Evaluation of anxiolytic, muscle relaxant & locomotor activity of cuminum cyminum
Arshiya Jabeen, B Ramya, J Soujanya and Bolay Bhattacharya
Cuminum cyminum is a small annual herbaceous plant that is a member of the aromatic plant family (Umbelliferae). In the last few decades cumin has proved its use in treatment of various medical disorders like inflammation, increase urination, prevent gas and supress muscle spasms. Essential oils from the Cuminum cyminum were extracted from the seeds of cumin by using ethanol. They have also been reported from several New Kingdom levels of ancient Egyptian archaeological sites. The main components of cumin were p-menthol, cuminaldehyde, y-terpinene and beta-pinene. The oil, which is derived by steam distillation, is used to flavour alcoholic beverages, desserts and condiments. It is also used as a fragrant component of creams, lotions, and perfumes. The seeds are also rich source of many flavonoid phenolic anti-oxidant vitamins like vitamin E, vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin and other vital anti-oxidants. The seeds are also rich source of many flavonoid phenolic anti-oxidant, the study has proved that cumin seeds possess anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and depressant of locomotor activity. This is because the seeds of Cuminum cyminum contain the chemical constituents which have their effect on the anxiety, muscle relaxation and locomotion. In addition to nutrients such as amino acids, minerals and vitamins, dietary supplementation with herbs and plant products have also been shown to be effective in treating anxiety.