Cuminum cyminum

Cumin plant

Cuminum cyminum, commonly known as wild cumin, is a versatile medicinal herb valued for its potent therapeutic properties. Renowned for its aromatic seeds, it is traditionally used to aid digestion, alleviate bloating, and reduce inflammation. This resilient plant offers a natural approach to wellness through its rich bioactive compounds.

  • Scientific name: Cuminum cyminum
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Apiales, it is classified under the family Apiaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Cuminum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Apiales WCVP
Family Apiaceae WCVP
Genus Cuminum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Cuminum cyminum, is widely recognized across various regions for its aromatic properties and medicinal uses, often referred to by the same name in several Chinese linguistic contexts. In simplified Chinese (zh-hans), traditional Chinese (zh-hant), and the specific regional variations for Hong Kong (zh-hk), Mainland China (zh-cn), and Singapore (zh-sg), it is commonly known as 孜然.
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 孜然 Wikidata
zh-hant 孜然 Wikidata
zh-hk 孜然 Wikidata
zh-cn 孜然 Wikidata
zh-sg 孜然 Wikidata
zh-tw 孜然 Wikidata
jv Jinten putih Wikidata
pl Kmin rzymski Wikidata
eu kumino Wikidata
ta சீரகம் Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse presence across several key regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution can be traced to the landscapes of Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is found within the borders of Germany. Its range extends significantly through Southwestern Europe, encompassing both France and Spain. Finally, the geographical spread reaches into Southeastern Europe, specifically within Bulgaria.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Sicilia WCVP
Northern Africa Algeria WCVP
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
Northern Africa Libya WCVP
Northern Africa Morocco WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Cuminum cyminum, is widely cultivated for its various components that contribute to its medicinal and culinary value. The most significant parts utilized are the small, aromatic fruits that develop from the flowers, which are commonly referred to as cumin seeds in both medical and culinary contexts. Within these seeds, a high concentration of essential oils is found, providing the plant with its characteristic pungent aroma and therapeutic properties. When these essential oil components are extracted, they serve as a potent source for various traditional remedies used to aid digestion and reduce inflammation.
Total parts
9
Scientific sources
19
Plant Part Sources Confidence
seeds 5 ★★★☆☆
fruits 3 ★★☆☆☆
essential oils 3 ★★☆☆☆
essential oil 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cumin seeds 2 ★☆☆☆☆
mericarp 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cumin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Essential oils 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cuminum cyminum has 68 reported phytochemicals identified across 82 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include cuminaldehyde, cumin aldehyde, flavonoid, carotenoid, flavonoids.

Total chemicals
68
Scientific sources
82

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
cuminaldehyde 5 ★★★☆☆
cumin aldehyde 3 ★★☆☆☆
flavonoid 3 ★★☆☆☆
carotenoid 2 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
linalool 2 ★☆☆☆☆
luteolin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
proline 2 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
1,8-cineole 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Cuminum cyminum has 19 reported activities identified across 30 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
19
Scientific sources
30

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 5 ★★★☆☆
Antioxidant 5 ★★★☆☆
Anticancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiepileptic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antihypertensive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Cuminum cyminum has 55 reported medicinal uses identified across 72 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Staphylococcus aureus, cancer, overweight, Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori.

Total uses
55
Scientific sources
72

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Staphylococcus aureus 4 ★★☆☆☆
cancer 3 ★★☆☆☆
overweight 3 ★★☆☆☆
Escherichia coli 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Helicobacter pylori 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2 ★☆☆☆☆
constipation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
diarrhea 2 ★☆☆☆☆
fever 2 ★☆☆☆☆
flatulence 2 ★☆☆☆☆