Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.

Among pastoral peoples of the Levant and North Africa, the aromatic seeds of Visnaga daucoides have long been prepared as mild teas to calm smooth muscle spasms; Bedouin communities in Israel traditionally steep a small spoonful of powdered seeds in hot water for ten to fifteen minutes and sip the infusion as a remedy for stomach colic and menstrual cramps (Della, 1964). In the former Yugoslavia, Mediterranean herbalists have used the seed infusion for urinary discomfort and to ease renal “sand,” measuring out a teaspoon of seeds per cup of near‑boiling water and drinking it two or three times daily (FAO/INFOODS, 2020). In the southern Andes, the Mapuche of Chile apply poultices of crushed seeds to the abdomen or swollen joints for localized pain relief, also preparing a decoction of the seed heads for internal use as a carminative and antispasmodic; these practices are recorded in a long‑term ethnobotanical program in southern Chile (Gamboa et al., 2005). More broadly, European phytotherapy records tinctures and macerations of the dried seed for bronchial and ureteral spasm, while keeping the focus on internal teas and seed‑based topical preparations (Grieve, 1931).

One practical recipe that remains faithful to these traditions is a mild seed infusion for spasm‑related discomfort: place 1 to 2 teaspoons (about 2 to 4 g) of lightly crushed, dried seeds in a cup of just‑boiled water, cover, and steep for ten to fifteen minutes. Strain and drink up to two cups per day. For a 1:5 ethanol tincture as used in European herbal practice, macerate 100 g of dried seeds in 500 mL of 45 to 50% ethanol for two to three weeks, shaking daily, then strain; typical adult doses range from 1 to 3 mL up to three times daily. Because the plant contains furanocoumarins, use of strong sun tanning or UV lamps should be avoided during and for several days after use; it should not be taken during pregnancy due to uterine‑stimulating activity, and persons on anticoagulants or photosensitizing drugs should consult a practitioner before use (FAO/INFOODS, 2020; Della, 1964).

The best‑documented phytochemicals in this species are the khellin and visnagin furanocoumarins, along with minor furanocoumarins such as khellol and khellinin, and the essential oil component spiroketalenol; these compounds provide smooth‑muscle relaxant and antispasmodic actions that plausibly explain the traditional use in colic, bronchospasm, and ureteral spasm (Sfondouris et al., 2018; Guenther, 1949).

Modern relevance is clear: clinical research continues on standardized khellin preparations for angina and mild bronchospasm, a 2022 review reaffirmed the pharmacological profile supporting spasmolysis, and the dried seeds remain available in Mediterranean markets and specialty herbal suppliers (Sfondouris et al., 2018; Borgia et al., 1981).

General Uses Top

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Common products:
Dried umbels of Visnaga daucoides are used as toothpicks and small skewers. The achenes (seeds) are used as a spice and flavoring in foods and beverages, and yield an essential oil used by the flavor industry.

Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
The dried achenes serve as a condiment/spice in regional cuisines, imparting a bitter-aromatic flavor. The essential oil is employed as a flavoring agent in selected food applications where minimal dosage is required; processing steps include solvent extraction, steam distillation, and blending.

Fragrance and cosmetics:
The essential oil is used in perfumery as a fragrance material. Its composition includes furanocoumarins; application in cosmetic formulations follows industry norms for sensitive accords and accords with IFRA Standards.

Properties relevant to use:
Achenes provide the dried spice and oil raw material. The essential oil’s suitability for flavor and fragrance applications derives from its content of furanocoumarins and related aromatic constituents, which influence aroma and stability.

Standards and regulation:
Flavor and fragrance uses of the essential oil are typically managed under IFRA Standards. The dried achenes, when used as a food ingredient, are subject to national food law and good manufacturing practice.

Sustainability and sourcing:
Visnaga daucoides is harvested from wild populations in parts of its Mediterranean range; sustainable collection is necessary to avoid depletion of local stands.

