Akarkara, Pellitory (Anacyclus Pyrethrum)

Akarkara is a perennial and pro-fertility herb that grows in the Himalayan region. The roots of this plant are slightly aromatic and have a pungent taste.

Akarkara is generally used to manage pain and inflammation related to arthritis due to its antioxidant property. It is also beneficial for indigestion as it stimulates the secretion of saliva as well as digestive enzymes needed for digestion. Akarkara improves sexual desire as well as sexual performance of men by maintaining the testosterone levels due to its aphrodisiac property. It might also be helpful in detoxification of the body as it increases urination due to its diuretic activity. It also helps improve brain function due to its memory-enhancing and antidepressant activity.

Akarkara is beneficial for skin problems and insect bites due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Applying a paste of Akarkara powder along with honey on the gums helps in relieving toothache due to its antioxidant and analgesic property.

Occurrence and Chemical Constituents

•   Pellitorine
•   Anacylin
•   Hydrocarolin
•   Inulin
•   Sesamin
•   Polysaccharides

Common Synonyms Of Anacyclus Pyrethrum

•   Botanical Name : Anacyclus pyrethrum
•   English Name : Pellitory, Pyrethrum root
•   Sanskrit Name : Akallaka, Aakarakarabh, akaltanak
•   Hindi Name : Akalkara
•   Bengali Name : Akarakara
•   Tamil Name : Akkaraka, Akkarakaram
•   Telugu Name : Akkalakarra
•   Gujrati Name : Akkalkaro, Akkalgaro
•   Punjabi Name : Akarakarabh, Akarakara
•   Kannada Name : Akkallakara, Akallakara, Akalakarabha, Akkallaka Hommugulu

Classification of Akarkara, Pellitory

•   Kingdom : PLANTAE
•   Sub-Kingdom : VIRIDIPLANTAE
•   Infra Kingdom : STREPTOPHYTA (land plants)
•   Super Division : EMBRYOPHYTA
•   Division : TRACHEOPHYTA/TRACHEOPHYTES (vascular plants)
•   Sub Division : SPERMATOPHYTINA/SPERMATOPHYTES (Seed Plants)
•   Class : MAGNOLIOPSIDA
•   Super Order : ASTERANAE
•   Order : ASTERALES
•   Family : ASTERACEAE (SUNFLOWERS or TOURNESOLS)
•   Genus : ANACYCLUS L. (ANACYCLUS)
•   Species : ANACYCLUS PYRETHRUM

Habitat of Akarkara, Pellitory

Algeria. Cultivated in Mediterranean countries.

Common Properties of the Herb

Anacyclus Pyrethrum (Akarkara) is helpful in following health conditions:

•   Loss of Libido
•   Impotency
•   Erectile dysfunction
•   Toothache
•   Pyorrhea
•   Swelling and pain in gums
•   Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS)
•   Delayed Speech Development
•   Common Cold
•   Epilepsy & Seizures

Parts Used

•   Root

Effect on Doshas

Pacifies kapha and Vata

Contraindications

You should not take Anacyclus Pyrethrum (Akarkara) in following conditions:

•   Mouth ulcer or history of frequent mouth ulcers
•   Acidity
•   Heartburn
•   Burning sensation in stomach
•   Ulcer
•   Ulcerative colitis

Ayurvedic Properties of Akarkara, Pellitory

Side effects of Akarkara, Pellitory

Higher dosage and unwise use of Anacyclus Pyrethrum (Akarkara) can lead to following side effects:

•   Excessive salivation (common)
•   Mouth ulcer (common and occurs when it is used alone)
•   Burning sensation
•   Heartburn
•   Acidity
•   Aggravate ulcer condition (uncommon)