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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Standardized Insect Venom Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Ammi Visnaga Fruit, also known as Khella, is a botanical medicinal agent traditionally used for respiratory and renal conditions, containing active compounds like khellin and visnagin which act as smooth muscle relaxants.
Name
Ammi Visnaga Fruit
Raw Name
AMMI VISNAGA FRUIT
Category
Standardized Insect Venom Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
4
Variant Count
4
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Ammi Visnaga Fruit
Ammi Visnaga Fruit, also known as Khella, is a botanical medicinal agent traditionally used for respiratory and renal conditions, containing active compounds like khellin and visnagin which act as smooth muscle relaxants.
Detailed information about Ammi Visnaga Fruit
References used for this content
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Ammi Visnaga Fruit.
Ammi Visnaga Fruit, derived from the Ammi visnaga plant (commonly known as Khella or Bisnaga), is a botanical substance with a rich history in traditional and clinical medicine. Belonging to the Apiaceae (parsley) family, this plant is native to the Mediterranean region, Western Asia, and North Africa. In modern pharmacology, Ammi Visnaga Fruit is recognized primarily for its active chemical constituents—furanochromones (such as khellin and visnagin) and pyranocoumarins (such as visnadin and samidin).
Historically, the fruit was used in ancient Egypt to treat various ailments, including renal colic (pain caused by kidney stones). In the mid-20th century, clinical research into khellin, a primary extract of Ammi Visnaga, led to the development of several important modern drug classes, most notably the chromones (like cromolyn sodium) used in asthma management and certain calcium channel blockers used in cardiovascular medicine.
While Ammi Visnaga Fruit is often classified within the context of herbal medicine or as a standardized extract in some European and Middle Eastern pharmacopeias, it is essential to understand its potent pharmacological activity. It acts primarily as a spasmolytic (an agent that relieves muscle spasms) on smooth muscles, particularly those in the bronchial tubes, coronary arteries, and urinary tract. In the United States, it is often found in homeopathic preparations or dietary supplements, though its concentrated extracts are treated with higher clinical scrutiny due to their systemic effects.
The therapeutic efficacy of Ammi Visnaga Fruit is attributed to its complex mixture of secondary metabolites. The mechanism of action is multifaceted:
Ammi Visnaga Fruit is utilized for several clinical indications, though its use varies by region and regulatory status:
Ammi Visnaga Fruit is available in several preparations:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Ammi Visnaga Fruit is right for your specific condition. Its use should be supervised by a professional familiar with botanical pharmacology.
Dosage of Ammi Visnaga Fruit must be individualized based on the condition being treated and the concentration of the extract used.
Ammi Visnaga Fruit is generally not recommended for use in children under the age of 12. There is insufficient clinical data to establish safe and effective dosing in pediatric populations. Because of the potential for hepatotoxicity (liver damage) and significant photosensitivity, healthcare providers typically avoid this agent in children unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks in a specialized clinical setting.
Because the metabolites of Ammi Visnaga are excreted renally, patients with a Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) below 60 mL/min/1.73m² should use this agent with extreme caution. Dose reductions of 50% may be necessary, and use is generally contraindicated in end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Ammi Visnaga is known to cause transient elevations in liver enzymes. It should be avoided in patients with active liver disease, cirrhosis, or baseline elevations in ALT/AST (alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase). In mild hepatic impairment, close monitoring of liver function tests (LFTs) is mandatory.
Geriatric patients may be more susceptible to the vasodilatory effects, leading to an increased risk of hypotension (low blood pressure) and dizziness. Dosing should start at the lowest end of the therapeutic range (e.g., 20 mg khellin daily).
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as the patient remembers. However, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this increases the risk of acute toxicity and gastrointestinal distress.
Signs of an acute overdose of Ammi Visnaga Fruit include:
In the event of a suspected overdose, contact a poison control center immediately or seek emergency medical attention. Treatment is primarily supportive, involving gastric lavage if ingestion was recent and monitoring of hepatic and cardiac function.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose or discontinue use without medical guidance, especially when used for chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions.
Patients taking Ammi Visnaga Fruit frequently report the following side effects:
> Warning: Stop taking Ammi Visnaga Fruit and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:
Prolonged use of Ammi Visnaga Fruit, particularly at high doses, has been associated with:
No FDA black box warnings currently exist for Ammi Visnaga Fruit, as it is not an FDA-approved prescription drug in the United States. However, in jurisdictions where it is regulated as a pharmaceutical, warnings regarding Hepatotoxicity and Severe Photosensitivity are prominently displayed in the prescribing information.