Synonyms Top

Scientific name	Authority	First published in
Visnaga vera	Raf.	New Fl. 4: 28 (1838)
Sium visnaga	Stokes	Bot. Mat. Med. 2: 106 (1812)
Ammi dilatatum	St.-Lag.	Ann. Soc. Bot. Lyon 7: 119 (1880)
Ammi visnaga	(L.) Lam.	Fl. Franç. 3: 462 (1779)
Ammi visnaga var. longibracteatum	Zohary.	Fl. Palaestina 2: 459 (1972)
Apium visnaga	Crantz	Cl. Umbell. Emend. : 104 (1767)
Carum visnaga	Koso-Pol.	Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou , n.s., 29: 198 (1915 publ. 1916)
Daucus gingidium	L. ex DC.	Prodr. 4: 113 1830
Daucus laevis	Salisb.	Prodr. Stirp. Chap. Allerton : 162 (1796)
Daucus visnaga	L.	Sp. Pl. : 242 (1753)
Ammi visnaga var. hybernonis	Sennen	Diagn. Nouv. 117 1936
Ammi visnaga var. paui	Sennen	Diagn. Nouv. 116 1936
Selinum visnaga	E.H.L.Krause	Deutschl. Fl. Abbild. , ed. 2, 12: 44 (1904)

Common names Top

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Filter by language:

Language	Common/alternative name
Arabic	صقلين
French	visnaga vera
French	daucus visnaga
French	daucus laevis
French	ammi visnaga var. longibracteatum
French	ammi visnaga
French	ammi dilatatum
French	carum visnaga
French	apium visnaga
French	sium visnaga
French	petit ammi
French	herbe aux gencives
French	herbe aux cure-dents
French	fenouil annuel
French	carotte cure-dent
French	ammi visnage
French	ammi cure-dents
Italian	ammi visnaga
Swedish	tandpetarsilja
Chinese	牙签芹
Chinese	阿米芹

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

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Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

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No variety added yet.

Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

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No subvariety added yet.

Forms (abbr. f.) Top

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No forms added yet.

Germination/Propagation Top

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Sow seeds at 20°C, expecting germination within 3 months without further temperature treatment.

Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Legend for the distribution data:

- Doubtful data

- Extinct

- Introduced

- Native

Africa click to expand
- Macaronesia
  - Azores
  - Canary Islands
  - Madeira
- Northeast Tropical Africa
  - Eritrea
  - Ethiopia
- Northern Africa
  - Algeria
  - Egypt
  - Libya
  - Morocco
  - Tunisia

Asia-temperate click to expand
- Caucasus
  - North Caucasus
  - Transcaucasus
- China
  - China Southeast
- Eastern Asia
  - Japan
- Western Asia
  - Cyprus
  - East Aegean Islands
  - Iran
  - Iraq
  - Lebanon-Syria
  - Palestine
  - Turkey

Asia-tropical click to expand
- Indian Subcontinent
  - Pakistan
- Indo-China
  - Vietnam

Europe click to expand
- Middle Europe
  - Belgium
  - Czechoslovakia
- Northern Europe
  - Great Britain
- Southeastern Europe
  - Albania
  - Greece
  - Italy
  - Sicilia
  - Turkey-in-Europe
- Southwestern Europe
  - Baleares
  - Corse
  - France
  - Portugal
  - Sardegna
  - Spain

Northern America click to expand
- Mexico
  - Mexico Southwest
- Northeastern U.S.A.
  - Pennsylvania
- Northwestern U.S.A.
  - Oregon
- South-central U.S.A.
  - Texas
- Southeastern U.S.A.
  - Alabama
  - Florida
  - North Carolina
- Southwestern U.S.A.
  - California

Southern America click to expand
- Brazil
  - Brazil South
- Southern South America
  - Argentina Northeast
  - Argentina Northwest
  - Chile Central
  - Juan Fernández Islands
  - Uruguay
- Western South America
  - Colombia
  - Peru

Links to other databases Top

Suggest others/fix!

Database	ID/link to page
World Flora Online	wfo-0000421889
Tropicos	1703282
INPN	129910
Flora of Italy	3587
KEW	urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:849956-1
IPNI	849956-1
iNaturalist	806563
GBIF	5371753
USDA GRIN	466289
Wikipedia	Visnaga_daucoides
Open Tree Of Life	642437

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

Scientific Literature Top

Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!

Title

Authors

Publication

Released

IDs

Khellin and Visnagin, Furanochromones from Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam., as Potential Bioherbicides.

Travaini ML, Sosa GM, Ceccarelli EA, Walter H, Cantrell CL, Carrillo NJ, Dayan FE, Meepagala KM, Duke SO

J Agric Food Chem

21-Dec-2016

doi:	10.1021/ACS.JAFC.6B02462
PMID:	27936681

Validated HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of khellol glucoside, khellin and visnagin in Ammi visnaga L. fruits and pharmaceutical preparations.

Badr JM, Hadad GM, Nahriry K, Hassanean HA

Nat Prod Res

01-Jan-2015

doi:	10.1080/14786419.2014.945170
PMID:	25111086

Influence of growing conditions on metabolite profile of Ammi visnaga umbels with special reference to bioactive furanochromones and pyranocoumarins.

