Ankol (Alangium lamarckii) as medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh India

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

Although "Allelopathy" is an unknown term for the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, but there are many evidences that are enough to prove that this new branch of science have deep roots in Chhattisgarh, India. Since generations, they are using the extracts and leachates of different herbs in order to stimulate and promote the growth of specific herb. In my previous articles, I have mentioned many examples. The example of Ankol is one of them. According to the healers, all parts of Ankol have enough potential to pose the positive effects on growth of many herbs. From seed treatment to preventive sprays for possible attack of insects, different parts are used. For seed treatment, it is specially suitable for fruit crops. It is general practice in Chhattisgarh to dip the mango stone (guthli or gohi) in herbal oil prepared from Ankol seeds. According to natives , it stimulates the initial germination process and also seedling vigour.

Common names of Ankol
Languages / regions	Names
1. English	Sage-leaved alangium
2. Gujarati	Ankala, Ankoli, Onkla
3. Hindi	Akoly, Ankora, Anedhera, Dhera
4. Kanarese	Ankola, Ankotha, Asroli, Kullumovu
5. Marathi	Ankol, Ankoli
6. Sanskrit	Ankola, Ankota, Dridha kantaka, Kathora, Tamraphda, Vamaka

It is an age old practice. I have seen miracle effects of this herbal oil on mango. The natives of almost all parts of the state are aware of this use and it is interesting to observe that there are much variations in methods of use, specially duration of soaking in herbal oil. The natives of Sarguja region, use this oil most frequently for Kathal tree (Jackfruit). Its use for the growth of Kela (Banana), Papita (Papaya) and Jam (Guava) is also common in different parts. Many healers have secret formulas. The natives having Mango tree or orchard, frequently visit to these healers and invite them to perform special Jhad-Phook for the safety and good yield. As agricultural researcher, it is hard to believe that simple Jhad-Phook by healers can help in getting good yields. But it is true. The healers apply herbal combinations on different herbs of economical importance with specific objectives. Since childhood I am observing the activities of these healers carefully. In early days when there was serious attack of any pest in rice crops, the natives request the healers to do something in order to save the crop. On request of natives, the healers perform special worship ceremony and after this ceremony, spray special solution on crop plants. In early days when the use of pesticides were not common this practice was very common. Now in modern days, very few natives believe in this special solution and in case of attack, apply synthetic pyrethroids without any delay. During my ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have collected the samples of many such special solutions and analysed it.

The healers readily gave me the solutions as these solutions were no more special solutions these days With the help of my Biochemist friend, we are analysing and testing its efficacy. The solution containing matured fruits of Ankol with Bach (Acorus calamus) and pure honey was most frequently used solution in early days. According to the healers, this solution is used to promote the growth of agricultural crops. I have tried this solution for seed treatment in many common medicinal crops like Safed moosli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Asgandh (Withania somnifera), Sarpgandha ( Rauvolfia serpentina), Kasturi Bhendi (Abelmoschus moschatus), Kevatch (Mucuna pruriens) etc. I have got encouraging results in case of Kasturi Bhendi and Kevatch. You will be surprised to know that this solution was found beneficial for the growth of Bach crop, in spite of the fact that it contains Bach powder as ingredient. This is valuable information for herb growers engaged in organic farming of medicinal and aromatic herbs. When I searched the reference literatures, for this unique use of Ankol, I got information on use of seed oil for seed treatment in case of Aam (Mango). I am proud to write, that our forefathers tested it on many other herbs including Mango. My allelopathic experiments have added more new findings in this traditional knowledge and we are sure, our future generations will also contribute in this field. This article is the first written document describing the traditional knowledge and uses of alleloapthic potential of common tree Ankol.Ankol is a common tree found in almost every corner of Chhattisgarh. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about its use as medicine. All parts of Ankol are used to treatment common diseases both internally and externally. Its timber is popular in the state. It is considered good for musical instruments and furniture. At first I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses, and after this, I will describe traditional medicinal knowledge and uses of this herb. According to reference literatures, Ankol is deciduous rambling shrub or small tree having height upto ten meters; Leaves oblong-lanceolate, ovate or elliptic, chartaceous 3-5 nerved at base, glossy above, glabrescent or puberulous beneath, base oblique, apex attenuate or sub-acute, slightly retuse; petiole tomentose; Flowers white, fragrant, in upto 2.5cm long, 1.5cm across irregular axillary cymes or clusters; bracts ovate, deciduous; Calyx tube cupular, adnate to ovary, tomentose; petals ten, white, linear oblong, tomentose, reflexed; Berry globose, crowded by calyx-lobes; seed solitary and ovoid. Flowing and Fruiting time - March to June. Ankol holds a reputed position as medicine in different systems of medicine in India. According to Ayurveda, the root is acrid, pungent, heating, anthelmintic and alterative and useful in treatment of erysipelas, biliousness, inflammations etc. The juice is emetic and alexipharmic and useful in treatment of pain, blood disorders, hydrophobia, rat-bite, lumbago, dysentery and diarrhoea whereas the seeds are cooling, aphrodisiac, indigestible and tonic. The root bark is used in piles whereas fruits are considered as purgative, expectorant, carminative and alexiteric.

