Botanical – asteraceae

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• English : Pellitory
• Hindi : Akarkara
• Kannada : Akkalakara
• Malayalam : Akkikkaruka Akkravu
• Sanskrit : Agragrahi, Akarakarabhah
• Tamil : Akkirakkaram, Akkalkara
• Telugu : Akarakaramu

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Indigenous to north Africa, introduced into south Europe.

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A perennial, procumbent plant with numerous stems and somewhat downy branches; leaves radical, stalked, smooth, pinnatisect into linear, subulate segments, cauline leaves sessile; branches one-headed, involucral scales lanceolate, acuminate, brown at the edge, receptacle convex; ray flowers white, purplish beneath. The fresh root is fusiform, fleshy and very pungent, producing a sensation of cold followed by heat. When dry it is brownish externally and whitish internally. It tastes hot, induces salivation and causes a burning sensation in the stomach when ingested.

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The roots contain anacyclin, pellitorine, enetriyne alcohol, hydrocarolin, inulin, traces of volatile oil and seasamin. They also contain deca-, dodeca and tetradeca-trans-2, trans-4-dienamide, a new series of tyramine amides corresponding to the isobutylamides. The presence of polyacetyenic compounds is also reported in the plant.

According to ayurveda itcontains

Gunna (properties) – ruksh (dry), tishan (sharp)

Rasa (taste) – katu (pungent)

Virya (potency) – ushan (hot)

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It has no toxic effect on body when taken in normal quantity.

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Roots

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1. pains
2. inflammation
3. worm infestation
4. weankenss in nerves and vessels
5. impotence
6. erectile dysfunction
7. premature ejaculation
8. paralysis
9. epilepsy
10. arthritis especially rheumatoid arthritis
11. mouth and teeth related problems
12. throat related problems

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Roots- used in rheumatoid arthritis, toothache and in preparation of toothpaste. In Europe, tincure as local irritant. Root as gargle in sore throat. It is also used in sexual disorder in males. Roots along with roots of withania somnifera and Vitis vinifera used in epilepsy. It also possesses antibacterial properties.

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