Khellin

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Khellin is the Moorish name for Ammi visnaga, an herbaceous plant found in Egypt that was used primarily as a folk remedy for renal colic.

The incidence of renal colic was due mostly to schistosomiasis infections and stone formation. The plant mixture had diuretic properties that was seen to relieve renal colic in Egyptian folk medicine. After the chemical compound khellin was identified, people began to study its properties. It was found to relax the ureter and coronary arteries.

In the early 20th century, researchers searched for khellin analogues with lower toxicities and better efficacy. A number of drugs were discovered in researching khellin analogues. Amiodarone and cromolyn sodium are khellin analogues used in current medical practice.