It is useful in treatment of inflammations, blood disorders, burning sensation, spermatorrhoea, gleet, acute fever and lumbago.The matured seeds of Ankol are used to prepare the oil. As base oil Til Ka Tel (Seasamum oil) is used. The collected seeds are dried in shade and converted into powder. This powder is mixed with Til oil and kept in bright sunlight upto twenty one days. After twenty one days, oil is kept in bottles for future use. Many traditional healers boil the seed powder in Til oil for preparation of herbal oil in less time but oil prepared from this quick method is not considered good for treatment. As mentioned earlier, the natives and traditional healers use this oil in order to promote the growth of specific herbs. This oil is also used as medicine. Its use as styptic and wound healer is most common among the natives. It is applied externally on wounds. The natives prepare special herbal cream by mixing some common herbs and wax in this oil and use in treatment of common skin diseases externally. According to them, alone Ankol oil is enough to care the skin troubles at initial stages. This oil is also used for the treatment of Kodh (Leprosy). The healers avoid to disclose the herbs added in this oil for the treatment. This oil is used both internally and externally. Internally, it is used as tonic. The patients are advised to mix five to seven drops of oil in a glass of milk and take it daily. For taste, sugar is also added. In case of chronic headache, patients are advised to add ten to fifteen drops of oil in a glass of milk. According to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, it is very effective in treatment of migraine.The traditional healers of Raigarh and Bagbahera regions, use Ankol in treatment of venomous bite of snake, scorpion, dog and even poisonous fish. In this treatment, root and root bark are used most frequently. The traditional healers of other parts of Chhattisgarh are also aware of these uses but the healers of different parts adopt different methods for treatment. I have observed and noted different methods of treatments. In general, the decoction (Kadha) of Ankol roots are given to the patients having snake bite. The decoction is given at the interval of fifteen minutes. Many healers give cow’s ghee (equal amount) with hot decoction also. The healers of Chhattisgarh plains add the Neem leaves in this decoction. After treatment when patients get cure and healers instruct them to visit regularly, without any gap, for further treatment, upto fifteen days. The healers prepare a decoction using root bark (not the root) and Neem bark and give it to patients daily. In general, they do not disclose the secret formula of decoction to the patients. According to these healers, Ankol and Neem have enough potential to clean the body and make it free from poison. They try to explain the science behind this treatment. The frequent doses causes vomiting and motions and through this, the venom drains out from the body in very short time. The healers adopt similar treatment strategy in case of dog bite. Many healers give the Ankol root with cow’s milk or ghee, instead of decoction. During research work at Ajirma research farm, Ambikapur, I got rat bite in my index finger. My field assistant, native to that region, suggested me to take Ankol root for treatment. But Later when pain increased we visited to the healer. He boiled the Ankol roots in water and instructed me the drink it. Next morning, he repeated the dose, then the treatment was over. He told me that he uses the roots for external application also.

In affected parts roots mixed with cow urine are applied externally in order to alleviate the pain due to rate bite. In case of scorpion bite, the traditional healers of Bagbahera region, mix the roots in water and prepare a paste. This paste is applied externally in affected parts. It is also applied (few drops) inside the ears as a part of treatment. A special herbal oil is also prepared by using Sarson Ka Tel (Mustard oil) as base oil and this oil is applied inside the ear, in case of scorpion bite. In this herbal oil in place of powdered seeds, roots and root barks are used. In case of scorpion bite, many healers also use the leaves of Ankol.In case of intense pain due to gout, the patients are advised by the healers to apply the Ankol leaves in affected parts. Like the leaves of Fudhar (Calotropis), the leaves are collected and after slight warming it is tied around the affected parts. In another method, the more effective one, the healers prepare a paste by mixing fresh leaves in soil with the help of water and apply the paste in affected parts. The healers use the soil of termite mounds for preparation of paste. They are unable to explain why other soils are not used in paste. I am sure that researchers can answer this question after conducting detailed research on this new aspect. The leaves are also used in treatment of asthma. The leaves are dried and put on fire. The patients are advised to inhale the fumes. As this fume is not agreeable for every one, this use is loosing its popularity among natives. Many healers use its roots to prepare the drugs for the treatment of asthma. The use of roots with lemon juice is very common in the state. It is given as preventive before transitional period (Change of season). The traditional healers of Bastar region, prepare special herbal combination using Ankol root, lason (Garlic), gud and Rai seeds and give it to patients suffering from chronic asthma. I have interviewed many patients taking this combination under supervision of the healers. According to them it is best remedy for acute attack. It acts as expectorant and induces sleep. But for complete cure, they have not found it effective. When I discussed the healers, they replied that only long time use can cure the patients but it is general tendency among patients that after getting temporary relief, they do not take the further treatment seriously. I got one interesting information about the collection of roots to prepare herbal combination. The healers never collect the roots during flowering and fruiting time (ie. March to June in Chhattisgarh conditions). According to them during this time, its medicinal properties decreases and its use can cause lethal side effects. This is an interesting and valuable information. I personally feel that there is a strong need for details studies on this important aspect. The natives of Chhattisgarh are also well aware of antipyretic properties of Ankol. Like the decoction of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). ( please refer to my previous articles for details), the natives of many parts , prepare a decoction using Ankol root to treat common fevers. According to them, this is very valuable herb for them and the powdered root bark with water have enough potential to cure any type of fevers. The decoction and powder are also used as preventive.

The natives use the seeds of Ankol in face care also, in combination with other herbs. The above mentioned traditional uses are not described in reference literatures in details. The traditional healers and natives, use Ankol in treatment of many other common diseases but these uses are well described in reference literature, hence I am not repeating it.Although the healers and natives have rich traditional knowledge about uses of different parts of Ankol but it is bitter fact that there is not a single pharmacy engaged in manufacturing of Ankol based herbal drugs. There is big scope in this field, as raw material is available in bulk and at cheap rates. Ankol is not in list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh. There is a strong need to give emphasis on research on different aspects of this important allelopathic and medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh.