Upakunchika- Nigella sativa Introduction:-The scientific name is a derivative of Latin Niger (black), The seeds are frequently referred to as black cumin, Nigella sativa is an annual flowering plant

•Vernacular Names:-San- Upakunchika, KalajajiHin- Kalonji, MangarellaBen- Mangarela KalajeeraMar- KalonjGuj- KalonjTam- KarunjeeragamTel- NallajeerakirKan- karijirigeMal- KarunjeeragamEng- small fennelLat- Nigella sativa

Kula- VatsanabaFamily- Ranunculaceae

Verities:-

Habitat:-Europe, spain, Jammu Kashmir in India

Morphology:-It grows to 20–30 cm (7.9–12 in) tall, with finely divided, linear (but not thread-like) leaves. The flowers are delicate, and usually coloured pale blue and white, with five to ten petals. The fruit composed of three to seven united follicles, each containing numerous seeds. The seeds dark black .

Chemical Composition:-Albumin,Carbonic acid, Melanthin, Arebic acid,Nigellin, Tannin & Ash

Properties:-Guna- Lagu, Ruksha, TeekshnaRasa- Katu,TiktaVeerya- UsnaVipaka- Katu

Dosha Karma:-PittavardakaKaphavatashamaka

Functions Acc to Diff Scholars:-Rochana,Deepana- C.SPachana,Deepana,Sandana- S.Y.SGrahi,Medya,Jwara,Pachana,Vrashya,Balya,Chakshusya- B.N

Useful Part:-Seeds

Dosage:-1-3 gm

Special preparations

Cotations:-Jeerakastitrayam rukshyam katusnam deepanm lagu Isangrahi pittalam medyam garbasayavisuddikrut IIJwaragnm pachanam vrasdhyam balyam rukshyam kaphapaham IChakshusyam pavanadmangulmachardyatisarahrut II