Ankol benefits and side effects

Arthritis is a condition that results in swelling, tenderness and inflammation of one or more joints. The roots of ankol tree have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and are known to provide relief from joint pain in arthritis. In case the root isn’t available, the bark can be used as well.

Ankol helps in the management of Influenza (flu), which causes symptoms like chills, fever, sweating, runny nose and body ache. The root is usually used in combination with other adjuvants or medicines that support its action.

Snake venom is known to cause multiple health problems like:

• Systemic myolysis or muscle destruction
• Flaccid paralysis
• Coagulopathy or problems with blood coagulation
• Haemorrhage (bleeding)
• Cardiotoxicity (toxic for the heart)
• Kidney damage and failure
• Injury at the bite site
• Potential morbidity and mortality

While there is an antivenom available in many health centres across the country, local plant-based remedies are popular in places that don't have access to formal health care. Ankol is one of many folk medicine remedies for snake bites. According to research published in the Integrative Medicine Research journal, "About 15 g of (ankol) bark, ground with 10–12 black peppers and mixed with 60 g animal fat, is given every 2 h to cure snakebite... Root bark decoction is given internally to treat."

Some of the other remedies listed in the article, "Ethnomedicinal plants used for snakebite in India: a brief overview", include:

• Saptparni bark decoction
• Senna leaves
• Nagarmotha decoction of rhizomes and roots
• Amla root extract with black pepper or leaf and stem juice
• Sajina/Sahigan bark

"Acanthaceae, Amaranthaceae, Apocynaceae, Araceae, Asteraceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Moraceae, Rubiaceae, Rutaceae, and Zingiberaceae are the most significant families from which a variety of plants are used," the authors of the article wrote.

More research needs to be done on the efficacy and mechanism of ankol as an antidote for snake and scorpion venom.

Many times people get bitten by animals. Be it in the case of a dog bite or rodents, a paste of the root as well as bark can be made and applied topically on the affected area.

Please note that this remedy should not be seen as a substitute for a doctor's visit and prescription drugs. Do ask your doctor if you can apply the ankol paste in addition to the medicines he/she suggests as some medicines can interact with ankol phytochemicals.

The root bark powder of ankol is considered to be beneficial for those who have jaundice. Not only is it said to reduce the bilirubin levels but it also helps in controlling the inflammation of the liver.

Ankol oil imparts a soothing effect and is beneficial in providing relief from headaches. It is often used in combination with ashwagandha.

Animal studies have shown that taking ankol extract orally may help to reduce pain due to the presence of anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds like flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds and alkaloids.

Having said that, you should talk to your doctor before taking herbal medicines for any ailments. Also, mention any medicines you may be taking to your Ayurvedic and/or allopathic doctor, so they can advise you properly on whether the drugs could interact with each other or not.