Alangium salvifolium- Ankola

Das K
Nov 6
4 min read

Ankola

Scientific Name: Alangium salvifolium

Family: Cornaceae (sometimes placed in Alangiaceae)

Genus: Alangium

Related Herbs from the same family:

The Cornaceae family is not heavily represented in mainstream Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. Alangium salvifolium is the most significant medicinal member in the Indian subcontinent. The genus Alangium itself contains other species with similar alkaloid profiles and uses.

2. Common names

3. Medicinal Uses

Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Antipyretic, Antidote for certain poisons, Antirheumatic, Anthelmintic (deworming), Laxative, Cardiotonic (in controlled doses), Neuro-muscular blocking (in higher doses).

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

The medicinal and toxic properties of Alangium salvifolium are primarily due to a suite of isoquinoline alkaloids present in the roots, seeds, and bark.

Isoquinoline Alkaloids: Emetine, Cephaeline, Tubulosine, Ankorine. These are the primary bioactive compounds. Emetine and Cephaeline are potent Amebicides (used against dysentery) and Emetics (induce vomiting). In controlled doses, they have Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic effects. In higher doses, they act as a neuromuscular blocking agent, which is the basis for its use as an arrow poison and also its significant toxicity.

Flavonoids and Tannins: Present in the leaves and bark, contributing to the plant's Antioxidant and Astringent properties.

Fixed Oils and Sugars: Found in the seeds.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic for Rheumatism and Snake Bite

Formulation: Root bark decoction or paste.

Preparation & Use: A paste or decoction of the root bark is applied externally to inflamed joints, rheumatic swellings, and the area around a snake bite. Internally, a highly controlled dose of the root decoction is given as an antidote for venomous bites.

Justification: The alkaloids, particularly emetine, have a strong anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing the immune response. The neuromuscular blocking action may also help counteract neurotoxic venom.

Antipyretic for Fevers

Formulation: Root bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: A very dilute decoction of the root bark is administered in traditional medicine to reduce high fever.

Justification: The anti-inflammatory and potential diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) properties of the alkaloids help reduce body temperature.

Anthelmintic and Laxative

Formulation: Seed powder or root bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: The powdered seeds or a decoction of the root bark is taken in very specific, small doses to expel intestinal worms and relieve constipation.

Justification: The alkaloids are toxic to parasites and also irritate the intestinal lining, stimulating a purgative effect.

Antidote and Poison

Formulation: Root bark.

Preparation & Use: This plant exemplifies the Ayurvedic principle of "Vishasya Visham Aushadam" (poison is the antidote for poison). In minute, processed doses, it is an antidote for reptile and scorpion venom. In higher, unprocessed doses, it is a potent poison itself, historically used on arrowheads.

Justification: The alkaloids can bind to and potentially neutralize certain venom toxins, while their own toxic effects are managed through precise dosing and processing (Shodhana) in Ayurveda.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

STRICT WARNING: Alangium salvifolium is a POISONOUS plant and is NOT used in cuisine. Its internal use is extremely dangerous and should only be administered by a highly qualified Vaidya or medical professional. The following is for academic understanding only.

Traditional Medicated Oil for Rheumatism (For External Use Only)

Purpose: To relieve joint and muscular pain.

Preparation & Use:

A decoction of the root bark is prepared.
This decoction is then cooked with a base oil (like sesame oil) over a low flame until the water evaporates.
This medicated oil is stored and used for massaging painful, inflamed joints and areas affected by paralysis.

Paste for External Inflammation (For External Use Only)

Purpose: To reduce swelling from sprains or insect bites.

Preparation & Use:

A small piece of root bark is ground with water or milk into a fine paste.
This paste is applied thinly to the affected area.
It is left on for no more than 20-30 minutes before being washed off thoroughly.

7. Disclaimer

Alangium salvifolium is a highly potent and potentially toxic plant. The therapeutic dose is very close to the toxic dose. Overdose can cause severe vomiting, vertigo, visual disturbances, respiratory depression, and cardiac arrest due to its neuromuscular blocking activity. Self-medication is absolutely life-threatening and must be avoided. All internal uses must be carried out under the strict supervision of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor. This information is for academic and ethnobotanical study only.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
Indian Medicinal Plants by P.K. Warrier et al.
Ayurvedic Drugs and Their Plant Sources by V.V. Sivarajan & Balachandran Indra

9. Web resources and links:

NCBI - A review on Alangium salvifolium: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249767/
ResearchGate - Pharmacological activities of Alangium salvifolium: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335912132_A_Review_on_Phytochemical_and_Pharmacological_Properties_of_Euphorbia_tithymaloides_L (Search for similar on Alangium)
ScienceDirect - Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Alangium salvifolium: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874102002055
PubMed - Neuropharmacological effects of Alangium salvifolium: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23157087/ (Search for similar)
JSTOR Global Plants: https://plants.jstor.org/compilation/Alangium.salviifolium

10. Further study: Plants that might interest you...

Strychnos nux-vomica (Kuchla, Snakewood) - Family: Loganiaceae. Similarities: Both are classically used in Ayurveda as "Vishaghna" (antitoxic) drugs, particularly for snake venom. Both are extremely toxic plants that require sophisticated purification processes (Shodhana) before they can be used medicinally in minute doses.
Aconitum heterophyllum (Atis, Ativisha) - Family: Ranunculaceae. Similarities: Another potent and toxic herb that is a powerful medicine in processed form. Both plants demonstrate the high-skill domain of Ayurvedic toxicology, where precise processing and dosing transform a poison into a life-saving medicine.
Tylophora indica (Antamul, Indian Ipecacuanha) - Family: Apocynaceae. Similarities: Both plants contain emetine-like alkaloids that have emetic (vomit-inducing) and anti-asthmatic properties. Tylophora is a safer, more commonly used alternative for respiratory conditions, sharing a similar phytochemical theme.