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International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research Review Article PHARMACOLOGICAL APPRAISAL OF CUMINUM CYMINUM L. IN DYSMENORRHOEA: AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH IN CONSIDERATION OF CURRENT EVIDENCES

Authors:
  • Government Ayurved College & Hospital
  • CVM University GJPIASR

Abstract

The demand of personalized medication has grown to leaps and bounds since last few years. Ayurveda, the oldest system of medicine, emphasized on such personalized medication by analyzing the personal health status of individual through different assessment criteria. Cuminum cyminum L. called as Jeeraka in Sanskrit and Jeera in Hindi, is one of the herb which was used since many centuries for various ailments. Traditionally the herb is well-known for its action in various alimentary diseases like, indigestion, diarrhea, gynecological diseases, etc. This herb is also screened for various pharmacological activities like antibacterial, anticancer, antiulcer and others. The condition of painful menstruation is affecting more than half of young adolescent girl population. The current article is an effort to establish the mode of action of Cuminum cyminum L in terms of Ayurveda pathogenesis as well as contemporary science. Various pathogenic pathways of Dysmenorrhoea according to Ayurveda are discussed with conclusion of using Jeeraka in dysmenorrhoea under which particular pathogenesis. Such comparison will help to establish personalized medicine for other diseases and this may be a novel approach towards same.
ISSN: 2322 - 0902 (P)
ISSN: 2322 - 0910 (O)
IJAPR | December 2016 | Vol 4 | Issue 12
29
International Journal of Ayurveda
and Pharma Research
Review Article
PHARMACOLOGICAL APPRAISAL OF CUMINUM CYMINUM L. IN DYSMENORRHOEA: AN
AYURVEDIC APPROACH IN CONSIDERATION OF CURRENT EVIDENCES
Dilip Jani1, Jasmine Gujarathi2*
1Associate Professor, Dept. of Dravyaguna, G. J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies And Research Centre, New Vallabh
Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat, India.
*2Associate Professor, Dept. of Striroga and Prasuti, G. J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies And Research Centre, New
Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat, India.
ABSTRACT
The demand of personalized medication has grown to leaps and bounds since last few years. Ayurveda, the
oldest system of medicine, emphasized on such personalized medication by analyzi ng the personal health
status of individual through different assessment criteria. Cuminum cyminum L. called as Jeeraka in
Sanskrit and Jeera in Hindi, is one of the herb which was used since many centuries for various ailments.
Traditionally the herb is well-known for its action in various alimentary diseases like, indigestion,
diarrhea, gynecological diseases, etc. This herb is also screened for various pharmacological activities like
antibacterial, anticancer, antiulcer and others. The condition of painful menstruation is affecting more
than half of young adolescent girl population. The current article is an effort to establish the mode of
action of Cuminum cyminum L in terms of Ayurveda pathogenesis as well as contemporary science. Various
pathogenic pathways of Dysmenorrhoea according to Ayurveda are discussed with conclusion of using
Jeeraka in dysmenorrhoea under which particular pathogenesis. Such comparison will help to establish
personalized medicine for other diseases and this may be a novel approach towards same.
KEYWORDS: Cuminum cyminum L., Jeeraka, Individualized/Personalized medicine, Dysmenorrhoea,
Menstrual Pain.
INTRODUCTION
The present status of chronic diseases in relation
with availability of their treatment-approaches is observed
to be very limited [1]. Despite of having many technological
developments in current science, the exact cure of these
diseases is not achieved. Moreover various patterns of
symptomatic relief of diseases persist in the existing
scenario. As a reflection, gradually, the world is taking
interest in the culture of Individualized / Personalized
Medicine and trying to get relief from many diseases [2,3].
The Ayurveda claimed Individualized / Personalized
Medicine is a science, based on the concepts for analyzing
the various parameters mentioned in literature.
Eventually, the classical Ayurveda lies in implementing
these selective methods and providing proper remedy in
proper form to the needy. It will be always encouraged and
appreciated that the selection of herb must have some
evidence based background to convince the new
generation. However, it doesn’t always mean that the
selected herb must have or must not have the proved back-
up for claimed actions. So far the contemporary way of
Herbal Research is concerned, it is found to be still in
infancy to validate Ayurvedic claims with respect to the
concepts of Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, the knowledge
regarding personified-study is mentioned under the
concept Amshamsha Vikalpana which covers a broad
range of human as well as drug study. The human
differential factors are achieved through Vyadhi Ghataka
(factors responsible for pathogenesis), where as drug
selection is achieved by Rasapanchaka (Ayurvedic
conceptual composition of herb). Ayurveda the science of
life have greatness in studying pathogenesis and selection
of remedy accordingly. At primary level, with an example
of Dysmenorrhoea, this theme is attempted by evaluating
various pathological conditions of Ayurveda and
contemporary sciences supported by the pharmacological
claims of Cuminum cyminum L.
