Ankol, or Alangium salvifolium, is a medicinal herb that has been used traditionally to treat a wide range of illnesses. Every part of the Ankol plant, including roots, bark, seeds, oil, and fruits benefits human health. Native to the arid regions of India, ankol is also grown in some regions of Africa, Sri Lanka, and China.
In this article, we will explore the immense health benefits of ankol, its uses, side effects and more!
What is Ankol?
Referred to as sage-leafed, ankol is a medicinal plant that is a member of the Cornaceae family. The Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh are among those where Alangium salvifolium is found. Medicines that treat a wide range of ailments are made from various parts of the ankol plant, including the roots, leaves, stems, and bark.
Ankol fruits have a lot of macro- and micronutrients, with a high concentration of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Fruits have good levels of both sugar and dietary fiber. It also has 50 kcal of calories per 100 g and contains 62.46 mg of vitamin C. The ankol fruit also has antioxidants like phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanin. Ankol trees are prickly deciduous trees that reach heights of 5 to 20 metres.
Synonyms of Ankol
There are several colloquial names for ankol in English, including Sage Leaved Alangium, Dhera, Ankol in Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati, Elangi, Alandi in Tamil, Ankola in Kannada, Udagu in Telugu and Ankod, Badh Aankod in Bengali, and Ankot, Deerghakeela Ankola, Tamraphala, Hundika, Rudamallika, Kotara, Gudhapatra, Madana, Rechi, and Guptasneha in Sanskrit translations.
Nutritional Value of Ankol
| Components | Percentage |
| Vitamin C | 62.46 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.71 mg |
| Moisture | 83.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11.67 g |
| Protein | 2.07 g |
| Fat | 0.12 |
| Ash | 1.61 g |
| Calories | 50 kcal/100 g |
| Potassium | 168 mg |
| Calcium | 12 mg |
| Iron | 1.37 mg |
Ayurvedic Properties of Ankol
The Ankol plant has the following Ayurvedic properties.
Antipyretics: Reduces fever.
Analgesics: Provides relief from discomfort.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Expectorant: Removes mucus.
Diuretic: Increases urine flow.
Laxative: Regularize bowel movements.
Carminatives: Clears flatulence.
Antimicrobial: Fights bacteria.
Antivenom: Remedy for snakebite.
Benefits of Ankol
The ability of Ankol to treat a variety of illnesses indicates that this medicinal plant is rich in nutrients and bioactive substances. This herb contains bioactive compounds namely alangine, alangicine, ankorine, marckine, lamackinine, alangimarckine, marckidine, and algangamide.
Some of the benefits mentioned in Ayurveda about the Alangium salvifolium are as follows.
Treats Jaundice: Ankol is a potent anti-inflammatory herb that helps reduce liver inflammation. Its antibacterial properties fight liver infections and maintain normal bilirubin levels. In order to treat jaundice and other liver issues, it is recommended to take this herbal medication as directed.
Treats Urticaria: Due to its possible anti-inflammatory and calming effects on the body, this herbal component helps treat urticaria. Ankol’s antipruritic qualities can treat urticaria.
Treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome: To cure diarrhea, ankol’s root bark extract is mixed with rice water and administered. For patients with irritable bowel syndrome, consuming this mixture helps lessen the frequency of loose stools.
Treats Influenza: Ankol’s root bark extract helps to reduce the symptoms of influenza. By causing perspiration, it also lowers physical pains and lowers fever.
Treats Arthritis: Since salvifosides are present in the root extract of Ankol, it is thought to possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This aids in reducing joint discomfort and inflammation. Conversely, stem bark exhibits anti-arthritic properties that prevent arthritis-related symptoms.
Treats Headaches: Nerve weakening is the root cause of headaches. When combined with ashwagandha, ankol herb functions as a potent nerve tonic that strengthens the nervous system and eases headaches.
Side Effects Of Ankol
Ankol has no negative effects when taken at the prescribed dosage as directed by an Ayurvedic physician. However, an overdose may have the following adverse effects:
Headache
Nausea
Insomnia
Poor appetite
Abdominal discomfort
Conclusion
Alangium salvifolium, commonly known as Ankol, offers a myriad of benefits and applications across various domains. Its pharmacological properties, coupled with its cultural significance, underscore its importance in traditional medicine practices. Moreover, ongoing research continues to unveil new potentials and applications for this remarkable plant species
Disclaimer
This article is from a health and wellness perspective only and does not constitute medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a trained medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.
Can I use Ankol for weight loss?
The bitter and astringent qualities of allium salvifolium aid in better digestion, which in turn aids in weight loss.
Can I consume Ankol during pregnancy?
There is insufficient data to support its safety during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, women who are expecting or nursing should abstain from consuming Ankol.
What are the side effects of Ankol?
Ankol is absolutely safe to consume with no known side effects. However, some individuals may experience symptoms such as headaches and nausea. In case you experience any side effects it is suggested to consult your healthcare provider immediately.
How much Ankol is safe to consume?
Ankol should be consumed under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Can we eat Ankol daily?
Ankol can be consumed daily in moderation as excessive consumption can lead to unwanted health complications.
References:
- PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW ON AYURVEDIC PLANT ANKOLAH-[Alangium salvifolium (Linn. F) Wang. (Alangiaceae)] Bidhan Mahajon, Rupashri Nath. April, 2015
- Ankol plant (Alangium salvifolium)-The treasure trove of bioactives and medicinal potential. S. Ghosh, T. Sarkar, R. Chakraborty. November 2022
- Importance and Uses of Ankol (Alangium Salvifolium). October 2023. A. Yadav, S. Garg, R. Gupta, N. Gangwar
