Introduction: 

A member of the Asteraceae family, Kalijiri or black cumin (scientifically known as Centratherum anthelminticum or Vernonia anthelmintica) is a tall, sturdy leafy plant with wide distributions across the country.

Renowned for its wide use in culinary practices, Kalijiri has been acknowledged as a prominent medicinal plant with its acceptance reported in the traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda and Unani for management of diverse physiological conditions such as cough, diarrhoea, asthma, kidney troubles and inflammation.

Characterised by a bitter taste, the black cumin seeds are known to possess numerous therapeutic as well as pharmacological activities.^1,2,3

Chemical Composition of Kalijiri: 

With respect to the chemical composition, this plant is mainly composed of glycosides, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds and sterols.^4,5,6 The seeds of this plant comprise fixed oil (18%), volatile oil (0.02%) and flavonoids that are known to control the neuropharmacological plant activity.^7,8  

Therapeutic Uses of Kalijiri: 

• Kalijiri is a vital source of various compounds and is used extensively in the management of cough, fever and diarrhoea.¹
• In accordance with Ayurveda, Kalijiri seeds play a critical role in managing ulcers, skin disease and leucoderma.⁹
• The seeds are also used for dealing with asthma, kidney troubles and inflammation.^9,10  

Benefits of Kalijiri : 

1. Anti-inflammatory Benefits of Kalijiri: 

The anti-inflammatory activity of the petroleum ether and alcoholic extracts of the Kalijiri seeds in rat models has been well documented.^1,9  

Read More – Top 10 Anti-Inflammatory Foods You Can Eat

2. Antidiabetic Benefits of Kalijiri: 

• Significant hypoglycaemic effects were observed in streptozotocin and alloxan-induced diabetic rat models that were exposed to the ethanolic extract of the Kalijiri seeds.^9,11
• Management of diabetic rats using Kalijiri seeds deemed fruitful owing to reduced complications like thirst, fatigue and irritation over the standard drug, glibenclamide.¹² 

Read More – 10 Effective Home Remedies For Diabetes!

3. Anthelmintic Benefits of Kalijiri: 

Kalijiri seeds have demonstrated great anthelmintic activity in terms of expelling distinct parasitic worms out of the body and subsequently leading to significant results in deworming among children and adults.¹² 

4. Anticancer Benefits of Kalijiri: 

The chloroform fraction and acetone extracts of the Kalijiri seeds have shown antiproliferative properties and cytotoxic effects along with inhibition of the tumour necrosis factor through activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B response.^1,9 

5. Antimicrobial Benefits of Kalijiri: 

Significant inhibitory effects of methanolic as well as acetone extracts of the Kalijiri seeds were observed against various gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial and fungal agents.^9,12  

6. Benefits of Kalijiri Due to Antifilarial Activity: 

The alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the Kalijiri seeds have demonstrated antifilarial activities against the parasitic roundworm Setaria cervi.^1,8,12 

7. Benefits of Kalijiri Due to Antioxidant Activity: 

• Significant antioxidant activity has been demonstrated by the methanolic and aqueous extracts of the Kalijiri seeds against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate and (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radicals.^1,12 
• Research indicated that the antioxidant property of the seeds was controlled by the phenolic compounds present within the seeds, as highlighted by a significant correlation between the two.¹² 

Also Read – Kaunch Beej: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More!

8. Benefits of Kalijiri Due to Immunomodulatory Activity: 

Suppression of Rh”incompatibility of pregnant females was observed through the oral administration of the Kalijiri seeds, which presented with no harmful steroids.¹⁰ 

9. Benefits of Kalijiri Due to Melanogenesis Activity: 

Flavonoids from the Kalijiri seeds have been found to stimulate melanogenesis in human epidermal melanocytes.⁹ Subsequently, these flavonoids proved effective against vitiligo, also known as leukoderma, which is characterised by the impaired function of melanocytes.¹² 

10. Benefits of Kalijiri For Wound Healing: 

Histological studies have demonstrated the wound healing activity of the Kalijiri seeds that were found to exhibit reduced scar formation and enhanced healing properties in terms of angiogenesis (i.e. formation of new blood vessels).¹² 

11. Benefits of Kalijiri Due to Larvicidal Activity: 

The petroleum ether extract of the Kalijiri fruit and leaves is known to exhibit significant larvicidal activity in efforts to control the Anopheles mosquito larvae.¹² 

12. Benefits of Kalijiri for Skin:  

Skin formulations in the form of a topical ointment have been developed from a variety of plant extracts, including the Kalijiri seeds. This ointment has been used to manage chronic skin conditions like eczema, lichen planus and psoriasis.¹³ 

Studies show that Kalijiri has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic benefits. Due to these properties, it may be useful in managing various inflammatory conditions.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Read More – 16 Simple Home Remedies for Glowing Skin!

How to Use Kalijiri? 