Glimpse of Dysmenorrhoea
Prevalence: Dysmenorrhoea is one of pathological
condition which is generally ignored by patients and
practically unresolved completely by physicians (except
some pathology). It is observed through various published
paper that the dysmenorrhoeal condition is present
throughout the world [4]. According to a survey, an average
of 68% girls has dysmenorrhoea and alarming one in eight
girls reported absenteeism at college/school because of
menstrual symptoms [5]
Ayurvedic View
The condition of dysmenorrhoea is explained in
Ayurvedic literature in terms of Kastartava / Kukshi
Shoola, Vatala Yoni, Udavartini Yonivyapad (Ayurvedic
names of disease under Striroga-Gynecology)[6]. The
causative factors, pathogenesis, symptoms and treatment
are also described in Ayurveda and based on that, the
increased ‘Vata’ type of humors in the body is responsible
for disease creation [7]. The various Ayurvedic causative
factors which manifest into dysmenorrhoea are
inappropriate food habits, inappropriate lifestyle,
Dilip Jani, Jasmine Gujarathi. Cuminum Cyminum L. In Dysmenorrhoea: An Ayurvedic Approach in Consideration of Current Evidences
IJAPR | December 2016 | Vol 4 | Issue 12
30
infectious menstruation, vitiated reproductive physiology,
abnormal ovarian function, inappropriate sitting-sleeping
habits, excessive use of liquid foods and many non-
etiological factors [8]. All these factors creates imbalance in
humors (Vata-Pitta-Kapha) of a normal individual through
specific mode of vitiations [9]. This vitiation may occur by
individual-increase of body-humors (Vata-Pitta-Kapha) or
their combinations [10]. The modes of vitiations are called
as Samprapti or Dosh-Dushya Sammurchhana
(pathogenesis) [11]. This pathogenesis of Kashtartava can
be summarized under six major patterns. The aim of
management should be by equilibrating vitiated Doshas,
especially Vata (as it is main causative factor of all
Yonivyapadas)[12] or managing Avrita Apana Vayu
(pathology of one of the type of Vata humor) through
Agnideepaka (Improving appetite), Grahi (controlling of
excessive outflow), Vata Anulomana (normalizing any type
of abnormal flow) and Pakvashaya Shuddhikara
(purification of large intestine) [13] methods.
Contemporary Medicine
The various causes of Dysmenorrhoea described
under contemporary system of medicine are like
environmental factors causing nervous tension, general ill
health, faulty outlook, hormonal imbalance, psychogenic
cause, imbalance of autonomic nervous system,
intrauterine contraceptive device, stenosis at internal Os,
unequal development of mullerian ducts, inappropriate
low of polarity, retroverted uterus, uterine hypoplasia,
vasopressin and prostaglandins [14].
Ayurvedic Individualized / Personalized Medicine
Documentation
Ayurveda advocates that selection of any medicine
should be purely based on the Individualized /
Personalized features of sufferings. According to Charaka
Samhita a best physician should know the science of
administration of drugs with due reference to climate and
season, and who applies it only after examining each and
every patient individually [15]. Moreover while commenting
on the role of diet, Charaka recommends planning of
opposite properties of vitiated Doshas in the form of diet to
maintain the health. Habitual intake of balanced diet with
all Rasas (tastes) in proportionate quantity is
recommended for equilibrium of doshas [16]. The Ayurveda
system does not stress on the naming of the disease but a
proper diagnosis related with the vitiation is more
important than the labeling of the disease. It explains that
the diseases are innumerable being divided on the basis of
trouble, color, etiology, site, symptoms and name. However
in other cases general principle may be followed [17].
Ultimately, applying knowledge and common sense one
should plan the management [18]. Moreover, the treatment
should be continued till the patient regains health. While
describing the state of normalcy Ayurveda screened many
points to identify healthy individual. Some of these
parameters like person having good built, has balanced
proportion of muscles, compactness of the body, possess
very strong sensory and motor systems, etc. Also healthy
individual can withstand hunger, thirst, the heat of the sun,
cold and physical exercise. They can digest and assimilate
the food properly [19]. In total all these factors make the
concept of Individualized / Personalized features of an
individual and help in assessment of personalized
treatment plan. In the present paper we adopted some
methods to achieve the target through literature review.