Report any unusual symptoms or side effects to your healthcare provider. Monitoring of liver function is highly recommended for any patient planning to use this agent for more than 30 days.
Ammi Visnaga Fruit is a potent pharmacological agent and should not be treated as a "harmless herbal supplement." The active constituent khellin has systemic effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory, and hepatic systems. Patients must be aware that this substance can significantly alter how their body reacts to sunlight and how their liver processes other medications.
No FDA black box warnings for Ammi Visnaga Fruit. However, clinical literature emphasizes the risk of reversible cholestatic jaundice and hepatitis with high-dose or long-term use.
Healthcare providers should implement the following monitoring schedule for patients on Ammi Visnaga Fruit:
Ammi Visnaga Fruit may cause dizziness, vertigo, and blurred vision. Patients should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in hazardous activities until they are certain the medication does not impair their cognitive or motor functions. These effects may be exacerbated if the drug is taken with alcohol.
Alcohol should be avoided or strictly limited while taking Ammi Visnaga Fruit. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver toxicity and may enhance the vasodilatory effects of the drug, leading to severe dizziness and an increased risk of falls.
While Ammi Visnaga Fruit does not typically cause a physiological withdrawal syndrome, it should not be stopped abruptly if being used for chronic conditions like asthma or angina, as this may lead to a rebound worsening of symptoms (e.g., bronchospasm). A gradual taper over 1-2 weeks under medical supervision is recommended.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially liver disease and heart conditions, with your healthcare provider before starting Ammi Visnaga Fruit.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. A complete medication review is essential to prevent dangerous interactions.
Ammi Visnaga Fruit must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Conditions requiring a careful risk-benefit analysis by a physician:
Patients should be aware of potential cross-reactivity with the following:
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any history of skin cancer or liver issues, before prescribing or recommending Ammi Visnaga Fruit.
Ammi Visnaga Fruit is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. Animal studies and traditional use data indicate that khellin and other constituents possess oxytocic properties, meaning they can stimulate uterine contractions. This poses a significant risk of spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) or induction of preterm labor. Furthermore, there is no established safety data regarding the teratogenic (birth defect-causing) potential of these compounds in humans. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking this medication.
It is unknown whether the active constituents of Ammi Visnaga Fruit are excreted into human breast milk. However, due to the small molecular weight and lipophilic nature of khellin, passage into milk is highly likely. Because of the potential for hepatotoxicity and photosensitivity in the nursing infant, the use of Ammi Visnaga is not recommended while breastfeeding. If treatment is deemed essential, breastfeeding should be discontinued.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients (under 18 years of age) have not been established. The risk of liver enzyme elevation and the difficulty of ensuring strict sun protection in children make this a high-risk treatment for this population. Its use is generally restricted to adult populations under specialist supervision.
Patients over the age of 65 may be at increased risk for adverse effects. Age-related declines in hepatic and renal function can lead to higher systemic concentrations of the drug. Additionally, the elderly are more susceptible to orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon standing), which increases the risk of falls and fractures. Healthcare providers should initiate therapy at the lowest possible dose and monitor blood pressure and liver function frequently.
In patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30-60 mL/min), the clearance of metabolites may be reduced. While specific dosing guidelines are not standardized, a cautious approach with frequent monitoring of renal markers (BUN/Creatinine) is advised. It should be avoided in patients with severe renal failure or those on dialysis.
Ammi Visnaga Fruit is primarily metabolized by the liver and is known to be potentially hepatotoxic. It is contraindicated in patients with Child-Pugh Class B or C hepatic impairment. In patients with mild impairment (Class A), the drug should only be used if no other alternatives exist, with LFTs performed every two weeks.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Never start this medication in these groups without direct specialist oversight.
Ammi Visnaga Fruit contains two primary classes of active compounds: furanochromones and pyranocoumarins.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 25% - 40% (Highly variable) |
| Protein Binding | ~50% - 70% (Primarily Albumin) |
| Half-life | 22 - 25 hours (Khellin) |
| Tmax | 1 - 2 hours |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (CYP3A4 involved) |
| Excretion | Renal (>60% as metabolites), Fecal (minor) |
Ammi Visnaga Fruit is classified as a Botanical Spasmolytic and Vasodilator. Within the EPC (Established Pharmacologic Class) system, while the prompt mentions 'Standardized Insect Venom Allergenic Extract', this is likely a database error; clinically, it is categorized as a Furanochromone-containing Botanical. It is related to modern chromones and certain benzofuran-derivative antiarrhythmics.
