Akarkara: Akalakara Benefits, Uses, and More about Anacyclus pyrethrum

Akarkara, also known as Akallaka, is a type of plant that grows in the Himalayan region. It’s a herb that comes back year after year. The roots of this plant have a slightly strong smell and taste. People use Akarkara for different reasons. One common use is for managing pain and swelling, especially in conditions like arthritis. This is because Akarkara has substances that fight damage in the body, called antioxidants. It also helps with digestion by making the mouth produce more saliva and the body produce more digestive juices.

Akarkara is also believed to help with sexual desire and performance in men by keeping their testosterone levels balanced. It can also make the body get rid of toxins better by increasing urine production. Additionally, it’s said to have benefits for the brain, improving memory and mood.

For skin issues and insect bites, Akarkara is useful because it fights germs. Making a paste of Akarkara powder and honey and applying it on gums can relieve toothaches because of its antioxidant and pain-relieving properties. Akarkara has many other names like Anacyclus pyrethrum, Kulekhara, Pellitory, and others. The source of Akarkara is plants.

What is Akarkara?

Anacyclus pyrethrum, commonly known as Akalakara in Nepali, Akarkara in Hindi and Pellitory in English, is a plant that is used for medicine. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is a group of flowering plants. In Marathi, it’s also called Akkirakaram. People have used its roots for their medicinal properties for a long time.

This plant is sometimes also referred to as African pyrethrum. It originally comes from places like Morocco, Spain, and Algeria. There are two main varieties of this plant: Anacyclus pyrethrum var. pyrethrum (L.) and Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus (Ball) Maire. Some variations of it can be found in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, and Bengal in India. However, in India, it’s often imported from Algeria

How to Use Akarkara?

Akarkara, also known as Anacyclus pyrethrum, can be used in the form of capsules or powder for its benefits. Here’s how you can use it:

1.         Akarkara Capsule: Akarkara Capsules are available for consumption. Here’s how to use them: a. Take 1 to 2 capsules of Akarkara. b. Swallow the capsules with plain water. c. Take them once or twice a day. d. It’s better to take them after having your meals.

2.         Akarkara Powder: Akarkara is also available in powder form. Here’s how to use it: a. Measure 2 to 4 pinches of Akarkara powder. b. You can mix the powder with plain water or honey. c. Consume it once or twice a day. d. It’s recommended to take it after meals for better absorption.

Chemical Constituents of Akarakara

Akarakara contains various natural compounds that are good for health. These include alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, and tannins. These are found in the Anacyclus pyrethrum plant. When you extract the root of this plant, you also get free fatty acids, sterols, and unsaturated amides. Some specific compounds found in akarakara root extract include pellitorin, anacyclin, phenylethylamine, inulin, polyacetylenic amides, and sesamin. These compounds have different effects on the body and are beneficial for health.

Using Akarkara capsules or powder regularly can help you experience its benefits.

Therapeutic Uses of Akarkara

Akarkara, a plant known for its therapeutic properties, contains natural compounds like flavonoids and terpenoids that contribute to its medicinal benefits. In traditional systems like Unani, Ayurveda, and herbal medicine, both the roots and leaves of Akarkara are utilized for various health purposes.

The plant is used for:

1.         Anti-inflammatory: It helps reduce inflammation in the body.

2.         Antibacterial: It fights against bacterial infections.

3.         Aphrodisiac: It enhances sexual desire and performance.

4.         Antiviral: It combats viral infections.

5.         Carminative: It helps in relieving flatulence and promotes digestion.

6.         Diuretic: It increases urine production, aiding in detoxification.

7.         Emmenagogue: It stimulates menstrual flow in women.

8.         Vermifuge (Anthelmintic): It helps in expelling intestinal worms.

9.         Febrifuge: It helps in reducing fever.

10.       Sialagogue: It stimulates the production of saliva.

11.       Analgesic: It relieves pain.

12.       Antiarthritic: It helps in managing arthritis symptoms.

13.       Nerve tonic: It has a beneficial effect on nerves and nervous system function.

So, Akarkara is used for a variety of purposes like reducing inflammation, fighting infections, improving digestion, relieving pain, and even as a tonic for the nerves.

