# Ankola

> Ankola (Alangium salviifolium (L.f.) Wangerin) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Cornaceae (Alangiaceae) family. Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; documented in Indian Pharmacopoeia and recognized in Ayurveda and Siddha traditional medicine systems.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Alangium salviifolium (L.f.) Wangerin
- **Family:** Cornaceae (Alangiaceae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; documented in Indian Pharmacopoeia and recognized in Ayurveda and Siddha traditional medicine systems

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Ankola |
| Latin/Botanical | *Alangium salviifolium (L.f.) Wangerin* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Alangine
- Ankorine
- Tubulosine
- Alangicine
- Salsoline
- Salviifosides A
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- [Emodin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#emodin)
- Lamarckianin
- Alangimarine

## How does it work?

- Salviifosides A exerts COX-2 inhibitory effects, providing anti-inflammatory activity through selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition and reduction of prostaglandin E2 synthesis
- Tubulosine alkaloid demonstrates cytotoxic activity against cancer cells by inhibiting protein synthesis and inducing apoptosis through activation of intrinsic mitochondrial pathways
- Alangine and related [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) exhibit [antihypertensive](/glossary/pharmacology/#antihypertensive) effects through calcium channel blocking and ACE-inhibitory mechanisms in cardiovascular tissue

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) activity validated through in vivo studies showing significant blood [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) reduction consistent with traditional Ayurvedic use for Prameha (diabetes)
- Antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory properties confirmed in preclinical models supporting traditional use for joint pain and rheumatism (Amavata) in Ayurveda
- Antivenomous properties (traditional use as snakebite remedy) partially validated through in vitro studies showing neutralization of venom phospholipase activity

## What do recent clinical trials show?



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

## Recent safety updates

- Plant is purgative and emetic in nature; fruits and seeds should only be used under medical supervision due to potent alkaloid content
- Sub-chronic safety evaluation of aqueous leaf extract in rats showed no lethal effects at tested doses, but dose-dependent gastrointestinal effects were noted
- Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to emetic alkaloid content; avoid in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Sitosterol
- Emodin
- Alangine
- Ankorine
- Tubulosine
- Alangicine
- Salsoline
- Salviifosides A
- Beta-
- Lamarckianin
- Alangimarine

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (seed/bark powder), Taila (seed oil — external use primarily), Lepa (paste for external application), Kashayam (bark decoction), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3g powder twice daily (internal, with caution); external oil/paste as needed. Internal use only under practitioner supervision.

**Bioavailability:** Limited modern data. Alangium salviifolium (Ankola) contains isoquinoline alkaloids (alangine, alanginine) with moderate to good oral absorption. Emetine-like alkaloids have known bioavailability profiles from Ipecac studies. Seed oil constituents absorbed transdermally when applied topically. Caution: therapeutic index is narrow for alkaloid-rich preparations.

**Optimal Timing:** As directed by Ayurvedic physician. External applications typically twice daily to affected area.

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract standardized to total alkaloid content (specify limit, typically 1-3% total alkaloids as alangine equivalent). Seed oil for external use — cold-pressed, unrefined.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (seed oil); 2 years (capsules)

**Storage:** Clearly labeled RESTRICTED — not for unsupervised use. Cool, dry place, airtight containers. Below 25°C.

**Marker Compounds:** Alangine, Alanginine, Emetine, Cephaeline, Alangimarckine, Beta-sitosterol

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) for alkaloid enrichment
- Cold-pressed seed oil for external preparations
- Aqueous bark decoction
- Acid-base extraction for alkaloid isolation and purification

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) taila for Vata disorders (external)
- With [Nirgundi](/herb/nirgundi/) for joint pain (external application)
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for wound healing paste

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

## 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.