Khella Fruits (Ammi visnaga): The Bronchodilating Antispasmodic
Khella — Ammi visnaga — is a North African and Mediterranean umbelliferous plant whose fruits carry one of the most remarkable pharmacological stories in the history of herbal medicine. The pharmaceutical bronchodilator cromoglicate (sodium cromoglycate) and the antiasthmatic drug khellin were both developed directly from the active compounds of Khella fruits — making Khella another example of a traditional herb that has directly contributed a pharmaceutical drug class to modern medicine. The herb itself, used as whole-plant preparation, offers a gentler and broader-spectrum version of these effects alongside additional antispasmodic and urinary benefits.
At Herba Naturalle, Khella is listed in the comprehensive herb index as a specialist bronchodilatory and antispasmodic herb — relevant to the respiratory inflammation discussed in the Stop the Inflammation Pandemic: Breathe Easy post. The Lungwort Plus provides complementary respiratory support.
Active Compounds
- Khellin and visnagin — gamma-benzopyrone compounds; the primary active compounds; khellin inhibits calcium entry into smooth muscle cells (calcium channel-blocking mechanism), producing bronchodilation; visnagin has complementary vasodilatory effects
- Flavonoids — luteolin, quercetin; anti-inflammatory
- Fatty acids — oleic and linoleic acid
- Coumarins — with additional antispasmodic activity
Clinical Applications
Asthma and Bronchospasm
The most significant application. Khellin’s calcium channel-blocking mechanism relaxes bronchial smooth muscle — directly comparable to the pharmaceutical action of cromoglicate. Used in clinical herbal practice for:
- Asthmatic bronchoconstriction
- Allergic bronchospasm
- Exercise-induced bronchospasm Always used alongside, not instead of, prescribed inhalers in established asthma. The Smooth Muscle and Immune Reset Bundle addresses the underlying smooth muscle lining inflammation.
Kidney Stone Passage (Ureteric Spasm)
Khellin relaxes the smooth muscle of the ureters — the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. This antispasmodic action on ureteric smooth muscle directly relieves the intense, colicky pain of kidney stone passage (ureteric colic) and facilitates the movement of stones. A clinically specific and effective application.
Angina and Coronary Vasodilation
Historically studied for coronary artery dilation in angina — the vasodilatory effects of khellin were the original interest before its bronchodilatory applications were developed.
Psoriasis (Topical — Photosensitising)
Khellin, like psoralen, sensitises skin to UVA light — used in phototherapy protocols for psoriasis and vitiligo as an alternative to psoralen-UVA (PUVA) therapy.
Relevant Blog Posts
- Stop the Inflammation Pandemic: Breathe Easy – Inflammation in the Nose, Sinuses, and Lungs
- Healing the Heart: Understanding and Reversing Inflammation in the Cardiovascular System
- Inflammation in Muscles and Joints: The Hidden Link to Autoimmunity
- Stop the Inflammation Pandemic – The Lymphatic System
- Welcome to the Final Episode of the Inflammation Pandemic Series
Safety
- Liver toxicity: Khellin has been associated with liver toxicity at high doses — use at therapeutic doses; monitor liver function with prolonged use
- Photosensitivity: Topical khellin for psoriasis increases UV sensitivity
- Pregnancy: Avoid
- Never replace prescribed inhalers with Khella alone
Contact Herba Naturalle for respiratory herbal support. Browse all products and the full herb index.
This article is for informational purposes only. Never alter prescribed asthma medication without consulting your GP.