MULTIFARIOUS ACTIVITIES IN MAIN COMPONENTS OF ARQ-E-ZEERA I.E, CUMINUM CYMINUM, BUNIUM PERSICUM, ZINGIBER OFFICINALE AND TRACHYSPERMUM AMMI

Arq-e-zeera, a distillate preparation of mainly Cuminum cyminum (Safed zeera), Bunium persicum (Shahi/kala zeera), Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain) seeds, and Zingiber officinale (Adrak) rhizome isclinically used for declining obesity. Numerous trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, and salt, are abundant in these herbs. These herbs have been observed to have diverse activities, notably antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and against gastrointestinal disorders. Major compounds of Arq-e-Zeera, as identified by GCMS and GC analysis, include thymol, limonene, terpinene, Cuminaldehyde, carvacrol, cymene, 1-phenyl-propanol, and 4-ethyl-3 non-5 yne, among other chemical components. Furthermore, because no or less evidence of their toxicity has been found in the literature, these are employed as aromatic ingredients and to enhance the taste, flavor, texture, and therapeutic benefits of many traditional cuisines. This review provides updated information on the morphological and taxonomical classification, chemical structures, experimental models, and methodologies employed in investigating the numerous activities and chemicals identified from the four primary constituents of Arq-e-zeera.