Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Khella (Ammi visnaga) has a long history of traditional use, particularly in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean herbal medicine, for the relief of smooth muscle cramps and spasms. The seeds and extracts have been used as a folk remedy to ease colic, asthma, and urinary tract spasms. The traditional rationale is attributed to its major constituents, khellin and visnagin, which have been observed to cause relaxation of smooth muscle tissue. Early pharmacological studies, largely from the mid-20th century, confirmed that these compounds have some antispasmodic effects in vitro and in animal models, particularly on bronchial and urinary tract smooth muscle.

However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are scarce. The evidence primarily consists of in vitro studies, animal research, and anecdotal or historical accounts. Some early clinical observations supported its use for angina and asthma, but robust data for use specifically in muscle cramps and spasms is lacking. Modern clinical evidence is minimal, and khella is rarely used in Western medicine for this purpose. Therefore, while there is a scientific basis for the traditional use (via the muscle-relaxing properties of its constituents), the level of evidence is low, and the use remains primarily traditional.

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