A Monographic Profile on Quality Specifications for a Herbal Drug and Spice of Commerce- Cuminum cyminum L.

Abstract

Cuminum cyminum L. commonly known as ‘jeera’ in Hindi and ‘cumin’ in English is used as drug in Ayurvedic and Siddha System of medicine and common spice in food commodities. Dried seeds have carminative, stimulant and analgesic effect. Cumin is used as a carminative for stomach disorders , diarrhea and colic. Cumin is therapeutically support in promoting digestion and it is a superb addition to any formula when there is a compromised digestive system so it has long history of use in well established systems of medicines viz. Ayurveda and Siddha. Present communication deals with detailed pharmacognostic studies on powdered drug and review on different aspects pertaining to quality aspects of cumin.