Ajowan
Ajowan. Ajava. Ajwan.—The ripe fruit of Carum copticum Benth. et Hook. (Carum Ajowan Benth. et Hook., Ptychotis Ajowan D. C.), an annual of the Fam. Umbelliferae. It is cultivated in India, Egypt, Persia and Afghanistan. The fruits resemble those of parsley, but are distinguished by their odor. They yield 3 to 4 per cent. of volatile oil which contains from 45 to 55 per cent. of thymol. This oil is official in the B. P. (see Oleum Ajowan). The fruits also contain from 25 to 32 per cent. of a fixed oil and from 15 to 17 per cent. of protein, making them a very good cattle food. They are used in the form of an extract and water, viz.: Extractum Ptychotis Liquidum P.I. and Aqua Ptychotis P.I. The water known as Omum water is used in India in the treatment of cholera. The dose of the Fluidextract of ajowan is ten to thirty minims (0.6-2.0 mils).
