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Health Benefits of

ajwain

Also called Trachyspermum ammi, ajwain originated in Egypt and is now grown in Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. Ajwain not only serves as an important culinary ingredient but is also a part of traditional medicine. [1] A wide variety of therapeutic uses of ajwain is discussed in the following sections.  

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Ajwain for Facial
Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a pilosebaceous unit disorder characterized by the appearance of non-inflammatory comedones as well as inflammatory papules on the trunk, neck, and face. Antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of ajwain are essential for topical treatment of acne vulgaris. The main components of ajwain include thymol, gamma-terpinene, and para-cymene. Topical application of ajwain gel results in a reduction of inflammatory lesions and red spots on the facial skin. Consistent use of ajwain gel also leads to a reduction in sebum production and increases the pH of the skin. Alpha-pinene of ajwain has antimicrobial activity and protects the skin against infection of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Propionibacterium acnes. Thymol and carvacrol of ajwain demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting the production and release of inflammatory mediators. [2]

Ajwain for Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is usually not responsive to over-the-counter drugs and conventional treatments. 10% ajwain essential oil cream has proven to be beneficial for alleviating neuropathic pain and associated symptoms that include allodynia, numbness, and tingling. This topical treatment is safe as compared to other topical formulations and produces no adverse side effects. [3]

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Figure 2 demonstrates a reduction in size and quantity of red spots in treatment of acne with topical ajwain gel http://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_104701_6ea4369261fb73556e253bede2abdf45.pdf

Ajwain Promotes Wound Healing

Thymol and terpinene are two major constituents of ajwain essential oil that are responsible for accelerating wound healing and reducing the risk of bacterial infections of the wounds. Individuals who are treated with ajwain essential oil demonstrate approximately 99% wound contraction on the 15th day of treatment. Topical treatment with ajwain essential oil is free of any adverse effects and does not cause skin irritation, erythema, or edema of the skin. [4]

Ajwain for Reducing Arthritis Pain

Joint pain is a common health condition among older and obese individuals. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ajwain essential oil are effective for alleviating joint pain in older adults. Kaleeswari et al. conducted a study to assess the analgesic effects of inunction of ajwain essential oil on joint pain. Study participants reported a significant reduction in joint pain. [5]

Ajwain for Toothache

Ajwain has germicidal and antibacterial properties that protect from bacterial infections, inhibit the formation of biofilm, and alleviate toothache. [6]

Ajwain for Fungal Infections

Ajwain oil demonstrates antifungal properties against filamentous fungi that include Aspergillus niger and Curvularia lunata. Compounds responsible for this activity include thymol, p-cymene, beta-pinene, and gamma-terpinene. Ajwain oil is also effective against Candida albicans infection as it inhibits biofilm formation, suppresses fungal growth, and causes membrane inhibition. [7]

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