on rats demonstrated that supplementation with carom seed extract resulted in significant anti-inflammatory effects.

Similarly, a recent study observed that rats with arthritis who were given carom seed extract for 21 days experienced improvements in inflammatory markers. This included reduced levels of elastase, an enzyme associated with inflammation.

Although further research is necessary, scientists have concluded that carom seed extract shows promise as a potential treatment for inflammatory diseases.