Phytochemical
characterization of Caraway (Carum carvi) seed extract and its use as a potent medicinal
agent
Chauhan Vivek, Devi Sunita, Sharma Sonaxi and Kanwar Shamsher S.
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 16(10); 102-110;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/1610rjbt102110; (2021)
Abstract
Carum carvi (Caraway) is a member of Apiaceae family which originated in Asia. Due
to its economic importance, it is widely cultivated. Caraway is the only annual
species, commonly present in arable land, moist meadows and on low lands to mountains.
Caraway has different applications in pharmaceutical and food industries. Phytochemical
screening of different medicinal plants is helpful in identifying new sources of
industrially and therapeutically important compounds.
In this study, Caraway obtained from forest surrounding the village Goherman, Lahaul
and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh (India) was used. Seed extract of caraway extracted
in methanol (MSE) and distilled water (WSE) was used for phytochemical analysis
to determine the constituents of caraway seeds. Further, caraway seeds extract was
checked for antibacterial activity [Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Salmonella
typhimurium (NCTC 74), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus epidermidis
(ATCC 12228)], antioxidant activity and acid neutralizing activity. After analysing
the results, it can be said that caraway seeds possess many medicinal properties
and it can be used in enhancing human health.
