Amazing Indian Herbs: Akarkara or Pellitory or Anacyclus Pyrethrum http://amazing-indian-herbs.blogspot.in/2011/10/akarkarbha-or-akarkar...

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This blog is primarily aimed at getting the world acquainted with the amazing healing powers of herbs used in the
renowned Ayurveda, the great Indian Herbal Medicine System. Another purpose of this blog is to inspire people to
adopt a more natural way of life. I will be thankful to you masses if these goals are achieved. Thanks & Regards,

Wednesday, 19 October 2011 Pages

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Akarkara or Pellitory or Anacyclus
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Amazing Indian Herbs: Akarkara or Pellitory or Anacyclus Pyrethrum http://amazing-indian-herbs.blogspot.in/2011/10/akarkarbha-or-akarkar...

Botanical Information:
Scientific Name:
Anacyclus Pyrethrum
Anacyclus Depressus
Anacyclus Freynii
Anacyclus Officinarum
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Anacyclus
Origin: Mediterranean Region. Believed to have originated in
Arabia.
Distribution: Indian Subcontinent, North Africa, Arabia

Detailed Description: Akarkara or Pellitory is a procumbent, perennial

herb distributed in the Mediterranean Region, Northern Africa, Indian
Subcontinent and Arabia. It shows thick, bushy growth with numerous
branches & thick, small, needle-like leaves. It looks almost like a
creeper and is characterised by flowers with petals having white upper-
surface and light magenta to purple coloured lower surface,
surrounding a yellow core. The roots, that are used dried or fresh in
medicinal preparations, are very pungent and sometimes used in
spicing foods.

Controversy: Although Anacyclus Pyrethrum is more popular as

Akarkara or Akarkarbha or Pellitory, but few studies recognize
Spilanthes Acmella Oleracea as Akarkara or Pellitory. This one too
belongs to family "Asteraceae" and genus "Acmella". Spilanthes
Acmella is reported to possess medicinal properties similar to
Anacyclus Pyrethrum. But in this article, we shall only discuss
Anacyclus Pyrethrum.

Parts Used: Roots

Form of Application: Extract, Tincture, Raw, Powdered, Paste etc.

Mode of Application: Oral (Extract, Decoction, Infusion, Raw) & Nasal

(Extract, Powder).

Extraction of Juice: By compression, alcoholic extraction, infusion in

water etc.

Physical Properties: The extract has following physical properties;

Colour: Yellowish
Texture: Watery
Taste: Pungent. Increases saliva secretion when raw roots are
chewed.
Aroma: Aromatic but pungent.
State: Liquid at room temperature.

Chemical Composition: The following compounds are found in the root

extracts of Akarkara or Pellitory;
Flavonoids (Alkaloids): Anacyclin, Dehydroanacyclin,
Pellitorine, Hydrocarolin, Inulin, Seasamin, Tannin
Alcohols: Enetriyne Alcohol
Amides: Deca-Trans-2-Trans-4-Dienamide, Do-deca-
Trans-2-Trans-4-Dienamide, Tetra-deca-Trans-
2-Trans-4-Dienamide, Tri-Amine-Amides, Iso-Butyl-
Amides, Lignane, Deca-2-4-Dien-Acid-Isobutylamide
Others: Poly-Acetynic Compounds, Volatile Essential
Oils, a Brown Resinous Oil, an Acrid Yellow Oil

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Note: In very contrary to the popular belief, it does not contain any
Pyrethrin. However, the suffix "Pyrethrum" suggests that other
Pyrethrum species found subsequently contain "Pyrethrin".

