Kampilla (Rochana, Chandra, Karkaśa)

About

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.

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.

Active compounds

• Rottlerin
• Phloroglucinol derivatives
• Polyphenols
• Kamalins (A, B, C)
• Bergenin
• Alkaloids
• Saponins
• Glycosides
• Tannins

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)

Frequently asked questions