Ankota

(Horse Chestnut)
Sanskrit: अंकोट • Botanical: Aesculus indica Colebr.

Ankota (Alangium lamarckii / Aesculus indica) is a tree whose bark and roots are used medicinally. The root bark is emetic and purgative. The bark contains Alangine (Potassium chloride) and Alangine sulphate as active alkaloids. It has sharp and emetic properties when taken in large doses. The root bark in small doses (1-2 grains) acts as a cholagogue. In larger doses it causes vomiting and purgation. The fruit is used in abdominal disorders. The tree bark decoction is used in inflammatory conditions and snake bite. Chemical analysis shows the alkaloid Alangine which has emetic properties similar to ipecac. Dose: root bark 1-2 grain; fruit powder 1-2 masha.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Alangine (alkaloid), Alangine sulphate, Potassium chloride
Also Known As
English: Horse Chestnut
Sanskrit: अंकोट, अंकोठ, दीपकेशर
Hindi: अंकोट, अकोट

What is Horse Chestnut / Ankota (अंकोट)?

Ankota (Alangium lamarckii / Aesculus indica) is a tree whose bark and roots are used medicinally. The root bark is emetic and purgative. The bark contains Alangine (Potassium chloride) and Alangine sulphate as active alkaloids. It has sharp and emetic properties when taken in large doses. The root bark in small doses (1-2 grains) acts as a cholagogue. In larger doses it causes vomiting and purgation. The fruit is used in abdominal disorders. The tree bark decoction is used in inflammatory conditions and snake bite. Chemical analysis shows the alkaloid Alangine which has emetic properties similar to ipecac. Dose: root bark 1-2 grain; fruit powder 1-2 masha.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Vishaghna (anti-poison)
  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Ankota by Condition

Explore how Ankota is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Ankota for Inflammation

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.