Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Ammi, Ammi daucoides, Ammi visnaga, Bischofskrautfruchte, bishop's weed, bishop's weed fruit, daucus visagna, false Queen Anne's lace, fruits de khella, germakellin, honeyplant, khellin, picktooth, Spanish toothpick, toothpick plant, visnaga, visnagae, Visnagafruchte, visnagin.
• Combination product examples: Vicalin® (bismuth subnitrate, magnesium subcarbonate, somum hydrocarbonate, sweet flag rhisome powder, buckhorn cortex powder, rutin, khellin).

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Khella (Ammi visnaga) is one of the oldest herbs. It was originally cultivated by the ancient Egyptians who used it to treat many ailments, including urinary tract diseases. It was also used in the Middle Ages as a diuretic.
• The whole fruit has traditionally been used to treat respiratory system diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and whooping cough, as well as cardiovascular disorders, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), liver and gall bladder disorders and to stimulate diuresis (1;2). Its purported effect is related to its antispasmodic action on smaller bronchial muscles, coronary arteries and urinary tract tubules. Ammi visnaga may vasodilate the coronary arteries, which increases the blood supply to the myocaridium, and as a result, can be used to treat mild forms of angina. It is also used to treat problems associated with spasms and constriction of the gallbladder and bile duct and facilitates discharge of kidney stones and gallstones.
• The clinical and therapeutic effectiveness of khellin, a constituent of khella, with respect to the coronary, respiratory and urologic indications, have been demonstrated in many experiments (3). Current khella indications include mild angina complaints, postoperative treatment of urinary calculus and supportive treatment of mild forms of obstructive pulmonary diseases.
• Few clinical trials have investigated khella. However, based on traditional use, more studies of khella for the treatment of psoriasis or lipid panel may be warranted.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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