Background

• Khella (Ammi visnaga) was originally cultivated by the ancient Egyptians who used it to treat many ailments, including urinary tract diseases. It was also used in the Middle Ages as a diuretic.
• The whole fruit has traditionally been used to treat respiratory system diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and whooping cough, as well as cardiovascular disorders, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), liver and gall bladder disorders and to stimulate diuresis (increase in urine production). Its purported effect is related to its antispasmodic action on smaller bronchial muscles, coronary arteries and urinary tract tubules. Ammi visnaga may vasodilate the coronary arteries, which increases the blood supply to the myocaridium, and as a result, can be used to treat mild forms of angina (chest pain). It is also used to treat problems associated with spasms and constriction of the gallbladder and bile duct and facilitates the discharge of kidney stones and gallstones.
• The clinical and therapeutic effectiveness of khellin, a constituent of khella, with respect to coronary, respiratory and urologic indications, has been demonstrated in experiments. Current khella indications include mild angina (chest pain) complaints, postoperative treatment of urinary calculus (kidney stones) and supportive treatment of mild forms of obstructive pulmonary diseases.
• Few clinical trials have investigated khella (the whole herb vs. its constituent khellin). However, based on traditional use, more studies of khella for the treatment of psoriasis (chronic skin disease) or lipid panel may be warranted.

References

• Abdel-Fattah A, Aboul-Enein MN, Wassel G, et al. Preliminary report on the therapeutic effect of khellin in psoriasis. Dermatologica 1983;167(2):109-110.
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• Abdel-Fattah A, Aboul-Enein MN, Wassel GM, et al. An approach to the treatment of vitiligo by khellin. Dermatologica 1982;165(2):136-140.
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• Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, et al. Herbal Medicine, Expanded Commission E Monographs. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998.
• Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. ed. Eclectic Medical Publications: Sandy, OR, 1998.
• Chrysanthis K. [Infusion of khella seeds in the treatment of bronchial asthma.]. Cyprus Med J 1950;3(4):333-335.
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• de Leeuw J, van der BN, Maierhofer G, et al. A case study to evaluate the treatment of vitiligo with khellin encapsulated in L-phenylalanin stabilized phosphatidylcholine liposomes in combination with ultraviolet light therapy. Eur J Dermatol 2003;13(5):474-477.
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• Franchi GG, Bovalini L, Martelli P, et al. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of the furanochromones khellin and visnagin in various organs of Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam. at different developmental stages. J Ethnopharmacol 1985;14(2-3):203-212.
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• Martelli P, Bovalini L, Ferri S, et al. Rapid separation and quantitative determination of khellin and visnagin in Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam. fruits by high-performance liquid chromatography. J Chromatogr 1984;301(1):297-302.
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• Morliere P, Honigsmann H, Averbeck D, et al. Phototherapeutic, photobiologic, and photosensitizing properties of khellin. J Invest Dermatol 1988;90(5):720-724.
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• Orecchia G, Perfetti L. Photochemotherapy with topical khellin and sunlight in vitiligo. Dermatology 1992;184(2):120-123.
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• Stevens TJ, Jones BW, Vidmar TJ, et al. Hypocholesterolemic effect of khellin and khelloside in female cynomolgus monkeys. Arzneimittelforschung 1985;35(8):1257-1260.
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• Stevens TJ, Phillips WA, Day CE. Comparative effects of khellin and timefurone on serum parameters in normal male cynomolgus monkeys. J Med Primatol 1985;14(5):255-262.
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• Uhlenbroock K, Mulli K. [Khellin, a contribution to pharmacology of the constituents of Ammi visnaga. 3.]. Arzneimittelforschung 1953;3(5):219-223.
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• Valkova S, Trashlieva M, Christova P. Treatment of vitiligo with local khellin and UVA: comparison with systemic PUVA. Clin Exp Dermatol 2004;29(2):180-184.
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