Methodology
Based on the above information the conceptual
analysis of Dysmenorrhoea (disease) and Jeeraka (drug as
a remedy) was studied with detailed micro-classification.
The pathogenesis of Kashtartava (Dysmenorrhoea)
condition was classified based on the basic concepts of
Ayurveda so that exact pathology can be understood
(Table No. 1). The disease pathology was broadly classified
into six major categories (Images). The Samprapti Ghataka
(factors responsible for disease formation) was further co-
related with pinpointed (broad category of Individualized
/ Personalized) pathological conditions of Kastartava with
special reference to type of pathology (Table No 2).
On the other hand, the literature analysis on herb
Cuminum cyminum L (Jeeraka) was conducted. The
properties and pharmacological indications were noted
down (Table No 3). A comparative estimation was
calculated among the desired properties of the drug
needed in various pathological conditions of Kashtartava
(Dysmenorrhoea) and the properties present in Jeeraka.
An interpretations was also made for logical application of
the drug in specific conditions (Table No.-4).
To support the Ayurvedic theme of Jeeraka
selection in Kashtartava (Dysmenorrhoea), a review
regarding its pharmacological screening was conducted.
No direct references were found regarding its activity on
signs / symptoms of Dysmenorrhoea. But a conceptual
indirect pharmacological activity references were collected
which may claim the action in the diseased condition
(Table No 5). Some review of essential / non essential
activities were also studied to know the efficacy of Jeeraka
in terms of modern experimental study [59,60,61]. Some of
the activity was absolutely not found, neither their
relations can be made with the Dysmenorrhoeal condition.
Table 1: Samprapti Ghataka (factors responsible for Kashtartava (Dysmenorrhoea) pathogenesis)20
No
Conceptual head of Factors
Type of vitiation under the head
1.
Dosha (Body humors)
Vata Pradhana Tridosha
2.
Dushya (tissues / cells involved)
Rasa, Rakta, Artava
3.
Agni (digestive capacity)
Jatharagni, Dhatvagni Mandya
4.
Srotasa (systems involved)
Rasa, Rakta and ArtavavahaSrotasa
5.
Srotodushti (mode of system involvement)
Sanga and Vimargagamana
6.
Udbhavasthana (root cause of origin of pathology)
Amapakvashaya
7.
SthanaSamshraya (place where the disease expressed)
Garbhashaya
8.
VyaktiSthana (labeling of the disease)
Triyavarta Yoni
Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research, 2016;4(12):29-35
Available online at: http://ijapr.in
31
Table 2: Micro-classification of Kashtartava Pathology in Ayurveda20
Type of
pathogenesis
Desired actions / site of actions of a herb in different pathogenesis conditions
Dosha
Agni
Sroto-Gamitva
Eradication
of Srotodushti
Acting place of
Udbhavasthana
Sthana
Samshraya
(Broad area)
Vyaktasthana
(Specific area)
Lakshana
(Symptom)
Ayurveda
Pathogenesis 1
Vata
Shamaka
Agni
Vardhaka
Anna, Rasa,
Rakta Artava
Vimarga
Gamana
Mahasrotasa, Rasa-
Rakta Dhatu
Sampurna
Shareera
Garbhashaya
Vedana,
Shoola,
Ayurveda
Pathogenesis 2
Vata
Shamaka
Agni
Samikara
Rasavaha,
Raktavaha
Artvavaha
Sanga or
Vimarga
Gamana
Rasa-Rakta
Prajanana
Avayava
Garbhashaya
Vedana,
Shoola,
Ayurveda
Pathogenesis 3
Pitta-Vata
Shamaka
Dhatvagni
Vardhaka
Raktavaha
Artavavaha
Vimarga
Gamana or
Atipravrutti
Mahasrotasa
Sampurna
Shareera
Garbhashaya
Vedana,
Daha, Shoola
Ayurveda
Pathogenesis 4
Kapha-
Vata
Shamaka