Benefits of Akarkara

Akarkara, also known as Anacyclus pyrethrum, offers various benefits for health conditions like arthritis, indigestion, toothache, insect bites, diabetes, central nervous system health, immunity, wound healing, and fertility enhancement.

Arthritis: Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints. According to modern science, Akarkara is rich in antioxidants and helps improve blood circulation, which can alleviate pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. In Ayurveda, it’s believed that Akarkara balances Vata dosha, thus reducing pain and swelling in arthritis.

To use Akarkara for arthritis, take 2-4 pinches of Akarkara powder with water or honey after meals.

Indigestion: Akarkara stimulates saliva and digestive enzymes, aiding digestion. In Ayurveda, indigestion is linked to weak digestive fire (Agni), often caused by aggravated Kapha dosha. Akarkara’s hot nature helps improve Agni, facilitating better digestion.

To alleviate indigestion, take 2-4 pinches of Akarkara powder with water or honey after meals.

Toothache: Akarkara possesses antioxidant and analgesic properties, which can help manage toothache. In Ayurveda, imbalance in Kapha dosha can lead to dental issues. Akarkara, with its Kapha balancing nature, helps reduce toothache.

For toothache relief, mix Akarkara powder with honey to make a paste and apply it to the affected area.

Insect Bite: Though scientific evidence is limited, Akarkara may prevent microbial growth and protect the skin due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

Diabetes: Akarkara root extract has shown benefits in reducing spiked blood glucose levels in diabetic animal models, indicating potential antidiabetic effects. Further human trials are needed for confirmation.

Central Nervous System (CNS): Animal studies suggest that Akarkara extract has antidepressant, muscle relaxant, memory-enhancing, and anticonvulsant effects. However, human trials are necessary to confirm these effects.

Immunity: Akarkara extract has demonstrated immunostimulatory activity in rat models, indicating its potential as an immunomodulator.

Wound Healing: Akarkara extract has shown wound healing benefits in rats by reducing wound diameter, possibly due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Respiratory Ailments: Polysaccharides from Akarkara root may possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially beneficial for reducing respiratory ailments caused by allergies.

Fertility Enhancement: Animal trials suggest that Akarkara root extract enhances sexual potential and libido in rats. It shows promising results as a fertility enhancer, but human studies are needed for confirmation.

In summary, Akarkara offers various health benefits backed by both modern science and Ayurveda, but further research, especially on humans, is necessary to validate its effectiveness fully.

Precautions to Take with Akarkara

When it comes to using Akarkara, it’s important to take some precautions, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. There haven’t been studies to show whether it’s safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women to use Akarkara. Because of this, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before using it, and if you do use it, make sure your doctor supervises its usage.

Similarly, there haven’t been studies done on the safety of Akarkara for children. This means we don’t know for sure if it’s safe or not for kids to use.

Phytochemical Constituents

The exact chemical makeup of anacyclus pyrethrum (akarkara) isn’t fully understood, but some studies suggest that the root contains compounds like alkaloid pellitorin (pyrethrin) and alkyl amides. Alkyl amides found in akarkara roots mainly consist of tyramine amides and isobutylamides. These alkyl amides are known for their libido-stimulant and neuroprotective effects. Additionally, the aerial parts of the akarkara plant contain anacyclin along with other active compounds like inulin, sesamin, and hydrocarolin.

Akarkara has various properties such as being an aphrodisiac, libido-stimulant, expectorant, diuretic, androgenic, analgesic, spermatogenic, anti-convulsant, carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-amnesiac, adaptogenic, anti-pyretic, and muscle relaxant. It is widely used to treat sexual problems, erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, toothache, bleeding gums, digestive disorders, fever, asthma, indigestion, constipation, rheumatic arthritis, bleeding, stress, and anxiety.

Summarizing the Benefits of Akarkara

1.         Stress Reduction: Akarkara acts as an adaptogen, helping the body to cope with stress.

2.         Anxiety Relief: It may help in reducing feelings of anxiety and nervousness.

3.         Aphrodisiac Properties: Known for its aphrodisiac effects, enhancing libido and sexual health.

4.         Infertility Treatment: It may aid in treating infertility issues in men.

5.         Reproductive Health: Supports overall reproductive health in males.

6.         Improved Digestion: Helps in digestion and alleviates digestive problems.

7.         Memory Enhancement: It is believed to enhance memory and cognitive functions.

8.         Dental Health: Effective in treating toothaches and gum problems like pyorrhea.

9.         Anti-inflammatory: Has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the body.

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10.       Boosts Stamina: Enhances physical stamina and endurance.

