Kampilla (Kampilla (Rochana, Chandra, Karkaśa))
Kampilla (Mallotus philippensis) is an Ayurvedic herb known for its anthelmintic, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is traditionally used to address various ailments, including skin disorders, intestinal worms, and abdominal diseases.
Botanical name: Mallotus philippensis. Also known as: Kampillaka, Kampilla, Raktanga, Kamala tree, Monkey Face Tree, Red Kamala, Kamala, Kampila, Kanchori, Kungumam, Kampila-chettu, Kunkuma, Kampila, Chandra Hittu, Kunkundamar, Kampilamaram, Kampippala, Kurmadakku, Raktkamal, Shendri, Kapila, Kama Lagundi, Kamilo.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anthelmintic, Antimicrobial, Anti-diabetic
Dosage
General Adult Dosage: 2–5g of fine powdered Kampilla churnam twice daily with warm water or honey.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (pungent)"]
Benefits
- Krimighna (anti-parasitic)
- Vranahara (wound healing)
- Lekhana (scraping)
- Rochana (appetizer)
Traditional uses
- Krimi Roga (parasitic infections)
- Kushta (skin diseases)
- Udara Roga (abdominal disorders)
- Vrana (wounds)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: decreasing
Preparation methods
- Traditional Preparation: Hot-water decoction of fresh leaves and stem bark, filtered and sun-dried into a coarse powder.
- Powder (Churnam): Fine powder can be taken with warm water or honey.
- Paste: Mix Kampilla churnam with cow's ghee or sesame oil (3:1 ratio) for skin conditions. For acne, mix 1 part powder to 2 parts rosewater.
- Decoction (Kvatha): Simmer the herb in water, reduce the liquid, and strain.
- Modern Extraction: Standardized extraction methods ensure consistent rottlerin content (ideally 0.5–1%).
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Kampillaka is strictly contraindicated due to its purgative and strong dosha-shifting nature. It is considered harmful to the fetus.
- Children: It is not recommended for children without supervision. Children aged 6-12 years can take a low dose (250-500mg powder with honey).
- Kidney Disorders: Use with caution in patients with renal compromise.
- Pitta Imbalance: Contraindicated in severe Pitta dominance (e.g., ulcerative colitis, GERD) due to its heating nature.
- Excessive Use: High doses may cause severe purgation and dehydration. Large doses may cause colic, cramping, diarrhea, GI distress, and nausea.
- Skin Sensitivity: Topical application may cause irritation or rash in sensitive individuals. Always perform a patch test first.
- Medication Interactions: Potential interactions with antidiabetic drugs; tannins may lower blood sugar further. Should not be combined with strong iron supplements as they may reduce absorption.
- Other Warnings: May cause mild nausea, occasional vomiting, and loose motions.
Side effects
- Excessive Intake: May cause acidity, heartburn, mild gut irritation, purgation, or excessive salivation.
- Topical Use: Can irritate sensitive skin; perform a patch test first.
- Contraindications: Severe Pitta dominance (ulcerative colitis, GERD) due to heating nature.
- Pregnancy/Nursing: Avoid high doses (stick to under 2g/day of powder).
Interactions
- Antidiabetic Drugs: May enhance hypoglycemic effects.
- Iron Supplements: May reduce iron absorption.
- Western Medicines: Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. It is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
Clinical evidence
Clinical evidence for Kampilla (Mallotus philippensis) shows promise, particularly in digestive support, anti-parasitic activity, anti-diabetic effects (in animal models), anti-inflammatory action (in animal models), and antimicrobial properties. Human clinical trials are limited, with most being small pilot studies involving fewer than 50 participants. Larger placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Krimighna (anti-parasitic)
- Vranahara (wound healing)
- Lekhana (scraping)
- Rochana (appetizer)
Classical clinical indications
- Krimi Roga (parasitic infections)
- Kushta (skin diseases)
- Udara Roga (abdominal disorders)
- Vrana (wounds)