Medicinal Properties: The extraordinary medicinal properties of

Akarkarbha or Akarkara or Pellitory are listed as under;
Aphrodisiac: The extracts of Akarkara roots increases libido or
sexual urges and delays ejaculation.
Analgesic: It reduces or ends pain by causing numbness.
Anti-Rheumatic & Anti-Arthritic: It gives relief in rheumatic
arthritis by increasing circulation.
Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Viral: Akarkara has also shown
anti-bacterial & anti-viral properties and thus it keeps you safe
from a large number of air-borne & water-borne infectious
diseases caused by bacteria & virus.
Anti-Biotic: It also inhibits microbial or biotic growth in the
body.
Anti-Catarrhal: Akarkara or Pellitory root also exhibits
anti-catarral properties, i.e. it expels old catarrh.
Carminative: It expels gases from intestines.
Digestive: Pellitory or Akarkara roots aid in digestion by
stimulating secretion of saliva and other digestive juices as it
goes down the digestive system.
Diuretic: The diuretic property of Akarkara or Pellitory root
increases frequency & quantity of urination, thereby helping
detoxify the body.
Emmenagogue: It gives relief from irregular, delayed &
obstructed menstruation.
Febrifuge: The alkaloids present in Akarkara or Pellitory
makes it a good febrifuge by virtue of its anti-microbial,
anti-viral & anti-bacterial properties.
Nervine: This is another important property of Pellitory or
Akarkara (Anacyclus Pyrethrum) that makes it famous for
treating nervous or neurotic disorders.
Sialagogue: It increases production & secretion of saliva. This
can aid in digesting food & give relief from dry mouth.
Vermifuge: The anti-biotic & anti-microbial properties of the
alkaloids present in Akarkara or Pellitory roots makes it a good
vermifuge too and help in destroying the worms in our
intestines.

Indications & Symptoms: Akarkara (Anacyclus Pyrethrum) is used in

the treatment of a whole list of medical conditions, displayed below;
Lack of Libido: The properties of certain alkaloids present in
Akarkara or Pellitory increase sexual urges and enhance
libido. This gives it a wide recognition as an aphrodisiac.
Premature Ejaculation: This is yet another sexual problem
Akarkara is found very effective on. It strengthens nerves
responsible for men's sexual performance & ejaculation and
thereby delays ejaculation.
Erectile Dysfunction: Since long, Akarkara or Pellitory root
extract is has been in use in curing Erectile Dysfunction. What
Akarkara does is that it stimulates blood circulation in the
urogenital areas and helps giving longer & stronger erections.
Impotence: Akarkara (Anacyclus Pyrethrum) has been found
useful in treating certain types of impotence too, particularly

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those which are caused due to nervous & vascular disorders

or weaknesses.
Paralysis: The stimulating and nervine properties of Anacyclus
Pyrethrum (Akarkara) activate & strengthen nerves and thus
help recover from Paralysis.
Nervous & Vascular Weaknesses: Once again, the flavonoids
present in Akarkara (Anacyclus Pyrethrum) strengthen nerves
& vessels and help get rid of disorders like Vertigo,
Nervousness, Nausea, Phobias etc. arising from Nervous &
Vascular Weaknesses.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurotic & nervous disorder that can be
controlled by application of Akarkara, due to its nervine
properties.
Hemiphlegia: Hemiphlegia is a dreaded condition where entire
half-side of the body gets paralyzed severely along the
body-median. Studies have shown that this condition too can
be improved by applying root extracts of Akarkara or Pellitory
(Anacyclus Pyrethrum).
Toothache: Pellitory or Akarkara root is so effective in relieving
toothache that it is popularly known as Toothache Plant. Due
to its analgesic properties, it gives quick relief from toothache
& other pains.
Headache: Due to its analgesic properties, it gives relief from
headache too.
Indigestion: The Sialagogue & Cholagogue properties of
Akarkara roots promotes digestion by stimulating secretion of
saliva & other digestive juices like bile, acids etc.
Flatulence: The Carminative property of Akarkara can give you
relief from flatulence & gas.
Infections: The anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties of
Pellitory or Akarkara give protection from air-borne &
water-borne infections.
Facial Neuralgia: Facial Neuralgia is also known as Trigeminal
Neuralgia. It is characterized by acute pain in the face, due to
compression of a cranial nerve called Trigeminal Nerve,
possibly by a swollen artery. Certain compounds present in
Pellitory or Akarkara root extract reduce swelling in the artery
and also stimulate the said nerve, thereby relieving the pain by
reducing the pressure on the nerve.
Fever: Akarkara (Anacyclus Pyrethrum) Roots also show
febrifuge properties due to presence of certain alkaloids in it. It
combats infections that cause fever and thus lowers body
temperature.
Tonsillitis & Sore Throat: The anti-viral property of Akarkara
fights infection that causes tonsillitis & sore-throat and helps
cure these conditions.
Congestion: The stimulating effect of Pellitory Root extract
broadens the nasal, tracheal & bronchial passages, thereby
easing respiration.
Chronic Catarrh: Akarkara has also been found useful in
expelling old catarrh by stimulating inner throat and relieving
related inflammation & infection.
Intestinal Worms: The vermifuge effect of alkaloids present in
the Akarkara roots Extract kills intestinal worms.
Rheumatism & Arthritis: The alkaloids and flavonoids present
in Akarkara or Pellitory (Anacyclus Pyrethrum) give relief in