Agni
Vardhaka
Annavaha,
Rasavaha,
Artavavaha
Sanga
Mahasrotasa
Sampurna
Shareera
Garbhashaya
Vedana,
Shoola
Ayurveda
Pathogenesis 5
Sansarga or
Sannipata
Agni
Vardhaka
Rasavaha,
Raktavaha
Artvavaha
Shukravaha
Avarana
Mahasrotasa
Prajanana
Avayava
Garbhashaya
Vedana,
Shoola,
Ayurveda
Pathogenesis 6
Vata
Shamaka
Agni
Vardhaka
Manovaha,
Rasavaha,
Artavavaha
Vimarga
Gamana
Mana
Sampurna
Shareera
Garbhashaya
Vedana,
Shoola
Table 3: Jeeraka: The Ayurvedic records
o
No
Properties &
Actions
Criteria
Quotes
1
1
Pharmacological
Properties
Rasa
Katu21,22,23,24,25Tikta21
Guna
Ruksha21,22,23,24 Laghu21,23,24
Veerya
Ushna21,22,23,24,25
Vipaka
Ushna Paka21
2
2
Pharmacological
Actions
On Humors
(Doshaghnata)
Pittala21,23,24 Vata-Kaphahara21 Vatahara22,23,24,25 Kaphahara 22.23.24
The mechanism
(Karma)
Ruchya21,22,23 Sangrahi21,23,24 Chakshushya21,22,23,2 4 Garbhashaya
Vishodhana21,23,24 Deepana21,22,23,24,25 Medhya21,23,24 Hrudya21 Pachana21,23
Jarana22 Vrushya23 Balya23
Direct on
diseases
(Rogaghnata)
Chhardi21,23,24 Gulma21,22,23,24,25 Adhmana21,22,23,24,25 Atisarahara21,22,25
Grahani22,25 Krumihara22,25 Shopha22 Jwaraghna22,23 Ajeerna22
Table 4: The Samprapti Ghataka (factors responsible for Dysmenorrhoea pathogenesis)
No
Desired action on
Dysmenorrhoea
Actions of Jeeraka
Classical interpretation of Jeeraka actions
1.
Vata Pradhana
Tridosha
Vata-Kaphahara
The Drug will specifically applicable only in Vata-Kapha
dominant Kashtartava (Dysmenorrhoea) condition.
2.
Rasa, Rakta, Artava
Pachana
The drug will not nourish the Rasa-Rakta Dhatu but will
improve its functional capacity. It will be utilized for limited
period till the condition gets normalize.
3.
Jatharagni,
Dhatvagni Mandya
Deepana21,22,23,24,25 ,
Pachana21,23
Jarana22, Chhardi21,23,24
Adhmana21,22,23,24,25
Atisarahara21,22,25
Grahani22,25, Ajeerna22
Through the Main Agni (Jatharagni), Jeeraka will start
showing its action. Eradication of root cause in the form of
malfunction of Mahasrotasa it shows its results. Normalizing
metabolism may be the main effect.
4.
Rasa, Rakta and
Artavavaha Srotasa
Garbhashaya
Vishodhana21,23,24
The drug shows action specifically on Uterus by removing the
metabolic toxicity. It helps in improving regular menstrual
blood flow, improvement in menstruation complications.
Improving the Dhatvagni of Rasa-Rakta Dhatu is the main
area of the drug.
5.
Sanga and
Vimargagamana
Katu21,22,23,24,25
Tikta21, Ushna21,22,23,24,25
Pachana21,23
Ushna Veerya, Katu Rasa and Pachana Karma responsible to
break and obstructive pathology for disease formation. Hence
drug may be useful in Santarpana Janya Karstartava. Pathcan
Dilip Jani, Jasmine Gujarathi. Cuminum Cyminum L. In Dysmenorrhoea: An Ayurvedic Approach in Consideration of Current Evidences
IJAPR | December 2016 | Vol 4 | Issue 12
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can be referred as Aampachan in the disease.
6.
Amapakvashaya
Katu21,22,23,24,25
Tikta21 Ushna21,22,23,24,25
Pachana21,23
These references shows the main action is on Mahasrotasa
(Annavaha). Which facilitate in eradication of Ama
(endotoxins) and formation of new, sustainable, puriofied
Dhatus which later helps in improving the disease condition.
7.
Garbhashaya
Garbhashaya
Vishodhana21,23,24
By purifying and cleansing the uterus (Garbhashaya
Vishodhana) it helps in creation of ideal platform for normal
menstruation, development of good progeny, etc.
Table 5: Pharmacological screening of Jeeraka
No.
