# Kampillaka

> Kampillaka (Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Mull. Arg.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Euphorbiaceae family. Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; listed in Indian Pharmacopoeia; WHO recognizes its traditional anthelmintic use in South-East Asian medicine systems.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Mull. Arg.
- **Family:** Euphorbiaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; listed in Indian Pharmacopoeia; WHO recognizes its traditional anthelmintic use in South-East Asian medicine systems

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kampillaka |
| Latin/Botanical | *Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Mull. Arg.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Rottlerin ([kamala](/herb/kamala/) red)
- Isorottlerin
- [Bergenin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#bergenin)
- Mallotophilippinens
- Mallotucin D (cardenolide)
- [Friedelin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#friedelin) (triterpene)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- Kamaladiol

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory: Rottlerin inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 more potently than ibuprofen and etoricoxib; also inhibits protein kinase C-delta (PKC-delta)
- [Anticancer](/reference/anticancer/): Rottlerin induces apoptosis through inhibition of PKC-delta, NF-kB suppression, and activation of caspase-3/caspase-9 cascade
- Anthelmintic: [Kamala](/herb/kamala/) (pericarp powder) contains rottlerin and isorottlerin which damage tegumental membrane of cestodes, causing paralysis and death

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anthelmintic use (Krimighna) against tapeworms extensively validated by in vitro and in vivo studies against cestodes
- Anti-inflammatory use confirmed by superior COX-1/COX-2 inhibition compared to standard NSAIDs
- Skin disease treatment validated by [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) and antifungal activity of [Kamala](/herb/kamala/) extract against dermatophytes

## 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

- Pericarp preparations ([Kamala](/herb/kamala/)) are safe at traditional anthelmintic doses; rottlerin has favorable pharmacokinetic profile with >35% oral bioavailability
- High doses may cause gastrointestinal irritation and purgation; not recommended during pregnancy; topical use of [Kamala](/herb/kamala/) dye may cause contact sensitization in rare cases

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Kamala
- Bergenin
- Friedelin
- Sitosterol
- Rottlerin 
- Isorottlerin
- 
- Mallotophilippinens
- Mallotucin D 
- Beta-

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Tablet, Capsule, Lepa (external paste), Taila (oil for external application)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g powder with honey or warm water; for anthelmintic use: 3-6 g single dose; external application as needed

**Bioavailability:** Rottlerin, the primary bioactive, has poor aqueous solubility (log P ~4.2). Bioavailability enhanced through solid lipid nanoparticle formulation, cyclodextrin complexation, or co-administration with lipid-rich adjuvants. [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration improves systemic availability by 30-40%.

**Optimal Timing:** Early morning on empty stomach for anthelmintic use; external application any time as needed

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 5% rottlerin by HPLC; total phenolic content >8% (as gallic acid equivalents)

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for powder in airtight containers; 36 months for tablets and capsules

**Storage:** Store in airtight, light-resistant containers at 15-30°C. Keep away from moisture. The red glandular hair powder is prone to caking if exposed to humidity.

**Marker Compounds:** Rottlerin (mallotoxin), Isorottlerin, Kamalin, Rottlerin dimethyl ether, Mallotophenone

### Extraction Methods

- Ethanol extraction (90-95% for rottlerin)
- Acetone extraction for glandular hair resinous fraction
- Supercritical CO2 extraction
- Sequential petroleum ether followed by ethanol extraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Vidanga](/herb/vidanga/) (Embelia ribes) for enhanced anthelmintic activity
- [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) for purgative and anthelmintic combination
- [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) ([Neem](/herb/neem/)) for parasitic infections
- [Karanja](/herb/karanja/) for dermatological applications

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

## 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.