Centratherum anthelminticum (KALAJIRI): Benefits and Uses

All About KALAJIRI (Centratherum Anthelminticum):

Centratherum anthelminticum (KALAJIRI) Kuntze (Vernonia anthelmintica Willd.) is known as Kalajiri in India. It is black in colour and has a pungent bitter taste and cold in nature. It should be noted that Nigella sativa (Ranunculaceae), Bunium persicum Boiss, (Umbelliferae) and Centratherum anthelminticum (KALAJIRI) are all called as kalajiri or black cumin in India. There is a lot of ambiguity in local vernacular of black cumin as the above three species belong to diVerent families but all are called black Cumin or Kalajiri.

Centratherum anthelminticum (KALAJIRI) is an important medicinal plant and used in indigenous medicine or ayurvedic preparations in India. The seeds were reported to possess febrifugal, alterative, antihelminthic, antiphlegmatic, diuretic, antioxidant, and anti-hyperglycemic, antimicrobial and digestive stimulant. Bitter principle, novel steroids and antimalarial activity of Centratherum anthelminticum (KALAJIRI) seeds have been reported.

Used in various ayurvedic preparations and used in Asthma, Kidney troubles and cough.

It is a tonic, stomachic and cure phlegmatic discharge from the nostrils. It is also prescribed in leukoderma, psoriasis and other skin infections.

Centratherum anthelminticum (KALAJIRI) is developed a formulation of topical cream or ointment for enhancing general health and inhibiting chronic skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus, Urticaria, neurodermatitis, dryness, inflammation, irritation, rashes, papules, abrasions, and discoloration.

Kalijiri is used for the treatment of various diseases like as leucoderma, emetic, purgative, for asthma, kidney trouble, inflammatory swelling, itching of the eyes, abscesses, wound, intestinal colic, dysuria, snake bite and as a blood purifier.

The seeds are used as an anthelmintic against earthworm and tapeworm infestations. The seeds are also credited with tonic, stomachic and diuretic properties.

Centratherum anthelminticum (KALAJIRI) is very important in traditional medicine for the treatment of cough, diarrhea, and as a general tonic.

It is also known to exhibit antiasthmatic, alterative, antiphlegmatic, cardiac, diuretic, digestive and febrifugal properties. Kuntze may exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-implantation, insecticidal, antihelminthic, antifilarial and antipyretic activities.

The seeds of this plant have been reported for many pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, larvicidal, antiviral, antifungal, anticancer, anthelmintic, antioxidant, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, wound healing and antidiabetic effects.