# Cumin Herb

> Cumin Herb (Cuminum cyminum) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Cumin|Cumin herb (aerial parts) is less commonly used than seeds but has traditional applications. Bioavailability: Aerial parts of Cuminum cyminum contain lower essential oil content than seeds but higher chlorophyll and flavonoid content.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Cuminum cyminum

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Cumin_Herb |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (fresh juice), Churna (dried herb powder), Kashayam (decoction), Lepa (paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 5-10ml fresh juice; 2-4g dried herb powder twice daily; 30-50ml decoction. [Cumin](/herb/cumin/) herb (aerial parts) is less commonly used than seeds but has traditional applications.

**Bioavailability:** Aerial parts of Cuminum cyminum contain lower essential oil content than seeds but higher [chlorophyll](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chlorophyll) and flavonoid content. Volatile compounds present in leaves differ from seed profile—more monoterpene hydrocarbons, fewer aldehydes. Flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) show moderate oral bioavailability (20-30%). Fresh juice provides best volatile bioavailability. Limited modern pharmacokinetic data on aerial parts specifically.

**Optimal Timing:** With meals for digestive support; fresh juice before meals; decoction between meals

**Standardized Extract:** Herb extract standardized to total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) NLT 3%; total phenolics NLT 5%. Fresh juice lyophilisate preferred for maximum activity.

**Shelf Life:** 3-5 days (fresh herb); 18 months (dried herb powder); 2 years (capsule)

**Storage:** Fresh herb refrigerated. Dried material in airtight, light-protected containers. Cool, dry conditions.

**Marker Compounds:** [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), [Luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin), [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), Chlorogenic acid, Caffeic acid, Gamma-terpinene, Para-cymene, Chlorophyll a and b

### Extraction Methods

- Fresh herb juice extraction
- Aqueous decoction of dried aerial parts
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50) for phenolic compounds
- Steam distillation for herb essential oil (very low yield: 0.1-0.3%)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Coriander](/herb/coriander/) leaves for digestive and cooling combinations
- With [Pudina](/herb/pudina/) (mint) for carminative formulations
- With [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) for respiratory support
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory preparations

---

Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/cumin-herb/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.