Sellami HK, Napolitano A, Masullo M, Smiti S, Piacente S, Pizza C

Phytochemistry

01-Nov-2013

doi:	10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2013.08.001
PMID:	23993295

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of visnagin and Ammi visnaga aqueous extract after oral administration in rats.

Haug KG, Weber B, Hochhaus G, Butterweck V

Planta Med

01-Nov-2012

doi:	10.1055/S-0032-1315393
PMID:	23096256

Prevention of renal crystal deposition by an extract of Ammi visnaga L. and its constituents khellin and visnagin in hyperoxaluric rats.

Vanachayangkul P, Chow N, Khan SR, Butterweck V

Urol Res

01-Jun-2011

PMCID:	PMC3663934
doi:	10.1007/S00240-010-0333-Y
PMID:	21069311

An aqueous extract of Ammi visnaga fruits and its constituents khellin and visnagin prevent cell damage caused by oxalate in renal epithelial cells.

Vanachayangkul P, Byer K, Khan S, Butterweck V

Phytomedicine

01-Jul-2010

PMCID:	PMC3618668
doi:	10.1016/J.PHYMED.2009.10.011
PMID:	20036111

Ammi Visnaga(L.) Lam.: Occurrence of Khellin and Visnagin in Primary Rib Channels and Endosperm, and Emptiness of Vittae, Revealed by U.V. Microscopy*

G. G. Franchi, S. Ferri, L. Bovalini, P. Martelli

Informa UK Limited

20-Nov-2007

doi:	10.3109/13880208709060918

Ammi visnaga: Composition of the fatty acids present in the seed fat

D. N. Grindley

Wiley

01-Nov-2006

doi:	10.1002/JSFA.2740010207

Analyse der Wirkstoffe aus Ammi visnaga L.

G. Illing

Wiley

15-Oct-2006

doi:	10.1002/ARDP.19572900609

Visnagin: Biosynthesis and Isolation from Ammi visnagi Suspension Cultures

B. Kaul, E. J. Staba

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

05-Oct-2006

doi:	10.1126/SCIENCE.151.3707.184-B

Isolation and 1H and 13C NMR of Ammiol and Khellol Glucosides

Larry W. Tjarks, Gayland F. Spencer, Eric P. Seest

American Chemical Society (ACS)

17-Mar-2005

doi:	10.1021/NP50063A033

Furocoumarins from the Fruit of Ammi visnaga

Philip W. Le Quesne, Muu N. Do, Mohammad Ikram, M. Israrkkhan, I. Mir

American Chemical Society (ACS)

17-Mar-2005

doi:	10.1021/NP50039A030

Die Konstitution des Visamminols

W. Bencze, Judith Eisenbeiss, H. Schmid

Wiley

23-Dec-2004

doi:	10.1002/HLCA.19560390337

The chemical investigations on the ripe fruits of Ammi visnaga (Lam.) Lamarck growing in Turkey.

Günaydin K, Beyazit N

Nat Prod Res

01-Apr-2004

doi:	10.1080/14786410310001608091
PMID:	14984092

Cytotoxic activity of five compounds isolated from Colombian plants.

Cordero CP, Gómez-González S, León-Acosta CJ, Morantes-Medina SJ, Aristizabal FA

Fitoterapia

01-Mar-2004

doi:	10.1016/J.FITOTE.2003.12.017
PMID:	15030931

Phytochemical Profile Top

Add a new one!

Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
You can also contribute to this by clicking here.

