Ankola (Ankola (Dirghakila, Nikochaka))
Ankola (Alangium salviifolium) is a plant used in Ayurveda for various therapeutic purposes. Classical texts describe its fruit as fishy-smelling and cooling, with Kapha-alleviating properties. The root is also mentioned for its medicinal benefits.
Botanical name: Alangium salviifolium. Also known as: Sage leaved Alangium, Dhera, Ankol, Akola, Ankota, Deerghakeela, Nikochaka, Peetasara, Tamraphala, Hundika, Rudamallika, Kotara, Gudhapatra, Madana, Rechi, Gandhapushpa, Bhusita, Irikilla, Guptasneha, Elangi, Alandi, Alanji, Irinzil, Angolam, Ankolam, Uduga Chettu, Ankolamu, Kudagu, Ankola, Ankole-mare, Aankod, Badh Aankod, Aankoda, bagh, akarkanta, Ankol, Ankol, Aankola.
Properties
Laghu (light), Snigdha (smooth), Teekshna (strong, piercing)
Dosage
The maximum dosage for the plant should not exceed 2g. Ankol oil: 2 to 15 drops. Root bark powder: 125 – 2000mg. Leaves: less than 2g. Fruits: less than 2 g. Seeds: less than 2 g. Bark decoction: 20–40 ml. Prepared by boiling 5–10 grams of dried bark in 200 ml of water until reduced by half. Root powder: 1–3 grams, often mixed with honey or warm water. For fever: Ankol root bark in a dosage of 250 mg to 500 mg. Churna (powder): 3–6 g. Kwatha (decoction): 50–100 ml
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
- Virya: ["Shita (Cooling)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Kapha軽減
- Vata軽減
- Vishaghna (Anti-toxic)
- Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
Traditional uses
- Visha (Poisoning)
- Shotha (Inflammation)
- Krimi (Worms)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction (Kwatha): Boil the root bark in water. Classically, 3–5 grams of dried bark in 200 ml of water, reduced to 50 ml.
- Powder (Churna): Root powder can be mixed with honey or warm water.
- Medicated Oil (Taila): Ankoladi Taila is used externally for joint stiffness or tremors.
- Paste: Crushed fresh root or bark paste can be applied directly to skin eruptions, boils, or even over snakebite areas.
- Infusion: Dried Alangium bark steeped overnight in clay pots.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Ankola is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its purgative nature and mild uterine stimulant effects. It should also be avoided by nursing mothers unless specifically prescribed by an Ayurvedic expert.
- Children: Not recommended for children without strict medical supervision.
- Low Blood Pressure/Bradycardia: Caution is advised for people with low blood pressure or bradycardia.
- Seizure Disorders: Caution is advised for people with seizure disorders, as it may intensify CNS depression.
- Medications: Caution is advised for people already under allopathic medications; alkaloids in the plant may intensify CNS depression.
- Overdose: Overdose or long-term use of the bark decoction may lead to sedation, dizziness, or gastrointestinal distress.
- Dosage: Ankola is a highly purgative medicinal plant, and excess intake may induce vomiting.
Side effects
- Due to its emetic and purgative action, its fruits and seeds should only be used under medical supervision.
- Its alkaloids can act on the central nervous system. In small, prescribed doses, that's therapeutic. In larger amounts, it can trigger sedation and nausea.
- Documented side effects include drowsiness, vomiting, and slurred speech. In rare cases, hypotension can occur.
- Overdosage may cause abdominal pain.
- Ankol plant parts are highly purgative and may induce vomiting in case of over dosage. Therefore, care should be taken if symptoms like severe burning, stomach upset, vertigo, and insomnia etc. occur.
- It may interact with medications, particularly sedatives and antiepileptics.
Interactions
- Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- It may interact with medications, particularly sedatives and antiepileptics.
- Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
- Ankol should be avoided in all forms at the time of pregnancy or during breastfeeding.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Kapha軽減
- Vata軽減
- Vishaghna (Anti-toxic)
- Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
Classical clinical indications
- Visha (Poisoning)
- Shotha (Inflammation)
- Krimi (Worms)