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Akarkara

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.

Quick Answer

What it is

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.

Key findings

  • Grade D: Neuroprotection
  • Grade D: Testosterone & Male Fertility
  • Grade D: Sexual Function & Libido

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Akarkara

Quick Facts: Akarkara

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:7
  • Key Effect:Age-Associated Memory Impairment and Cognitive Decline (AAMCD)
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C0
D7
2 conditions · 7 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
D
Neuroprotection
In rodent models, Anacyclus pyrethrum reduced oxidative stress markers, restored antioxidant enzyme activity, and may reduce amyloid-beta accumulation via Bcl-2/Bax modulation (PMID:31710948). A 2023 in vitro study confirmed anti-Alzheimer enzyme inhibitory activity of akarkara root-derived metabolites through bioassay-guided fractionation (PMID:37978514).
small↑Improves
D
Testosterone & Male Fertility
In a 28-day rat study, Anacyclus pyrethrum root extract (50-150 mg/kg) produced dose-dependent increases in serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone to approximately 2x baseline, alongside increased spermatogenic activity and seminal fructose content (PMID:22473789). No human trials exist.
moderate↑Improves
D
Sexual Function & Libido
In rodent models, Anacyclus pyrethrum extract enhanced penile erection index by 202%, mounting frequency by 196-266%, and intromission frequency by 173-384% compared to controls, with effects persisting 15 days after discontinuation (PMID:20727332). No human clinical trials have been conducted.
large↑Improves
D
Seizure Susceptibility
In rat seizure models, hydroalcoholic extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum showed 50-100% protection against tonic-clonic seizures, with both aqueous and methanolic extracts demonstrating anticonvulsive effects (PMID:21993359). All evidence is preclinical.
moderate↓Worsens
D
Immune Function
A preclinical study found that petroleum ether extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum exhibited immunomodulatory activity in an animal model, suggesting effects on immune cell function (PMID:20843161). No human trials have evaluated akarkara for immunomodulation.
small↑Improves
D
Inflammation
A 2023 study using bioassay-guided fractionation and GC-MS analysis of akarkara root metabolites demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects through enzyme inhibition assays, supported by in silico molecular docking (PMID:37978514). All evidence is preclinical and in vitro.
small↓Improves
D
Memory & Cognition
In a rat model, Anacyclus pyrethrum protected against seizure-induced cognitive impairment, increasing platform crossings and decreasing escape latency in spatial memory tests, possibly via enhanced cholinergic neurotransmission (PMID:23242789). No human data exists.
small↑Improves

Research Citations (11)

Alkaloids from Anacyclus pyrethrum
(2024)
PMID: 39216630
Combinative effects of akarkara root-derived metabolites on anti-inflammatory and anti-alzheimer key enzymes: integrating bioassay-guided fractionation, GC-MS analysis, and in silico studies
(2023)
PMID: 37978514
Phytochemistry, Biological and Pharmacological Activities of the Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag: A Systematic Review
(2022)
PMID: 36235444
A clinical and microbiological study to assess the efficacy of Acmella oleracea and Acacia catechu herbs as local drug delivery in treatment of chronic generalized periodontitis patients
(2022)
PMID: 35602538
Anticonvulsive and neuroprotective effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Anacyclus pyrethrum root in kainic acid-induced-status epilepticus in mice
(2020)
PMID: 31710948
Androgenic and spermatogenic activity of alkylamide-rich ethanol solution extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum DC
(2013)
PMID: 22473789
Effect of Anacyclus pyrethrum on pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling, spatial memory, oxidative stress and rho-kinase II expression in mice
(2013)
PMID: 23242789
Root extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum ameliorates seizures, seizure-induced oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in experimental animals
(2012)
PMID: 21993359
Effects of petroleum ether extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum DC. on sexual behavior in male rats
(2010)
PMID: 20727332
Immunomodulatory activity of petroleum ether extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum
(2010)
PMID: 20843161

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