Comparative Studies on Quality Assessment of Trachyspermum Ammi Linn. Seeds Collected from Different locations of Punjab State

Ayurveda, the science of life, deals with the holistic view of healthy living. It emphasizes on prevention as well as treatment of various disease conditions through holistic approach. Since ancient times, several diseases have been treated by administration of plant material based on traditional method and approaches. Investigation of traditionally used medicinal plants is thus valuable on two levels, firstly, as a source of potential chemotherapeutic drugs, and secondly, as a measure of safety for the continued use of medicinal plants. The seeds of Trachyspermum ammi Linn. are being used in traditional folk medicines for the treatment of various gastro-intestinal and inflammatory disorders. It is a bitter, aromatic, thyme like aroma warming herb, and possesses tonic, diuretic, and expectorant properties. It relaxes spasms, improves digestion, increases perspiration and is a strong antiseptic. Physicochemical studies on various parameters like total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, ethanol soluble extractive value, water soluble extractive value, loss on drying, pH, TLC reveal specific identities for the crude drug which will be useful in identification and help in controlling adulterations.