Ankota (Dirghakila, Ankola, Nikochaka)

About

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.

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.

Active compounds

• Alkaloids
• Flavonoids
• Phenols
• Steroids
• Glycosides
• Tannins
• Saponins
• Fatty acids

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

Frequently asked questions