TUKHM-E-KARAFS –CELERY SEEDS, A UNANI MEDICINE REVIEW

Abstract

The drugs Tukhm-e-Karafs consists of dry seeds of Apium graveolens L. (Family-Apiaceae). An erect herb found in the base of North West Himalayas and outlying hills in Punjab and western India. The plant occurs from November to March. Flowering and fruiting take place during February-March. has been used as a vegetable since ancient times. Celery has a long fibrous stalk tapering into leaves. Celery seed powder is used as a spice. it's been used as both food and medicine for centuries. Celery is high in fiber and nutrients and low in calories. It's full of potassium , vitamins, and antioxidants. Scientific evidence indicates that leaf, stem, root and seed extracts of celery are reported to possess remarkable medicinal properties. Seeds are also important in human nutrition as they are a rich source of fatty acids, proteins, phytochemicals and micronutrients. Active compounds such as alkaloids, coumarins , flavonoids, glycosides, limonene, myrcene, phenols, phthalides, and steroids present in celery seeds are responsible for different medicinal properties. Medicinal properties of celery seeds include anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.