# Akarakarabha

> Akarakarabha (Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. Not in WHO monographs; listed in multiple traditional pharmacopeias including Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Unani Pharmacopoeia; recognized in European herbal tradition.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag.
- **Family:** Asteraceae (Compositae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not in WHO monographs; listed in multiple traditional pharmacopeias including Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Unani Pharmacopoeia; recognized in European herbal tradition

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Akarakarabha |
| Latin/Botanical | *Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Pellitorine](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pellitorine) (N-isobutylamide)
- Pyrethrin
- Anacycline
- [Sesamin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sesamin)
- [Inulin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#inulin) (fructans)
- Santolina alcohol (40.7% of essential oil)
- Pyrrolo[3,2-g]isoquinoline [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (12 newly described, 2024)

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages via novel alkaloid compounds
- [Aphrodisiac](/glossary/pharmacology/#aphrodisiac) and testosterone-enhancing effect through modulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis
- [Analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) and sialagogue action via N-isobutylamide (pellitorine) stimulation of nerve endings
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) activity through modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Aphrodisiac and male fertility enhancer ([Vajikarana](/glossary/pharmacology/#vajikarana)) - validated through studies showing increased testosterone and sperm parameters in animal models
- Oral health and toothache remedy (Dantavedanashaka) - confirmed analgesic properties of pellitorine on nerve endings
- Cognitive enhancer and nervine tonic (Medhya) - supported by neuropharmacological studies showing memory enhancement
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic - validated by in vivo anti-inflammatory studies

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Chen H, Aisa HA 2025. [Alkaloids from Anacyclus pyrethrum](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39216630/). *Phytochemistry*. PMID [39216630](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39216630/) · [doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114255](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114255)  
  Twelve undescribed alkaloids including eight pyrrolo[3,2-g]isoquinoline and four pyrrolo[2,3-g]quinoline alkaloids were isolated from roots; some showed significant inhibition of NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells.
- Baz AE, Mrabti HN, Ashmawy NS and others 2024. [Phytochemical characterization, antimicrobial properties and in silico modeling perspectives of Anacyclus pyrethrum essential oil](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39220961/). *Heliyon*. PMID [39220961](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39220961/) · [doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35079](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35079)  
  Identified santolina alcohol as the major essential oil component (40.7%), followed by [germacrene-D](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#germacrene-d) (8.9%); in silico molecular docking showed strong binding to bacterial target [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins).

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Generally recognized as safe at recommended doses; high doses may cause excessive salivation, oral mucosal irritation, and gastrointestinal discomfort due to pellitorine content
- Not recommended during pregnancy and lactation due to potential uterine stimulant effects; limited toxicological data for long-term use

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Pellitorine
- Sesamin
- Inulin
- Alkaloids
- Pyrethrin
- Anacycline
- 
- Santolina alcohol 
- Pyrrolo

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Tablet, Capsule, Taila (medicated oil — external), Gutika (pills), Manjan (tooth powder)

**Standard Dosage:** 500mg-2g powder twice daily; 250-500mg extract capsule; external oil as needed for local application

**Bioavailability:** Good oral bioavailability due to alkylamide content (particularly pellitorine and anacyclin), which are lipophilic and rapidly absorbed across oral and GI mucosa. The characteristic tingling/sialagogue effect on the tongue indicates rapid transmucosal absorption. Alkylamides show 60-70% bioavailability. Co-administration with lipids or milk enhances systemic absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm milk or honey for systemic indications; as tooth powder or local application for dental/oral conditions

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract (10:1) standardized to minimum 4% total alkylamides (as pellitorine equivalent). Anacyclin content minimum 1%.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (tablets/capsules); 2 years (medicated oil)

**Storage:** Airtight, moisture-proof containers. Store below 25°C. Protect from light. Roots store better whole — powder just before use.

**Marker Compounds:** Pellitorine, Anacyclin, N-isobutyldienediynamide, Hydrocarolin, Inulin

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30 ethanol-water) for alkylamide enrichment
- n-Hexane extraction for lipophilic alkylamides
- Ethyl acetate fractionation for pellitorine isolation
- Aqueous decoction (limited — misses lipophilic actives)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for nervous system toning and Vajikarana (aphrodisiac)
- With [Jatiphala](/herb/jatiphala/) (nutmeg) for stammering and speech disorders
- With [Lavanga](/herb/lavanga/) (clove) and Karpura ([camphor](/herb/camphor/)) for toothache
- With [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for bioenhancement and respiratory conditions

---

Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/akarakarabha/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.