Khellin

Khellin is a chemical compound extracted from the fruit of the plant Ammi visnaga, a species in the family Apiaceae. It is a furanochromone derivative, and has been used in traditional medicine for various therapeutic purposes, particularly in the treatment of kidney stones and asthma.

History

The use of Ammi visnaga and its derivative khellin dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was used as a remedy for kidney stones. The compound was first isolated in 1930 by the German chemist Hermann Pinner.

Chemical Structure

Khellin is a furanochromone, a type of organic compound consisting of a furan ring fused with a chromone ring. Its chemical formula is C₁₄H₁₂O₅, and its systematic name is 4,9-dimethoxy-7-methyl-5H-furo[3,2-g]chromen-5-one.

Chemical structure of khellin

Medical Uses

Khellin has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various conditions. It is a smooth muscle relaxant, and has been used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. It is also a vasodilator, and has been used to treat angina and other cardiovascular conditions. In addition, it has been used to treat kidney stones, due to its ability to relax the muscles of the urinary tract.

Side Effects

Like all medications, khellin can have side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes. In rare cases, it can cause liver damage or allergic reactions.

Research

Research into the potential uses of khellin is ongoing. Some studies have suggested that it may have anti-cancer properties, and it has been investigated as a potential treatment for vitiligo, a skin condition characterized by patches of skin losing their pigment.

See Also

• Ammi visnaga
• Furanochromone
• Kidney stone
• Asthma