• Seeds: Kalijiri seeds ground into powder can be used externally. Ethanol extract of the seeds has exhibited smooth muscle stimulant and spermicidal activity.^8,14 The decoction of seeds is used to manage gonorrhoea, dysentery and helminths. It also aids with symptoms of indigestion and promotes weight loss through the use of methi seeds and Ajwain. The paste of the seeds, on the other hand, is externally applied to help in the healing of scorpion stings.¹⁰  
• Roots: Roots of Kalijiri have proved effective in managing stomach aches, ulcers and cough.¹⁴   
• Flowers: The purgative flowers of Kalijiri help in normalising bowel movements and subsequently aid in dealing with indigestion.¹⁴ 
• Leaves: Extracted juice from the leaves help in managing phlegmatic discharges from nostrils.¹⁰ Extract from the Kalijiri leaves possess wound healing properties due to the presence of flavonoids.¹² 

Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the form and dosage as per your health condition. 

Also Read: What is Black Seed Oil Good For: Exploring Research-Backed Benefits

Side Effects of Kalijiri: 

 Limited scientific literature is available pertaining to the side effects of Kalijri. Hence, further research studies are warranted to examine the long-term side effects of this medicinal plant.¹⁵ Data collected up to this point has indicated that the crude extracts of the Kalijiri seeds are safe to use as far as acute dosing is concerned.¹⁵ 

Kalijiri has many medicinal properties. It includes properties like analgesic, antipyretic, anti-microbial, etc. Some studies reported that when Kalijiri is used with anti-anxiety compounds like diazepam, it may be able to reduce anxiety more significantly.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Precautions to Take With Kalijiri:  

Keep the following points in mind: 

• Oral administration of the Kalijiri seeds have revealed suppression of Rh”incompatibility in pregnant females, highlighting the immunomodulatory activity of Kalijiri with no report of harmful steroids and its overall safe use.¹⁰ 
• No scientific literature is available regarding the safe consumption of Kalijiri during breastfeeding. Consultation with a doctor would be advisable with regards to its use and dosage. 

Also Read – Kalmegh: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More!

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Also Read: 15 Everyday Benefits Of Jeera Water That You Should Know!

References: 

1. Looi CY, Arya A, Cheah FK, Muharram B, Leong KH, Mohamad K, et.al. Induction of Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells via Caspase Pathway by Vernodalin Isolated from Centratherum anthelminticum (L.) Seeds. PLoS ONE. 2013;8(2). 

2. Manvar MN & Desai TR. Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Investigations on Vernonia anthelmintica Willd. Planta Activa. 2012;4. 

3. Ani V, & Naidu KA. Antihyperglycemic activity of polyphenolic components of black/bitter cumin Centratherum anthelminticum (L.) Kuntze seeds. European Food Research and Technology. 2008;226(4):897–903.  

4. Bhatia D, Gupta MK, Gupta A, Singh M & Kathiwas G. Pharmacognostical studies on seeds of Centratherum anthelminticum Kuntze. Natural Product Radiance. 2008;7(4):326-329. 

5. Arya A, Achoui M, Cheah SC, Abdelwahab SI, Narrima P, Mohan S, et.al. Chloroform fraction of Centratherum anthelminticum (L.) seed inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha and exhibits pleotropic bioactivities: Inhibitory role in human tumor cells. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (2012).  

6. Bhatia D, Gupta MK, Bharadwaj A, Pathak M, Kathiwas G & Singh M. Anti-Diabetic Activity of Centratherum anthelminticum Kuntze on alloxan induced diabetic rats. Pharmacologyonline. 2008;3:1-5. 

7. Ghosi A, Pyathi AR, Sharma T, & Pandey R. Exploring the Anti-anxiety activity of Centratherum anthelminticum. International Journal of Pharmacy & Life Sciences. 2017;8(10):5586–5591. 

8. Patel VP, Hirpara M, & Suthar MP. In vitro screening for antibacterial activity of various extract of Centratherum anthelminticum seeds. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology. 2012;2(1):1-4. 

9. Manvar MN & Desai TR. Vernonia anthelmintica Willd.: An Overview on Phytopharmacological Properties. Inventi Rapid: Ethnopharmacology. 2012;4.  

10. Patel Alpa K & Bhalerao SA. Ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacological evaluation of Vernonia anthelmintica (l.) willd.: an overview. Asian Journal of Science and Technology. 2017;8(10):258-6262. 

11. Mudassir HA & Qureshi SA. Centratherum anthelminticum minimizes the risk of insulin resistance in fructose-induced type 2 diabetes. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2015;5(4):074–078.  

12. Paydar M, Moharam B, Wong Y, Looi C, Wong W, Nyamathull S, Pandy V, Kamalidehg B and Arya A, 2013. Centratherum anthelminticum (L.) Kuntze a Potential Medicinal Plant with Pleiotropic Pharmacological and Biological Activities. International Journal of Pharmacology. 2013;9(3):211-226. 

13. Amir F, & Yen Chin K. The Chemical Constituents and Pharmacology of Centratherum anthelminticum. International Journal of PharmTech Research. 2011;3(3):1772-1779. 

14. Srivastava A, Bartarya R, Tonk S, Srivastava SS & Kumari KM. Larvicidal activity of an indigenous plant, Centratherum anthelminticum. Journal of Environmental Biology. 2008;29(5):669-672. 

15. Dogra N, Kumar S & Kumar D. Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd.: An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2020;256:112777. 

16. Chandanshive A, Dhokare S, Shah S & Patil S. Phyto and Physicochemical screening of Methi Ajwain Churna. International Journal of Advanced Research in Biological Sciences. 2020;7(6):34-43. 

Also Read – Jatamansi: Uses, Benefits, Precautions & More!

Disclaimer:

The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.