Akarkara

Last Updated: October 13, 2024

Akarkara (Anacyclus pyrethrum) is an herb used in traditional medicine that is also sold as a supplement. There is currently a lack of clinical evidence to support its numerous claimed benefits.

dosageDosage

Akarkara is most often used for

What is Akarkara?

Akarkara is an herb (known scientifically as Anacyclus pyrethrum) used in traditional medicine and contains various phytochemicals. Its extracts are believed to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsive, analgesic, and aphrodisiac properties, and it is commonly sold as a supplement under the name Akarkara or pellitory root.

What are Akarkara’s main benefits?

Akarkara, derived from Anacyclus pyrethrum, exhibits antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, along with potential benefits for pain relief, neuroprotection, memory enhancement, and sperm health, based on animal studies. However, there is currently no clinical data to confirm these effects in humans, aside from a small study that suggested skin protection from a topical application.

What are Akarkara’s main drawbacks?

The main drawback of Akarkara is the absence of randomized controlled trials on its effects in humans, which means that its potential benefits and safety are uncertain. Although animal studies suggest that low doses may be safe, high doses show toxicity, and there is no comprehensive data on human safety or adverse effects.

How does Akarkara work?

Akarkara exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties due to various phytochemicals found in Anacyclus pyrethrum extracts, as shown in cell culture and animal studies. However, the exact mechanisms behind its benefits (such as seizure protection, memory enhancement, improved sperm health, and increased libido) remain unclear and require further mechanistic studies and clinical trials.

What are other names for Akarkara?
Note that Akarkara is also known as:
  • Akarkara
  • Vajikaran Rasayana
  • Pellitory Root
  • Spanish Chamomile
  • Pyrethrin
  • Anacyclus Pyrethrum
Dosage information

Studies in rats use a range of 50-150 mg/kg bodyweight Anacyclus pyrethrum roots (DC) daily, with all tested extracts (ethanolic, petroleum ether, water) appearing to be effective. This results in an estimated human dosage range of:

  • 550-1,600 mg daily for a 150 lb person
  • 700-2,200 mg daily for a 200 lb person
  • 900-2,700 mg daily for a 250 lb person

These are just estimates as to the effective range of the root extract in humans, since there is currently no human evidence to base recommendations on.

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Research Breakdown

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References
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