Ammi visnaga (Khella)
Family: Umbelliferae
Part Used: Seeds
Active Constituents:
Coumarins, furanochromones (khellin, visnagin), volatile oils
Medicinal Actions:
Anti-spasmodic, bronchodilator, diuretic, vasodilator
Medicinal Uses:
1) Ammi has some action as a calcium channel blocker. By this action, it increases circulation through the body, with specific affinity for the heart and lungs.
2) Because of this anti-spasmodic action, it is used to reduce spasm in the heart and lungs. It is used in the treatment of angina and hypertension. It is also used to treat chronic and acute asthma.
3) Ammi has also been used to reduce spasm when treating both urinary lithiasis and, according to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, in the treatment of interstitial cystitis.
4) Dr. Eric Yarnall uses a combination of UVA therapy and Ammi in the treatment of Vitiligo.
Contraindications: Pregnancy and lactation
Toxicity: High doses of over 120 mg a day of the standardized extract have shown some nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rebound bronchospasm. Some people have shown photosensitivity at lower doses, though this is not common.
Pharmacy:
Infusion: 1 tsp/cup H2O X 15-20 min.
Tincture (1:5): 30 – 60 drops QD to QID
Fluid Extract (1:2.5, 1:3): 20-40 drops QD to QID
Standardized Extract: 250 - 300 mg QD
Pure Khellin: 30 – 120 mg QD