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rheumatism and arthritis by neutralizing uric acid and by

stimulating blood circulation.
Urinary Infections: Many urinary disorders can almost be cured
just by increasing the frequency & quantity of urine. The more
the urine is excreted from the body, the more the infection
causing agents are removed with it. Akarkara, due to its
diuretic properties, does just the same. It also aids in
digestion, giving relief from flatulence and weight-loss due to
its diuretic properties.
Irregular Menstrual Periods: The Emmenagogue property of
Akarkara roots regulates menstrual cycles, clears delayed or
obstructed periods and also makes it regular.
Xerostomia: This term can be somewhat new for many of you.
It means "Dry Mouth". It is very common among masses. It is
characterized by a dry mouth and enhanced thirst, even if you
have sufficient water in your body. This is caused due to lack
of secretion of saliva in the mouth. This can be cured by oral
intake of Pellitory or Akarkara roots. The Sialagogue property
of Anacyclus Pyrethrum increases saliva production by
stimulating saliva glands and thus cures this problem.
Sciatica: External application of Akarkara or Pellitory root
powder in almond oil gives relief in sciatica.
Stammering: Stammering is a nervous disorder and Akarkara
has been found useful on it.
Dullness: Dullness, often caused by inactivity of certain
neurons, can also be helped with application of Pellitory roots.
It activates the neurons by stimulating them.
Inflammation: Akarkara (Anacyclus Pyrethrum) Root Extract
has been found effective in reducing certain of inflammations
too.

Other Uses: Few other uses of Akarkara or Pellitory are;

In the Mediterranean Region, Akarkara root is also used in
spicing foods due to its pungency and ability to produce saliva.
Recent studies show that Akarkara or Pellitory has effects
similar to those of Anabolic Steroids or Testosterone.

Availability: Average

Estimated Unit Price: The approx. prices are given as follows.

However, the prices may vary greatly, depending upon the quality of
the product, concentration, manufacturer, country of purchase,
customer's location, shipping charges etc.
Akarkara Root: $18 per kilogram approx.
Akarkara Root powder: $20 per kilogram approx.

Caution: No known toxic effects in normal dosages.

Statutory Warning: Must be administered under supervision of an

expert or medical practitioner.

Storage: In cool, dry place in air-tight containers, away from sunlight &
heat. Do not refrigerate.

Blending/Formulations: In Indian Herbal Medicine System, Akarkara or

Pellitory roots are often used in combination with many other herbs like
Brahmi, Black Pepper, Nagarmotha, Kullanjan, Arjuna Bark, Chiraita,
Ashwagandha, White Moosli etc.

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Other Aspects or Information:

Social: Akarkara or Pellitory roots were widely used as an
aphrodisiac in the Middle Eastern countries, mainly in Arabia,
and then in India.
Cultural: The stems of Akarkara has been in use for brushing
teeth among the original inhabitants of Chhattisgarh state of
India.
Historical: This herb is believed to have originated or
discovered or have been used in Middle Eastern countries,
particularly Arabia, much before it was introduced in the Indian
Herbal Medicine System since no instances of using this herb
was found in the inscriptions left by Charaka & Shrushruta, the
founders of Ayurveda.
Economical: Pellitory or Akarkara roots fetch goods price and
its cultivation or marketing can be a profitable business.

Conclusion: Akarkara or Pellitory, with so many medicinal benefits,

deserves to be respected as a wonder herb. With no known toxic
effects, it can be a safe deal too if you are planning to try it. Try it,
experience it and do write me back. Your report can help a lot many
others. Its medicinal properties suggest that Mother Nature has
provided cure for almost every known diseases & ailments out there.
All we need is to know her better and go closer to her. She is there to
help us.

So, go natural, go herbal and live longer!

Thanks!

Photos: From Internet

Posted by AM at 10:21

1 comment:
Ray's Blog 15 June 2012 at 03:16

I am interrested in this product.

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