11.       Immune System Support: Helps in boosting the body’s immunity.

12.       Respiratory Health: Supports respiratory health and may help in respiratory disorders.

13.       Analgesic: Acts as a pain reliever, reducing pain sensations.

14.       Antimicrobial: Exhibits antimicrobial properties, fighting against infections.

15.       Anti-aging: It is believed to have anti-aging effects on the body.

16.       Diuretic: Acts as a diuretic, promoting urine flow and kidney health.

17.       Antioxidant: Contains antioxidants that help in fighting free radicals.

18.       Anti-diabetic: May help in managing blood sugar levels.

19.       Anti-arthritic: Beneficial in arthritis by reducing inflammation and pain.

20.       Aids Respiratory Disorders: Helps in conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

21.       Wound Healing: Assists in faster wound healing.

22.       Improves Appetite: Stimulates appetite in cases of loss of appetite.

23.       Liver Health: Supports liver function and detoxification.

24.       Cardiovascular Health: Helps in maintaining heart health.

25.       Improves Skin Health: Beneficial for skin disorders and promotes healthy skin.

26.       Anti-parasitic: It may help in fighting against certain parasites.

27.       Anti-cancer Properties: Some studies suggest it may have anti-cancer properties, though more research is needed.

28.       Hormonal Balance: Supports hormonal balance in the body.

29.       Menstrual Disorders: Helpful in managing menstrual irregularities.

30.       General Wellness: Promotes overall health and well-being.

Conclusion

Akarkara, also known as Anacyclus pyrethrum, is a small perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It’s mainly found in Arabia but can also be found in North Africa, the Mediterranean region, Spain, and India. In India, it grows in the Himalayas, Jammu and Kashmir, Bengal, and other Northern regions. It looks quite similar to chamomile and grows well in mountainous areas and rocky gardens.

This plant is small, without stems, and covered in hair. It usually grows to about 3-4 feet tall. Its roots are cylindrical, tapering, and often covered with grey hair. They have a strong smell and taste. The roots appear brown and wrinkled from the outside with black spots. Akarkara has many stems with branches that lie on the ground and then rise upwards. Each stem usually bears one large flower with a yellow disk. Its leaves are alternate, smooth, and shaped like feathers with pale green color and deeply cut segments. The flowers are white with a purple tinge underneath, and after blooming, they produce oval seeds.

For centuries, Akarkara has been mentioned in Ayurvedic texts as a powerful remedy for various health issues. It’s considered an adaptogen, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It’s also known as an aphrodisiac, improving libido and treating infertility issues in men. Akarkara aids in digestion, memory enhancement, and treats toothaches and gum disease. It also reduces inflammation, thus boosting stamina and immunity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Akarkara

Where can I find Akarkara powder?

 Akarkara powder is easily found in various brands in the market. You can buy it online or from an Ayurvedic medical store.

Can Akarkara help with male sexual problems?

Yes, it might help. Akarkara root extracts can increase libido and delay ejaculation, which can be beneficial for male sexual problems.

Does Akarkara have a diuretic property?

Yes, it does. Akarkara roots can increase both the frequency and quantity of urination, helping to detoxify the body.

Is a high dose of Akarkara harmful?

Yes, it can be. It’s best to stick to the recommended dosage to avoid any harmful effects.

What are the benefits of Akarkara root?

Akarkara root has several benefits. It can help expel mucus from the respiratory tract, aid digestion, increase urination frequency, destroy intestinal worms, and manage sore throats and toothaches.

Does Akarkara improve sexual performance in men?

Yes, it does. Akarkara can stimulate testosterone secretion, improve blood flow to the male sex organ, maintain erection, enhance sperm production, and increase overall sexual desire and performance.

Can Akarkara enhance memory?

 It’s possible. Akarkara may help enhance memory by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme responsible for memory impairment. It’s also beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease.

Can Akarkara reduce joint pain?

Yes, it can. Akarkara is useful for relieving joint pain when applied externally. It’s often used in Ayurvedic pain-relieving oils, especially for Vata-related joint pain and inflammation.

 Reference