Akarkara (Anacyclus pyrethrum) Overview

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties

Anacyclus pyrethrum, commonly known as Akarkara, is a medicinal herb found in Morocco and Algeria. It contains alkaloids, n-alkylamides, pyrethrins, sesamin, essential oils, and other compounds. These phytochemicals contribute to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, insecticidal, immunostimulatory, aphrodisiac, and antioxidant effects. Traditional uses include treatments for various ailments such as rheumatism, sciatica, and toothaches. Current research shows promise for medicinal use, but more studies are needed to confirm traditional claims.

Chemical Composition and Medicinal Properties

Studies on Anacyclus pyrethrum have identified several chemical compounds, including novel isobutylamides and tyramides. The plant demonstrates high levels of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing effectiveness. It also exhibits antiprotozoal properties against pathogens like Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania donovani. Two varieties of the plant, A. pyrethrum var. pyrethrum and A. pyrethrum var. depressus, have been studied for their mineral and chemical content, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.

Immunomodulatory and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Anacyclus pyrethrum has shown potential in immunomodulation, with extracts enhancing immune responses in rats with suppressed immune systems. Its polysaccharides possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, offering protection against lung inflammation caused by house dust mite allergens in mice. Additionally, the plant has exhibited antiseizure, neuroprotective, and cognitive benefits in animal studies.

Sexual Health and Fertility

Various studies have demonstrated the positive effects of Anacyclus pyrethrum on male sexual health and fertility. Extracts from the plant have been shown to enhance sexual behavior and performance, androgenic and spermatogenic activities, and overall fertility parameters in male rats.

Cosmetic Applications

A study on the cosmetic benefits of Anacyclus Pyrethrum extract found it to be effective in reducing skin photo-damage and enhancing skin condition, highlighting its potential as a cosmeceutical ingredient.

Toxicity Concerns

While low concentrations of Anacyclus pyrethrum extracts are generally considered safe, high doses can lead to toxicity, impacting the liver, kidney, and spleen in Swiss mice.

References:

1. Phytochemistry, Biological and Pharmacological Activities of the Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag: A Systematic Review
2. Anacyclus pyrethrum (L): Chemical Composition, Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Wound Healing Properties
3. LC-MS N-alkylamide profiling of an ethanolic Anacyclus pyrethrum root extract
4. Alkamides from Anacyclus pyrethrum L. and Their in Vitro Antiprotozoal Activity
5. Anacyclus pyrethrum var. pyrethrum (L.) and Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus (Ball) Maire: Correlation between Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Chemically Characterized Extracts
6. The antibacterial activity of methanolic Anacyclus pyrethrum and Pistacia lentiscus L. extract on Escherichia coli
7. Anti-inflammatory, Antinociceptive, and Antioxidant Activities of Methanol and Aqueous Extracts of Anacyclus pyrethrum Roots
8. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the hot water-soluble polysaccharides from Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag. roots
9. Immunomodulatory potential of Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) and Mucuna pruriens (L.) In male albino rats
10. Immunomodulatory activity of petroleum ether extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum
11. Immunostimulating activity of the hot water-soluble polysaccharide extracts of Anacyclus pyrethrum, Alpinia galanga and Citrullus colocynthis
12. Comparative Evaluation of the Local Anesthetic Activity of Root Extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum and its Interaction at the Site of Injection in Guinea Pigs
13. Antiseizure effects of Anacyclus pyrethrum in socially isolated rats with and without a positive handling strategy
14. Anticonvulsive and neuroprotective effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Anacyclus pyrethrum root in kainic acid-induced-status epilepticus in mice
15. Root extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum ameliorates seizures, seizure-induced oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in experimental animals
16. Effect of Anacyclus pyrethrum on pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling, spatial memory, oxidative stress and rho-kinase II expression in mice
17. Improvement of fertility parameters with Tribulus Terrestris and Anacyclus Pyrethrum treatment in male rats
18. Androgenic and spermatogenic activity of alkylamide-rich ethanol solution extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum DC
19. Effects of petroleum ether extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum DC. on sexual behavior in male rats
20. Formulation and characterization of Anacyclus Pyrethrum Emulgels and its in vitro and in vivo evaluation as cosmeceutical product
21. Evaluation of the acute toxicity of the extracts of Anacyclus pyrethrum var. pyrethrum (L.) and Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus Maire in Swiss mice