Cumin / Jeeru (Cuminum cyminum)

Cumin Jeeru (Cuminum cyminum) is a flowering plant in the Apiaceae family known for its aromatic seeds, widely used as a spice and traditional medicine. Native to the Middle East and India, cumin has been revered in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha systems for its digestive, carminative, and antimicrobial properties. It is especially known to aid in digestion, improve appetite, and relieve bloating.

Cumin Scientific Names

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Cuminum
Species: Cuminum cyminum

Cumin Common Names

English: Cumin
Sanskrit: Jiraka / Jirna / Ajeeraka
Hindi: Jeera
Tamil: Jeeragam
Telugu: Jeelakarra
Bengali: Jeera
Marathi: Jeera
Malayalam: Jeerakam
Gujarati: Jeeru

Cumin Uses

Digestive Support - Acts as a deepana (appetizer) and pachana (digestive) herb, Relieves flatulence, indigestion, and colic pain.

Antimicrobial & Anthelmintic - Traditionally used to eliminate intestinal worms and infections.

Women’s Health - Used in post-partum care to stimulate lactation and regulate menstruation.

Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory - Contains active phytochemicals with antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress.

Respiratory Health - Used in cough formulations to clear mucus and ease bronchial conditions.

Phytochemical Constituents

Cumin contains several bioactive compounds that contribute to its wide range of medicinal benefits:

Essential Oils: Cuminaldehyde, γ-Terpinene, β-Pinene, p-Cymene
Flavonoids: Apigenin, Luteolin, Kaempferol
Phenolic Acids: Caffeic acid, Chlorogenic acid
Tannins, Saponins
Alkaloids

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part-I, Volume IV, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India.

Wealth of India – A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials and Industrial Products, Vol. III, CSIR, 1952.

Srinivasan, K. (2018). Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds: Traditional uses, chemical constituents, and nutraceutical effects. Food Quality and Safety, 2(1), 1–16.

Gilani, A.H., Jabeen, Q., & Khan, M.A.U. (2004). A review of medicinal uses and pharmacological activities of Cuminum cyminum L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 92(2-3), 393-403.

European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

Nadkarni, K.M. (1976). Indian Materia Medica, Volume 1. Bombay Popular Prakashan.