The herb has been used traditionally for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual cramps.
It is also used to treat ailments associated with spasms and constriction of the gallbladder and bile duct and to ease the passing of kidney stones.
Several studies have been done on khella as a natural treatment for vitiligo, a skin condition in which the pigment cells (melanocytes), are destroyed causing progressive white pattern in the skin.
The results of these studies have been conflicting, and further research is needed to confirm the efficiency of khella as a treatment for vitiligo fully. 4
Khella has been used traditionally for psoriasis, and preliminary evidence seems to support this application, but additional studies are warranted to fully confirm if the herb is an effective therapy for psoriasis. 5
Active Ingredients and Substances
The most important active substances in the khella fruits are believed to be the furanocoumarins khellin, visnagin, khellol, and khellol glucoside and the pyranocoumarins visnadine, and samidin.
Furthermore, the herb contains flavonoids (including quercetin and isorhamnetin), plant sterols and a minimal amount (0.2%) of essential oil.
Plant Parts Used
The fruits (seeds) of khella are used in herbal medicine.
The fruits are collected in summer before they fully mature and dried for later use.
The seeds are used in tea, tincture or capsules, and standardized extracts of the seeds are used in medicine.
Herbal Resource
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