# Jeeraka

> Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family. Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; recognized in multiple national pharmacopoeias; FDA GRAS status; Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia documents both Shweta (white) and Krishna (black) Jeeraka.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Cuminum cyminum L.
- **Family:** Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; recognized in multiple national pharmacopoeias; FDA GRAS status; Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia documents both Shweta (white) and Krishna (black) Jeeraka

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Jeeraka |
| Latin/Botanical | *Cuminum cyminum L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Cuminaldehyde](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cuminaldehyde) (19.9-64.31% - primary bioactive)
- Gamma-terpinene
- Beta-pinene
- P-cymene
- [Safranal](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#safranal)
- [Cuminol](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cuminol)
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), [luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin))
- Phenolic acids
- Iron (significant dietary source)
- Calcium and [magnesium](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#magnesium)

## How does it work?

- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) mechanism through cuminaldehyde-mediated inhibition of alpha-glucosidase enzyme and enhancement of insulin secretion, with improvement of peripheral [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) disposal
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) mechanism through cuminaldehyde disruption of bacterial membrane permeability and synergistic enhancement of conventional antibiotics (vancomycin, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin)
- Anti-inflammatory mechanism through inhibition of NF-kB pathway activation and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6), mediated by cuminaldehyde and flavonoid constituents

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Digestive and carminative properties extensively validated through clinical studies, confirming premier Ayurvedic use as Deepaniya (appetizer) and Pachaniya (digestive) herb
- Antidiabetic activity validated through clinical trials showing improvement in glycemic parameters, confirming traditional use in metabolic disorders
- [Hypolipidemic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hypolipidemic) effects validated through clinical studies showing reduction in total cholesterol and triglycerides, supporting traditional cardiovascular applications

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Singh N, Yadav SS, Kumar S and others 2021. [A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical research of dietary spice Cuminum cyminum L](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33893678/). *Phytotherapy research : PTR*. PMID [33893678](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33893678/) · [doi:10.1002/ptr.7133](https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7133)  
  Comprehensive clinical and preclinical evidence review documenting [cumin](/herb/cumin/)'s efficacy in metabolic disorders, diabetes management, hyperlipidemia, and weight management.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Widely consumed spice with GRAS status and excellent safety profile at culinary doses; concentrated [cumin](/herb/cumin/) oil may cause photosensitivity in some individuals
- High-dose cuminaldehyde supplementation may interact with antidiabetic and anticoagulant medications; fertility effects have been reported in animal studies at very high doses; standard dietary consumption is safe

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Cuminaldehyde
- Safranal
- Cuminol
- Flavonoids
- Apigenin
- Luteolin
- Magnesium
- Gamma-terpinene
- Beta-pinene
- P-cymene
- 

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Essential oil, Jeerakadyarishta (fermented preparation), Kashayam (decoction), [Arka](/herb/arka/) (distillate)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder daily (culinary use); 300-600mg extract twice daily; 15-30ml Arishta; 15-30ml [Arka](/herb/arka/)

**Bioavailability:** Cuminum cyminum ([cumin](/herb/cumin/)) contains cuminaldehyde (4-isopropylbenzaldehyde) as primary volatile marker with rapid oral absorption (Tmax ~1 hour). Cuminaldehyde bioavailability ~50-60%. Flavonoids ([apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), luteolin) have moderate bioavailability. [Cumin](/herb/cumin/) enhances bioavailability of co-administered drugs/herbs via CYP modulation and increased GI motility. Essential oil components readily absorbed via GI tract and inhalation.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for digestive support; Jeerakadyarishta after meals with equal water

**Standardized Extract:** Essential oil standardized to minimum 40% cuminaldehyde; hydroalcoholic extract standardized to 1% cuminaldehyde and 2% total [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols); CO2 extract for flavor applications

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (whole seeds); 1 year (ground powder); 3 years (essential oil, sealed); 3 years (Arishta); 3 years (capsule/tablet)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C. Whole seeds far more stable than ground. Ground cumin in nitrogen-flushed or vacuum-packed containers. Essential oil in amber glass.

**Marker Compounds:** Cuminaldehyde (4-isopropylbenzaldehyde), Cuminol, Gamma-terpinene, Beta-pinene, p-Cymene, [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), Luteolin

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation (essential oil, 2-5% yield)
- Supercritical CO2 extraction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) for phenolic-enriched extract
- Aqueous decoction (traditional Jeeraka Kashayam)
- Fermentation (Jeerakadyarishta - classical Ayurvedic preparation)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Saunf ([fennel](/herb/fennel/)) and Dhania ([coriander](/herb/coriander/)) as traditional digestive triad
- With [Ajwain](/herb/ajwain/) for carminative synergy
- With Maricha ([black pepper](/herb/black-pepper/)) and [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for digestive fire (Agni deepana)
- With [Methi](/herb/methi/) for blood sugar management

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- 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.