selected medicinal plants - World Health Organization

WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants
pyranocoumarin visnadin (0.3%). Essential oil contains camphor,
α-terpineol and linalool, among others, and also fi xed oil (up to 18%)
(6, 8, 13–15, 18, 19). Representative structures are presented below.
Medicinal uses
Uses supported by clinical data
None.
Uses described in pharmacopoeias and well established documents
As an antispasmodic, muscle relaxant and vasodilator (1).
Uses described in traditional medicine
Treatment of mild anginal symptoms. Supportive treatment of mild obstruction
of the respiratory tract in asthma, bronchial asthma or spastic
bronchitis, and postoperative treatment of conditions associated with the
presence of urinary calculi. Treatment of gastrointestinal cramps and
painful menstruation (6). Internally as an emmenagogue to regulate menstruation,
as a diuretic, and for treatment of vertigo, diabetes and kidney
stones (8).
Pharmacology
Experimental pharmacology
Antimicrobial activities
A 50% acetone, 50% aqueous or 95% ethanol extract of Fructus Ammi
Visnagae inhibited the growth of the fungus Neurospora crassa in vitro
26
O
H 3 C
H
R3
R1
H3C H3C O
O
CH3 O
O
H
H
R2
visnadin
O
O CH 3
O O O
ammiol
khellin
khellinin
khellinol
khellol
visnagin
R1 R2 R3
OCH3 OCH3 OCH 3
OH
H
OCH3 O-Glc
OH H
OCH 3
OH
H
OCH3 OCH3 H
OCH 3
H
H
Glc =
HO
HO
OH
O
OH
β-D-glucopyranosyl