Ankota (Ankota (Dirghakila, Ankola, Nikochaka))
Alangium salvifolium, known as Ankota, is a medicinal plant used in Ayurveda. It is known for its potential anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and other therapeutic properties. Different parts of the plant, including the roots, seeds, flowers, and bark, are used for various medicinal purposes.
Botanical name: Alangium salvifolium. Also known as: Sage-leaved Alangium, Ankol, Dhera, Ankola, Dirghakanta, Nikochaka, Peetasara, Elangi, Alandi, Ankolam, Irinjil, Ankodam, Udagu, Urgu, Ankole, Karadigida, Akar, Ankura, Ankula, Onkla.
Properties
Anticonvulsant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antidepressant activity
Dosage
General: It is crucial to use Ankota under strict medical supervision because the therapeutic dose is very close to the toxic dose. Self-medication can be life-threatening. Maximum Dosage: The maximum dosage for the plant should not exceed 2g. Root bark powder: 125 – 2000mg. Leaves, Fruits and Seeds: Less than 2g. Ankol oil: 2 to 15 drops. Root Bark Decoction (Kwatha): Prepared by boiling 3-5 grams of dried bark in 200 ml of water, reduced to 50 ml. Typically taken once or twice a day, under supervision. Seed powder: 250–500 mg, usually in polyherbal combinations. Toxicity assessments have established that a dosage range of 100–300 mg/kg is safe and required to elicit the desired pharmacological response.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Pungent, Astringent
- Virya: ["Hot"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Anticonvulsant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Nervine Tonic
Traditional uses
- Epilepsy
- Poison-related disorders
- Nervous system disorders
- Skin disorders
- Itching
- Eczema
- Herpes
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: increasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction (Kwatha): Boil the bark or seeds in water. Classically, a root bark decoction is prepared by boiling 3–5 grams of dried bark in 200 ml of water, reduced to 50 ml.
- Paste: Grind the bark or seeds with water to make a paste for external application.
- Powder (Churna): The bark, root, or seeds can be dried and powdered. Seed powder is typically used in combination with other herbs.
- Medicated Oil (Taila): Ankoladi Taila is an oil preparation used externally for joint stiffness or tremors. A decoction of the root bark is cooked with a base oil (like sesame oil) over a low flame until the water evaporates. This medicated oil is then used for massaging painful, inflamed joints.
- Infusion: Roots can be used to make an infusion.
- Leha: A confection prepared with Ankola may be beneficial.
- Nasya: The seed oil is used for Nasya for anti-aging treatment. Seed powder can also be used for nasya in disorders of Kaphaja origin.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Low blood pressure
- Bradycardia
- Seizure disorders
- Children and elderly with comorbidities
- Overdose or long-term use of the bark decoction has been linked to sedation, dizziness, or gastrointestinal distress.
- Rare cases, skin reactions have been observed after topical application, especially in people with sensitive skin or open wounds.
Side effects
- Alangium salvifolium is a potent medicinal herb, and its alkaloids can affect the central nervous system.
- Possible side effects: Drowsiness, vomiting, and slurred speech.
- Overdose can cause severe vomiting, vertigo, visual disturbances, respiratory depression, and cardiac arrest due to its neuromuscular blocking activity.
- It is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- People with neurological disorders, children, or anyone taking sedatives should use this plant with special care.
- Due to its emetic and purgative action, its fruits and seeds should only be used under medical supervision.
- It may provoke Kapha and loss of appetite.
Interactions
- Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. 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.
- This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
- 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.
- It may interact with medications, particularly sedatives and antiepileptics. Don't replace prescribed medicines with it without talking to a professional.
- Cardiovascular drugs.
Clinical evidence
Animal studies suggest anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant activities. No large-scale human clinical trials have been completed. More research is needed to determine optimal dosages, pharmacokinetics, and safety margins.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Anticonvulsant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Nervine Tonic
Classical clinical indications
- Epilepsy
- Poison-related disorders
- Nervous system disorders
- Skin disorders
- Itching
- Eczema
- Herpes