English Name: Sage-leaved alangium
Hindi Name: Ankola, Dhera, Akola
Sanskrit Name: Ankola, Ankota, Tamraphala
Latin Name: Alangium salvifolium Pennell
Shrubs or trees are deciduous up to 20 m high. Inflorescence is sessile, often clusters of 4 to 8 flowers, usually fewer, sometimes only a solitary flower, densely rusty tomentose. Flowers fragrant, cream-colored.
Application
Ankol has been used by traditional healers in the treatment of skin cancers by means of local application of the root. It is also used locally for the treatment of snakebite, scorpion bite as well as for dog bite. It also reduces blood pressure when taken orally due to its vasodilator activity.
Chemical composition
Bark contains Alangine while four alkaloids have been isolated from branches, which are alangimarckine, deoxytubulosine, venoterpine, ankorine, cephaeline and psychotrine.
Effect on dosha
Roots pacify Kapha and Vata. Fruits pacify Vata and Pitta.