Name	PubChem ID	Canonical SMILES	MW	Found in	Proof
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Benzopyrans / 1-benzopyrans / Chromones / Furanochromones
(2S)-4-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-7-methyl-2,3-dihydrofuro[3,2-g]chromen-5-one	3083595	Click to see	276.28	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.19560390337 https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609
[(2S)-2-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-4-methoxy-5-oxo-2,3-dihydrofuro[3,2-g]chromen-7-yl]methyl 2-methylbutanoate	73212329	Click to see CCC(C)C(=O)OCC1=CC(=O)C2=C(C3=C(C=C2O1)OC(C3)C(C)(C)O)OC	390.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2013.08.001
[(2S)-2-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-4-methoxy-5-oxo-2,3-dihydrofuro[3,2-g]chromen-7-yl]methyl 3-methylbutanoate	73212328	Click to see	390.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2013.08.001
Ammiol	621572	Click to see COC1=C2C(=O)C=C(OC2=C(C3=C1C=CO3)OC)CO	276.24	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-960912 https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19542870209
Ammiol glucoside	14377805	Click to see COC1=C2C(=O)C=C(OC2=C(C3=C1C=CO3)OC)COC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O	438.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50063A033
Khellin	3828	Click to see CC1=CC(=O)C2=C(C3=C(C(=C2O1)OC)OC=C3)OC	260.24	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0141-0229(03)00180-7 https://doi.org/10.1002/JPS.2600810518 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-0028-1099861 https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-960912 https://doi.org/10.1002/JSFA.2740010207 https://doi.org/10.1080/14786410310001608091 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9673(01)89202-5 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-962061 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9673(97)01173-4 https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.19560390337 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-959426 https://doi.org/10.3109/13880208709060918 https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(85)90088-1 https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FITOTE.2003.12.017
Khellinol	10167	Click to see	246.21	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-960912 https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.19560390337
Khellol	164613	Click to see	246.21	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-960912 https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609
Khelloside	441966	Click to see COC1=C2C=COC2=CC3=C1C(=O)C=C(O3)COC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O	408.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50063A033 https://doi.org/10.1111/J.2042-7158.1949.TB12460.X https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609
Pimolin	100920750	Click to see	460.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-960912
Vernomycin B	28404	Click to see	408.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1111/J.2042-7158.1949.TB12460.X https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609
Visammiol	5315249	Click to see	276.28	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.19560390337 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-960912 https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609
Visnagin	6716	Click to see CC1=CC(=O)C2=C(O1)C=C3C(=C2OC)C=CO3	230.22	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-960912 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-0032-1315393 https://doi.org/10.1126/SCIENCE.150.3704.1731 https://doi.org/10.1002/JPS.2600810518 https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2014.945170 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0141-0229(03)00180-7 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-962061 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9673(97)01173-4 https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.19560390337 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3618668/ https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-959426 https://doi.org/10.1080/14786410310001608091 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9673(01)89202-5 https://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JAFC.6B02462 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3663934/ https://doi.org/10.1126/SCIENCE.151.3707.184-B https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(85)90088-1 https://doi.org/10.3109/13880208709060918
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Furanocoumarins / Psoralens
Imperatorin	10212	Click to see	270.28	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50039A030
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Furanocoumarins / Psoralens / 8-methoxypsoralens
Methoxsalen	4114	Click to see COC1=C2C(=CC3=C1OC=C3)C=CC(=O)O2	216.19	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50039A030
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Pyranocoumarins / Angular pyranocoumarins
(10-Acetyloxy-8,8-dimethyl-2-oxo-9,10-dihydropyrano[2,3-f]chromen-9-yl) 2-methylbutanoate	10157	Click to see	388.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-0028-1099861
(10-Acetyloxy-8,8-dimethyl-2-oxo-9,10-dihydropyrano[2,3-f]chromen-9-yl) 3-methylbut-2-enoate	10158	Click to see CC(=CC(=O)OC1C(C2=C(C=CC3=C2OC(=O)C=C3)OC1(C)C)OC(=O)C)C	386.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609
(9R,10S)-9,10-Dihydroxy-8,8-Dimethyl-9,10-Dihydropyrano(2,3-F)Chromen-2-One	9992853	Click to see	262.26	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609
Dihydrosamidin	442128	Click to see CC(C)CC(=O)OC1C(C2=C(C=CC3=C2OC(=O)C=C3)OC1(C)C)OC(=O)C	388.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609
Khellactone	253856	Click to see CC1(C(C(C2=C(O1)C=CC3=C2OC(=O)C=C3)O)O)C	262.26	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609
Khellactone, cis-(+)-	455821	Click to see	262.26	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609
rac Dihydro Samidin	2841560	Click to see	388.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609
Samidin	442150	Click to see	386.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609
Visnadine	442151	Click to see	388.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1002/ARDP.19572900609 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9673(97)01173-4 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-959426 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-0028-1099861
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones / Flavonols
Isorhamnetin	5281654	Click to see	316.26	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-960912
Rhamnazin	5320945	Click to see	330.29	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-960912

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Visnaga daucoides

Table of Contents

Details Top

Ethnobotanical Use Top

General Uses Top

Synonyms Top

Common names Top

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

Forms (abbr. f.) Top

Germination/Propagation Top

Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Links to other databases Top

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

Scientific Literature Top

Phytochemical Profile Top

Gallery Top

Contributors Top

Collections Top