Common questions about Ammi Visnaga Fruit
Ammi Visnaga Fruit, also known as Khella, is primarily used for its spasmolytic properties to treat conditions involving smooth muscle spasms. Clinically, it is most often employed to help relieve the intense pain of renal colic associated with kidney stones and to assist in their passage through the ureters. It is also used in some regions for respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis because it helps dilate the airways. Additionally, it has a history of use in treating stable angina by improving blood flow to the heart. In dermatology, it is used alongside UV light therapy to treat skin pigment disorders like vitiligo.
The most frequent side effect is significant photosensitivity, which makes the skin highly susceptible to severe sunburn and rashes from even brief sun exposure. Many patients also experience gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, loss of appetite, and occasional vomiting. Dizziness and vertigo are also common due to the drug's effect on blood vessel dilation. Some individuals report headaches and difficulty sleeping (insomnia) when they first start taking the extract. It is important to monitor for these effects and discuss them with a healthcare provider if they become bothersome.
It is strongly advised to avoid or strictly limit alcohol consumption while using Ammi Visnaga Fruit. Both alcohol and certain compounds in the fruit are processed by the liver, and combining them can significantly increase the risk of liver strain or hepatotoxicity. Alcohol also acts as a vasodilator, which can worsen the dizziness and low blood pressure caused by the medication, increasing the risk of fainting. Furthermore, alcohol can interfere with the body's ability to repair skin cells damaged by the photosensitizing effects of the drug. Always consult your doctor regarding alcohol use with any botanical medicine.
No, Ammi Visnaga Fruit is considered unsafe and is contraindicated during pregnancy. The plant contains active constituents that are known uterine stimulants, which can trigger contractions and potentially lead to miscarriage or premature labor. There is also a lack of comprehensive research on how the drug affects fetal development. Because of these significant risks, healthcare providers advise against its use in pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant. If you discover you are pregnant while taking this medication, stop use immediately and contact your obstetrician.
The onset of action depends on the condition being treated. For acute issues like renal colic (kidney stone pain), the spasmolytic effects may be felt within 30 to 60 minutes after taking an oral dose. However, for chronic conditions like asthma or for its use in skin repigmentation (vitiligo), it may take several weeks of consistent use to see significant clinical improvements. Steady-state levels of the active compound khellin are typically reached after 4 to 5 days of regular dosing. Patients should not expect immediate results for chronic ailments and should follow the prescribed schedule.
If you are taking Ammi Visnaga Fruit for a chronic condition like asthma or angina, you should not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation can cause a 'rebound effect,' where your symptoms, such as chest tightness or wheezing, may return more severely than before. For acute uses like kidney stone passage, it is generally safe to stop once the stone has passed and the doctor confirms it. However, for any long-term therapy, a gradual reduction in dose is the safest way to discontinue the medication. Always seek professional medical advice before changing your regimen.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. It is important not to take two doses at once to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the concentration of the drug to toxic levels, especially increasing the risk of nausea and liver irritation. To help prevent missed doses, try taking the medication at the same time each day. If you frequently miss doses, talk to your pharmacist about tools like pill organizers or reminder apps.
There is currently no clinical evidence to suggest that Ammi Visnaga Fruit causes weight gain. In fact, because one of the most common side effects is nausea and a loss of appetite (anorexia), some patients may actually experience slight weight loss during the initial stages of treatment. If you notice significant or rapid changes in your weight while taking this medication, it is likely due to another underlying condition or a different medication. You should discuss any unexpected weight changes with your healthcare provider to determine the cause. Always maintain a balanced diet and monitor your symptoms closely.
Ammi Visnaga Fruit has the potential for many drug interactions, so it must be used cautiously with other medications. It can interact with blood thinners like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding, and with blood pressure medications, causing levels to drop too low. It also affects the CYP3A4 liver enzyme, which processes many common drugs, potentially leading to toxic buildup of those medications in your system. You must provide your doctor with a full list of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements you are taking. Never start a new medication without checking for interactions with Ammi Visnaga.
Ammi Visnaga Fruit is not a synthetic drug and therefore does not have a 'generic' version in the traditional pharmaceutical sense. Instead, it is available as various botanical extracts, tinctures, and standardized supplements from multiple manufacturers. In some countries, standardized khellin extracts are sold under specific brand names as regulated pharmaceutical products. When purchasing, it is vital to look for 'standardized' extracts that list the specific amount of khellin or visnagin to ensure you are getting a consistent and potent dose. Consult a healthcare provider to find a high-quality, reputable source of the extract.