Kankol (Kolaka, Kosaphala, Kankolaka)

About

Kankol, botanically known as Piper cubeba and commonly referred to as Cubeb or Tailed Pepper, is a revered Ayurvedic herb. Classical texts describe it as light, sharp, hot, and bitter, pleasing to the heart and enhancing taste. Modern research validate...

Classical attributes

• Virya: []
• Vipaka: []

Dosha effects

• vata: decreasing
• kapha: decreasing
• pitta: balancing

Active compounds

• Lignans (Cubebin, Hinokinin, Clusin, Dihydrosesamin, Cubebol)
• Essential Oil (Sabinene, α-thujene, δ-3-carene, 1,4-cineole, β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, germacrene D, cubebene)
• Alkaloids (Piperine)
• Fatty Acids (Oleic acid, Linoleic acid, Palmitic acid)
• Flavonoids
• Terpenoids
• Cubebic acid

Clinical evidence

Meta-analyses of up to 15 RCTs and databases tracking 20+ RCTs show significant efficacy for Kankol in managing a range of conditions, particularly its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive support properties.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Deepana (Appetizer, Digestive stimulant)
• Pachana (Digestive)
• Anulomana (Carminative)
• Kaphaghna (Kapha alleviating)
• Hrudya (Cardiac tonic, Pleasing to the heart)
• Ruchya (Improves taste)
• Shwasahara (Anti-asthmatic, Respiratory support)
• Kasahara (Anti-cough)

Classical clinical indications

• Improves taste
• Heart health (Hrudya)
• Respiratory ailments (coughs, bronchitis, asthma)
• Digestive disorders (indigestion, flatulence)
• Urinary tract infections
• Inflammatory conditions
• Pain management

Frequently asked questions