Pathogenesis factor
Direct or indirect references of Pharmacological actions
useful in pathogenesis
1.
Hormonal Imbalance
Galactogogues26
Sperm Function27
Antitesticular28
Antiestrogenic29
Anti-osteoporotic30
2.
Ischaemic Theory
Erythrocyte Hemolysis31
Blood Platelet Aggregation32
Hypolipidemic33,34
3.
Psychogenic Causes
Antistress35
Alzhiemer36
Central Nervous system37,38,39
4.
Prostaglandins (PGs)
Analgesic40,41
Antiinflammatory42
5.
Systemic Disease and General
Ill Health
Antibacterial Activity43,44
Antimicrobial45
Antifungal activity46
Antioxidant properties47
Immunomodulatory48
6.
Other indirect activities
Hepatoprotective49,50,51
Antidiabetic52
Antiepileptic53
Gastrointestinal Disorders54,55
Antiulcer56
Antidermatophytic57
Anticancer58
Other activities 59,60,61
7.
Myometrial Activity Theory
No direct reference found
8.
Vasopressin
No direct reference found
9.
Poor Posture
Not Applicable
10.
Abnormal Anatomical And Functional Aspects of Uterus
Not Applicable
11.
Muscular In-coordination
Not Available
Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research, 2016;4(12):29-35
Available online at: http://ijapr.in
33
DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION
There are many herbs that are directly or
indirectly indicated in the menstrual condition, especially
Kashtartava (Dysmenorrhoea). Jeeraka i.e. Cuminum
cyminum L. is one of the popular herbs used since many
centuries for various ailments as mentioned in Ayurveda
literature. Based on the properties of the herbs, it shows
its action through the pacifying many abnormal conditions
of Gastro-intestinal tract. This GIT is considered as
Mahasrotasa (Major channel) in Ayurveda and its
dysfunction leads to many diseases. The various
indications of Jeeraka like Ajeerna, Deepana, Pachana,
Gulma, Garhani, Atisaara, Adhmana, Atopa, etc directly
establish it as a drug of choice in GIT associated menstrual
disease. By this way it not only pacifies the symptoms of
disease but also rectify the root cause of disease. Apart
from this it has direct action as Garbhashaya Vishodhana
which leads to clean the female reproductive system.
Having targeted action on affected part as well as capacity
to eradicate the disease from its root makes Jeeraka as one
of the best choice of drug. While planning Jeeraka, one
should observe its utility for a specific period. Being Ushna,
Ruksha, Laghu, Katu, Tikta, it may harm and create
Dhatukshaya by various manner. Hence though it is good
herb for Kashtartava, it should be administered only till
the relief and should not be used excessively. The
pharmacological screening for Sperm Function and anti-
testicular activity is an additional proof for its side-effects
in long term use. By studying the Ayurvedic pathology
Jeeraka can be the best drug of choice in Pathology 2,
better in pathology 4, good drug of choice in pathology 5 &
3. It should not be recommended in pathology 1 where
Dhatukshaya is a responsible cause for disease. It also may
not show its effects in pathology 6 where psychosomatic
involvements are observed. The modern pharmacological
screening can be correlated but can’t be claimed to
validate the Ayurvedic activities. Ayurvedic action of
Jeeraka on menstrual disorder through GIT is a best
example to discard the theory of correlation among two
systems. The entire pathology of Dysmenorrhoea is least
concerned with GIT activity (exact opposite to Ayurveda).
The screening strongly correlate the analgesic, anti-
inflammatory, anti-microbial and Galactogogues activity.
Overall both the sciences are helpful to know the nature of
the disease and drug which help the researchers to think
and plan a treatment for the betterment of society.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors are highly thankful to GUJCOST for
awarding the minor research project. The authors also
acknowledge their thanks to management of CVM,
Principal GJP-IASR, ADIT, IICP and Director, ARIBAS for
their constant support and help.
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Cite this article as:
Dilip Jani, Jasmine Gujarathi. Pharmacological Appraisal of Cuminum
Cyminum L. In Dysmenorrhoea: An Ayurvedic Approach in Consideration
of Current Evidences. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma
Research. 2016;4(12):29-35.
Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared
*Address for correspondence
Dr Jasmine Gujarathi
Associate Professor,
Dept. of Striroga and Prasuti,
G. J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies
and Research Centre, New Vallabh
Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat, India.
Email: jassyleo@gmail.com
Phone: 09408365891
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