Aranya Jeeraka
Centratherum anthelminticum
Aranya Jeeraka (Centratherum anthelminticum) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Wild cumin Aranya Jeeraka, potentially Cuminum cyminum var. or Vernonia anthelmintica depending on tradition) — volatile oil constituents are well absorbed. Cuminaldehyde (if Cuminum) shows rapid GI absorption.
| Botanical name | Centratherum anthelminticum |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. V: VANYAJIRAKA (Fruit) |
| Also called | Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd. (nomenclatural synonym) Baccharoides anthelmintica (L.) Moench (nomenclatural synonym) Cuminum cyminum L. (attribution recorded without a cited source) Carum carvi L. (attribution recorded without a cited source) |
| Currently accepted name | Baccharoides anthelmintica (L.) Moench — the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Asteraceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Asterales |
| Also known as | Aranya Jeeraka, AranyaJeeraka |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3087257 · Wikidata Q50840345 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Aranya Jeeraka |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Tikta | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Tikshna | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (seed powder), Capsule, Tablet, Arka (distillate), Essential oil (for external use)
Standard Dosage: 1-3g seed powder twice daily; 500mg extract capsule; 2-5 drops essential oil diluted for external use
Bioavailability: Moderate oral bioavailability. Wild cumin (Aranya Jeeraka|Aranya Jeeraka, potentially Cuminum cyminum var. or Vernonia anthelmintica depending on tradition) — volatile oil constituents are well absorbed. Cuminaldehyde (if Cuminum) shows rapid GI absorption. Terpene compounds cross biological membranes effectively due to lipophilicity.
Optimal Timing: After meals with warm water for digestive support; before meals for appetite stimulation
Standardized Extract: Seed extract standardized to minimum 2% volatile oil. If Cuminum: cuminaldehyde content minimum 25% in essential oil. TLC fingerprint for batch-to-batch quality.
Shelf Life: 2 years (whole seeds); 1 year (powder due to volatile loss); 3 years (capsules in sealed packaging); 3 years (essential oil)
Storage: Seeds stored whole in airtight containers at room temperature. Essential oil in amber glass bottles. Powder in nitrogen-flushed packaging.
Marker Compounds: Cuminaldehyde, Cuminol, p-Cymene, Beta-pinene, Gamma-terpinene, Limonene
Extraction Methods
- Steam distillation for essential oil (yield 2-4%)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) for non-volatile constituents
- Supercritical CO2 for terpenoid enrichment
- Aqueous decoction for traditional preparation
Synergistic Combinations
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