Cultivation :
Propagated by seeds.
Well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter is good for this crop. Land is prepared by giving 4 to 5 cross-plouging and mixing 50 tones of FYM per hector. Land is finally leveled and divided into small plots of convenient size. The seeds can be sown directly in the final site or seedlings are transplanted. 1 Kg seed require for 1 hectar. After sowing, seeds are covered with fine layer of sieved FYM or leaf mould. Seeds germinate within 10 -12 days after sowing. Seedlings are transplanted in the final site during October - November when the seedlings attain an age of 50 - 60 days. During vegetative phase they require cool climate, thereafter dry and warm weather is preferable.
Around 80 Kg N, 50 Kg P2O5 and 40 Kg K2O per hectar is recommended. Nitrogen is applied in two split doses, 40 Kg at the time of transplanting, and remaining 40Kg during branching of plants. The crop may require 3 weeding.
1st irrigation is given just after transplanting. Irrigation at regular interval is needed in dry and hot weather.
Seeds are harvested during April - May when the seeds in most of the umbels turn light brown. After harvesting, the crop is threshed manually in the threshing floor. Around 12 quintals of seeds can be obtained from 1 hector of land.
Parts Used :
Roots. Seeds.
Uses :
Seed contraceptive, diuretic and tonic[9]. Infusion used to calm the digestive system, and also used in the treatment of asthma and angina [21]. Decoction of the ground-up seed, eaten after intercourse, appears able to prevent implantation of the fertilized ovum in the uterus[9], it is also used as a gargle in the treatment of toothache[9]. Seed contents stimulate pigment production in skin that is exposed to bright sunlight[9, 21], used in the treatment of vitiligo (piebald skin) and psoriasis[9, 21]. Xanthotoxin is commonly used in the treatment of leucoderma. The root is chewed to give protection from strong sunlight. Root contents stimulates production of pigment in skin.
Other Uses :
Weather protection. exposed to U.V. light. Seed - used as a condiment[75, 47].
Constituents :
New furocoumarin – isopimpinellin, mp. 149o in addition to xanthotoxin and bergapten from fruits.
Caution :
Use of roots in skin disease and with ultra-violet light exposer can cause side-effects. Skin contact with the sap is said to cause photo-sensitivity or dermatitis in some people[40].
Status :
Terrestrial, wild and extensively cultivated. |
