Khella

Botanical

What is it

Khella (Ammi visnaga) is a flowering plant in the parsley family native to the Mediterranean and Middle East. The seeds contain khellin and visnagin, furochromones with vasodilator and bronchodilator effects, and have served as the inspiration for several modern drugs.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Kidney stones (ureteric stone passage)

Limited Evidence

Traditional and limited clinical evidence supports use as smooth muscle relaxant to facilitate stone passage.

Vitiligo (with UV therapy)

Limited Evidence

Khellin has been used as a photosensitizer in PUVA-like therapy for vitiligo with some evidence of repigmentation.

How it works

Khellin and related compounds dilate coronary arteries and bronchioles by inhibiting calcium influx into smooth muscle cells. Historically, khella extracts were used for angina and asthma; khellin inspired the development of cromolyn sodium and amiodarone. Khella also contains visnagin, with similar but distinct vasodilator activity. The seeds have been used for various conditions including kidney stones, where ureteral smooth muscle relaxation may facilitate stone passage.

Dosage

Traditional doses: 100-300 mg of dried seed extract daily. Tincture (1:5): 1-2 mL three times daily.

When and how to take it

WHEN: Taken in divided doses through the day. HOW: As tincture, standardized extract, or tea per product instructions. Avoid intense sun exposure.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Khella seed extract

Most common form.

Standardized to khellin content

Tincture

Traditional liquid form.

Liquid extract

Safety

Side effects can include nausea, dizziness, headache, sleep disturbances, and reversible elevation of liver enzymes. Photosensitivity is possible due to furocoumarin content. Long-term use may lead to pseudo-jaundice (yellow skin discoloration that is not actually jaundice).

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, lactation, liver disease, and before/during photosensitizing UV treatments (PUVA). Caution with cardiac and antihypertensive medications.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with antihypertensives, calcium channel blockers, antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, and photosensitizing drugs.

Frequently asked questions

Does khella help with kidney stones?⌄

Some evidence supports use for facilitating ureteral stone passage. Discuss with your urologist before adding to a stone treatment plan.

Why does khella cause yellow skin?⌄

Chronic use can lead to a harmless yellow skin discoloration ('pseudo-jaundice') from accumulated khellin. It resolves with discontinuation.

References

Khella on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Khella (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.