Cholinomimetic effects of aqueous extracts from Carum copticum seeds.

An aqueous extract from roasted seeds of Carum copticum (omum) has cholinomimetic effects. It shows muscarinic effects on rabbit duodenum, guinea-pig ileum and rat jejunum, and on the blood pressure of rat and cat. These effects are blocked by atropine. It also has a nicotinic action on the frog rectus preparation and atropinized cat blood pressure. Its effect is potentiated by physostigmine and antagonized by cholinesterase or alkalinization. Paper and gas chromatography have confirmed the presence of acetylcholine and choline in the roasted omum seed extract.