Khellin, a natural furanochromone (see Fig. ) obtained from the fruits of Ammeos visnagae fructus (Khella), is used medicinally primarily for the treatment of vitiligo. Khellin has an obligatory photosensitizing effect.
Khellin also has a spasmolytic effect on the smooth muscles of the bronchi, the gastrointestinal tract and the biliary and urinary tracts, and is therefore used in preparations for the treatment of bronchial asthma, angina pectoris and for renal, biliary and intestinal colic (see Ammeos visnaga fructus below).