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Akarkara (Anacyclus Pyrethrum)

Akarkara (Anacyclus Pyrethrum) Health Benefits, Medicinal Uses, Dosage, and side effects

Akarkara is used worldwide in both Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine for treating various disorders like toothache, common cold, pyorrhea, etc. This herb also treats diseases that are caused due to the Vata dosha predominance like tremors, paralysis, etc.

Latin Name: Anacyclus pyrethrum

Family: Asteraceae

Akarkara Names in different languages:

  • English Name: Daisy Spanish Chamomile, Pellitory, Mount atlas
  • Hindi Name: Akarkara
  • Sanskrit Name: Akarkara
  • Tamil Name: Akkirakaram
  • Bengali Name: Aakarkara
  • Telugu Name: Akarakaram
  • Gujarati Name: Akkorakaro
  • Marathi Name: Akkalakara

Synonyms in the Sanskrit Language:

Akulakrit, Akallakah, Agragrahi

Other synonyms are Akravu, Akkalakada, Akallaka, Akalakarabha, Akalkara, Akallakara, Akkarakaram, Kulehara, etc.

Morphological characteristics:

Akarkara is a perennial herb that grows up to the height of 3 to 4 feet. Its flowers are pale yellow or whitish. This plant has a stem that lies on the ground for its length. Each has one large flower and the disk is yellow. The rays are white and tangled with purple beneath. Its leaves are smooth, pinnate, alternate with deep cut segments. The root is cylindrical, lightly twisted and tapering, and crowned with a tuft of gray hairs. It is brownish and wrinkled with black spots. It is native to Arabia, Syria, and North Africa and brought to India, found in Bengal.

Main chemical constituents:

The main chemical compound of akarkara is not known but most of the studies have stated that its root contains alkaloid Pellitorin (Pyrethrin) and Alkyl amides. Alkyl amides in this herb are composed of Tyramine amides and Isobtylamides which have neuroprotective and libido stimulant properties. The aerial parts of this herb contain Anacyclin.

Other constituents are Sesamin, Hydrocarolin, and Inulin.

Medicinal properties:

  1. Rasa (Taste)- Katu (Pungent)
  2. Guna (Quality)- Ruksha (Dry) and Teekshna (Hot)
  3. Veerya (Potency)- Ushna (Hot)
  4. Vipaka (Undergoes taste conversion after digestion)- Katu (Pungent)
  5. Karma (Action on tridosha)- Vatakapha Shamaka (Balances Vata and Kapha dosha), and Nadi Uttejaka (Stimulate the nerves)

Medicinal actions of Akarkara

Akarkara has the following primary actions on the body-

  1. Expectorant
  2. Spermatogenic
  3. Brain Tonic
  4. Anti-amnesiac
  5. Diuretic
  6. Libido stimulant
  7. Aphrodisiac
  8. Analgesic
  9. Anticonvulsant
  10. Secondary action of Akarkara on the body-
  11. Antioxidant
  12. Muscle relaxant
  13. Carminative
  14. Digestive stimulant
  15. Anti-inflammatory
  16. Adaptogenic
  17. Antipyretic

Therapeutic uses of Akarkara

Loss of libido:

Akarkara shows aphrodisiac, libido stimulant, and spermatogenic actions that influence the secretion of androgen and increase its production naturally. Its roots contain alkyl amide that increases the production of testosterone and may also work on hypothalamus stimulation. This also increases the spermatozoa count and enhances the chances of fertility. As per the Ayurveda aspect, its roots stimulate the desire and increase the blood supply to the genitals.

Erectile dysfunction and impotency:

Akarkara helps to treat impotency and erectile dysfunction as it works as a vajikara dravya that increases vajikarana and treats male sexual-related problems like erectile dysfunction. It can be used in the form of powder or oil as an external application.

Arthritis:

Akarkara is useful in treating arthritis because it is rich in antioxidants and improves blood circulation. Being an anti-inflammatory, it is used to treat inflammation and pain in arthritis.  As per Ayurveda, arthritis is caused due to the aggravation of Vata dosha which causes inflammation, pain, restricted movement, etc. Akarkara has a Vata dosha balancing property that provides relief in arthritis.

Indigestion:

Akarkara helps to stimulate the secretion of saliva and various digestive enzymes. As per Ayurveda, indigestion is caused due to aggravation of Kapha dosha which leads to weak digestive fire. Because of the hot nature, this herb helps to increase digestive fire which maintains the proper digestion of food.

Memory enhancement:

Akarkara inhibits an enzyme called cholinesterase which causes loss of memory and hence increases the memory power. This herb shows excellent results in Alzheimer’s disease by increasing memory power. As per Ayurveda, it helps to provide strength to the nerves and thus, enhances memory.

Insect bite:

Akarkara helps to treat insect bites because it is a very effective antibiotic that fights against bacterial infections and prevents the growth of bacteria and infection at the bite area.

Toothache:

Akarkra has been used in Ayurveda for many ages due to its antibacterial properties that kill the bacteria which causes infection in the gums. As a natural anti-inflammatory substance, it helps to reduce inflammation. Application of the paste of root powder at the pain site helps to relieve toothache.

Benefits of Akarkara root:

Roots of Akarkara have an expectorant property which is well-known to clear the pathways by expulsing the mucus from the respiratory tract. This herb also helps in the proper digestion of food by stimulating the salivary glands and the production of digestive enzymes.

It maintains the kidney’s health naturally and increases the frequency as well as the quality of urine. Thus, it acts as a natural detoxifier. In arthritis, it reduces pain as well as inflammation. It also kills intestinal worms and treats various digestive issues. In tooth-related disorders, it acts as a natural anthelmintic and antibacterial. It also acts as a memory enhancer and maintains the overall health of the body.

As a natural nerve tonic, it provides strength to the nerves and keeps them healthy. It also shows a unique action as it improves speech problems in growing children. It is used in combination with vacha for better results.

Part used: Root

Dosage: 0.5 to 1 gm

Conclusion:

From this article, it is concluded that proper care should be taken if akarkara is given to a patient who is suffering from acidity, gastric ulceration, inflammation in the intestine, etc. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Higher dosage and its long term should be properly managed and should be taken under the supervision of the doctor.

Note: Our purpose is to serve useful information related to akarkara ’s benefits, dosage, and other properties. It is advised to the patients not to consume akarkara on the basis of this information. Before taking akarkara as a medicine it is better to have an expert opinion because dosage and treatment vary from patient to patient depending on their symptoms and medical history.

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About Dr. Ranjana Kaushal

Dr. Ranjana Kaushal (MD Ayurveda) has 11 years of experience in the field of Ayurveda. Right now she is working as an Ayurveda consultant with Life Aveda. She has immense knowledge about herbs, their uses, and formulations. She has published articles related to many herbs and diseases in an international journal. She is also a degree holder in yoga and naturopathy. Read More..

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