Ammi

Scientific Name(S): Ammi majus L. and A. visnaga Lam. Family: Umbelliferae

Common Name(S): Ammi, visnaga, bishop's weed

Botany: These annual plants grow to ≈ 120 cm in height, primarily in Egypt, other regions of the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. A. visnaga has been naturalized to parts of the southeastern US. It has a slightly aromatic odor and a very bitter taste. The drug product of ammi consists of the dried ripe fruits, typically of A. visnaga.

History: The plant has been cultivated for hundreds of years and was known by the Assyrians. A. majus was cultivated for the cut-flower trade, and both species have been used medicinally. These plants have been used in traditional medicine for millennia, particularly for the management of angina and respiratory diseases. Portions of the plant are made into toothpicks. The fruits have been used in Egyptian folk medicine as diuretics and for the treatment of kidney and bladder stones. Ammi has also been used for the traditional management of diabetes in Israel.

Uses of Ammi

Ammi has been used for the treatment of urologic, dermatologic, and respiratory symptoms. The plant also possesses antimicrobial activity and inhibits certain mutagens.

Side Effects of Ammi

Monitor for ophthalmic changes. The use of khellin is limited by toxicity (eg, elevated liver enzymes, phototoxicity, dermatitis).

Toxicology: A. majus has been associated with the development of severe ophthalmologic changes, particularly pigmentary retinopathy in photosensitized fowl. Therefore, patients receiving ammi or its extracts should be monitored for ophthalmologic changes.

The furocoumarins (psoralens) may cause photosensitization and dermatitis. One study reports 4 irritant compounds from ammi seeds and evaluates potential for contact dermatitis.

In patients who received khellin to reduce blood lipids, nausea and vomiting were observed frequently. Elevated AST and ALT were also observed during therapy.

Summary: Plants of the genus Ammi have been usee for thousands of years for the treatment of urologic dermatologic, and respiratory symptoms. Clinical evidence supports their vasodilatory actions. The plant also possesses antimicrobial activity and inhibits certain mutagens. The use of khellin, a major component of the plant, is limited by toxicity.