Herb's Introduction
Seseli diffusum (Roxb. ex Sm.) Santapau & Wagh is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family Apiaceae, which is commonly known as the carrot, coriander, or parsley family. It is often referred to as Indian Moon Carrot or Indian Stone-Parsley. This plant is recognized in traditional systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda, for its aromatic and therapeutic properties, primarily stemming from its fruit/seeds. The medicinal significance of the plant is linked to the presence of potent phytochemicals, such as the coumarin compound seselin.
Name in Different Countries
Due to its primary distribution and traditional use in the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions, the plant is known by various vernacular names: Scientific Name: Seseli diffusum (Roxb. ex Sm.) Santapau & Wagh Family: Apiaceae (Carrot or Parsley Family) Vernacular/Common Names: English: Indian Moon Carrot, Indian Stone-Parsley Sanskrit: Vanayamam, Vanayamani Hindi/Bengali: Ban Jowan (बन जोआन) Marathi/Kannada: Kirmanji-ajwan Oria: Bhuin porisa
Terminology
Botanical Classification: Seseli diffusum is the currently accepted scientific name. Its family, Apiaceae, is characteristic of having highly divided leaves and flowers arranged in umbels (umbrella-like clusters). Synonyms: This species has been historically classified under several other names, reflecting its complex taxonomic history. Some of the most notable synonyms include: Ligusticum diffusum Roxb. ex Sm. (Basionym) Seseli indicum Wall. ex Wight & Arn. Cnidium diffusum DC. Key Chemical Constituent: A significant component isolated from the seeds is Seselin, a type of coumarin compound that has been the subject of modern pharmacological studies to validate the herb's traditional uses. Medicinal Properties: In traditional medicine, it is noted for properties such as: Stimulant: Rouses activity in bodily functions, often the digestive system. Stomachic: Aids digestion and tones the stomach. Anthelmintic/Vermifuge: Expels parasitic worms (like roundworms) from the intestines. Carminative: Relieves flatulence.
Availability
Geographical Distribution: Seseli diffusum is primarily distributed across the Indian Subcontinent, including the plains of India, Southern Nepal (S-Nepal), Pakistan, and Myanmar (Burma). Habitat: It is a plant of the plains and is typically found as a weed or herb in cultivated and low-lying, moist places. Conservation Status: The species' conservation status is currently listed as "Not Evaluated (NE)," suggesting that its overall risk of extinction has not been formally assessed, although in some specific regions of its distribution, it has been noted as "Rare." Commercial Availability: The plant or its extracts may be available in the herbal medicine market, sometimes as "Indian Celery Seed" tablets, extracts, or capsules, particularly in regions where Ayurvedic medicine is practiced.
External Look
Habit: It is an annual herb that grows to a height of approximately 15−30 cm. It can be either prostrate (lying flat) or erect. Stem and Hair: The plant is characteristically velvet-hairy. Leaves: The leaves are double compound (bi-pinnately compound), with ovate segments. Flowers and Fruits: The flowers are arranged in umbels (umbrella-like flower clusters), which can have 8−25 rays. These umbels are often leaf-opposed. The fruits are small, about 2 mm long, and are notably bristly with prominent ridges. A distinguishing trait of the fruit is the presence of T-like hairs. Flowering and fruiting typically occur between February and May.
Healing Properties
Traditional and preliminary scientific studies suggest that Seseli diffusum possesses several therapeutic properties, mainly concentrated in the seeds and whole plant: Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: The coumarin compound seselin, isolated from the seeds, has demonstrated significant, dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in studies. It also exhibited considerable analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, supporting its potential use for inflammatory conditions. Antispasmodic: In Ayurvedic medicine, the herb is considered to have spasmolytic properties, meaning it can relieve spasms of involuntary muscles, which is beneficial for certain gastrointestinal and respiratory issues. Diuretic: The plant is traditionally regarded as a diuretic, helping to increase the excretion of urine. Digestive and Carminative: The plant and its fruits are traditionally used as a stomachic to aid digestion, and its seeds are specifically used as a carminative to relieve gas and bloating, similar to the general properties of the Apiaceae family. Antiparasitic (Anthelmintic): It is traditionally used as a vermifuge or anthelmintic for expelling parasitic worms, such as roundworms.
Advantages
The main advantages of Seseli diffusum in traditional healing are: Digestive Health: It is highly effective for a wide range of gastrointestinal complaints, including indigestion, flatulence, and intestinal debility. Respiratory Relief: Traditional use includes prescription for bronchitis and asthma due to its potential antispasmodic and general medicinal properties, which can help clear airways and relieve spasms. Natural Anti-inflammatory: The presence of compounds like seselin offers a natural source for managing pain and inflammation. Broad Traditional Application: Its application in Ayurvedic medicine for issues ranging from liver obstruction to spleen disorder indicates its use as a general tonic and system cleanser in traditional practice. Veterinary Use: The seeds are also valued in veterinary medicine as a carminative for cattle, extending its use beyond human health.
Uses
The plant and its fruits/seeds are traditionally used for a variety of ailments: Human Medicinal Uses (Traditional/Ayurvedic): Gastrointestinal Tract: As a stimulant, stomachic, and to treat intestinal debility and stomach discomfort. Parasitic Infections: As a vermifuge for expelling roundworms. Respiratory System: Treatment for bronchitis and asthma. Other Conditions: Prescribed for liver obstruction, spleen disorder, and as a diuretic. Commercial Extracts: Tablets, extracts, and capsules of "Indian Celery Seed" are commercially available for similar medicinal purposes. Essential Oil Components: Commercial oils related to this species ("Ajmod Oil") have been reported to contain active compounds such as (+)-limonene, seselin, (−)-beta-selinene, and beta-cyclolavendulic acid, indicating its potential use as an aromatic and medicinal oil. Veterinary Use: The seeds are used in cattle medicine as a carminative.
Using way
The specific preparation and method of use depend on the ailment and the traditional system being followed. General traditional methods include: Whole Plant/Fruit: The whole plant, or more commonly the fruits (seeds), are the parts used for medicinal preparations. Decoction/Infusion: The dried fruits/seeds can be used to prepare a decoction (boiled in water) or an infusion (steeped in hot water) for oral consumption to aid digestion, relieve gas, or act as an anthelmintic. Powder: The dried seeds can be powdered and consumed with a suitable medium (like honey or warm water) for conditions like intestinal debility and respiratory issues. Extracts/Capsules: Modern applications involve standardized extracts in the form of tablets or capsules, as referenced in the production of "Indian Celery Seed" products. Oil: The essential oil (like the referenced Ajmod Oil) would likely be used in very small, prescribed doses for internal use or topically, depending on its concentration and intended effect. Note: Any medicinal use of this or any herb should be done under the guidance of a qualified traditional practitioner or healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Seseli diffusum, known by vernacular names like ban-jowan and Vanya yamaani, is a significant medicinal herb from the Apiaceae family, native to the Indian subcontinent and found in South Nepal. Its traditional usage in Ayurveda is well-documented, focusing on its potent effects as a stimulant, stomachic, anthelmintic, and diuretic. The modern scientific exploration of its components, particularly the coumarin seselin, has provided validation for its traditional claims, showing significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. While its availability is regionally confined to the plains of South Asia, its role in treating common ailments like indigestion, parasitic infections, and respiratory issues marks it as a valuable resource in regional traditional medicine. Continued research into the various phytochemicals of Seseli diffusum is warranted to fully understand and utilize its broad therapeutic potential.
