Abstract

AKARKARA- A BOON FOR HERBALIFE

Dhamak K. V.*, Vikhe B. D. and Dhamak V. M.

ABSTRACT

Today, the medicinal plants have become more important in primary health care, because of their secondary metabolites which may play copious biological activities, against cancer and infectious diseases. About 70% of population of all the world use traditional medicines derived from plant species for their treatment. The actual purpose of Ayurveda is to live the life with physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing. In Ayurveda numerous plants are described for fulfilling its purpose. One of those plants is Akarkara (Anacyclus pyrethrum L.). Basically, Akarkara is described in Unani system of medicine as an amazing drug used in various ailments. Later on, due to its multidimensional uses, it also has been included in the Ayurvedic text written in & after the medieval era. Here, an attempt is made to review its scattered multi-dimensional health benefits quoted in Ayurvedic and Unani treatises. The main objective of this review study is to summarize the various biological activities of the plant Anacyclus pyrethrum which is commonly known as Akarkara.

Keywords: Akarkara, Anacyclus pyrethrum, aphrodisiac drug.