Khellin

Khellin, extracted from the fruits of Ammeos visnagae fructus (Khella), has been used in herbal medicine in the Mediterranean to treat diseases such as kidney stones, coronary artery disease, asthma, vitiligo (also known as white spot disease), and psoriasis.

As colorless, odorless, bitter-tasting and needle-shaped crystals, khellin is present after purification.

It has a spasmolytic effect on the smooth muscles of the bronchi, gastrointestinal tract, and biliary and urinary tracts. For this reason, preparations are used for the treatment of bronchial asthma, angina pectoris, and renal, biliary, or intestinal colic. Side effects may include orthostatic dysregulation, nausea, photosensitization, or rarely hepatotoxicity.