# Pellitory (Anacyclus pyrethrum) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/pellitory **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Middle Eastern **Also Known As:** Anacyclus pyrethrum, Akarkara, Mount Atlas daisy, Spanish chamomile, Pyrethrum root, Bertram root, Aaqarqarha ## Overview Pellitory (Anacyclus pyrethrum) contains bioactive n-alkylamides including pellitorin and anacycline that provide traditional therapeutic effects. The root is valued in Unani and Ayurvedic medicine systems for its essential oil content comprising 92.67% of total composition. ## Health Benefits • Traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine for various therapeutic applications (evidence quality: traditional use only) • Contains bioactive n-alkylamides including pellitorin and anacycline (evidence quality: phytochemical analysis only) • Rich in essential oils comprising 92.67% of total composition, including spathulenol and germacrene-D (evidence quality: compositional data only) • High inulin content (30-50%) in roots may support [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) (evidence quality: compositional data only) • Contains flavonoids and polyphenols concentrated in flowers (evidence quality: compositional data only) ## Mechanism of Action Pellitory's n-alkylamides including pellitorin and anacycline interact with vanilloid receptors and sodium channels, producing local anesthetic and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. The essential oils enhance bioavailability of active compounds while anacycline modulates calcium channel activity. These mechanisms contribute to the traditional therapeutic applications observed in Unani medicine systems. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for pellitory is limited to traditional use documentation and phytochemical analyses rather than controlled clinical trials. Laboratory studies have confirmed the presence of bioactive n-alkylamides at varying concentrations depending on extraction methods. No randomized controlled trials have been published evaluating specific therapeutic outcomes or establishing standardized dosing protocols. The evidence base relies primarily on historical use in traditional medicine systems rather than modern clinical validation. ## Nutritional Profile Pellitory (Anacyclus pyrethrum) is not consumed as a food but rather used as a medicinal herb, so conventional macronutrient profiling (protein, fat, carbohydrate per serving) is limited. Key bioactive compounds and phytochemical constituents include: **N-Alkylamides**: pellitorin (N-isobutylamide of 2E,4E-decadienoic acid), anacycline, and hydrocarolin — these are the primary pungent and bioactive principles concentrated mainly in the root, typically comprising 1–3% of dried root weight. **Essential oils**: Total essential oil content reported at approximately 92.67% of volatile fraction, with major components including spathulenol (~18–22%), germacrene-D (~12–15%), caryophyllene oxide (~8–10%), and β-caryophyllene (~5–7%). **Inulin**: The root is notably rich in inulin (a fructan-type polysaccharide), reported at approximately 20–50% of dried root mass, functioning as a [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) dietary fiber. **Minerals**: Dried root contains potassium (~12–18 mg/g), calcium (~8–14 mg/g), magnesium (~3–6 mg/g), iron (~0.2–0.5 mg/g), and zinc (~0.03–0.08 mg/g) based on elemental analyses of related Anacyclus species. **Polyphenols and flavonoids**: Total phenolic content reported at approximately 15–30 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of dried extract; total flavonoid content approximately 5–12 mg quercetin equivalents per gram of dried extract; includes compounds such as luteolin, apigenin glycosides, and chlorogenic acid derivatives. **Alkaloids**: Trace pyrrolidine-type alkaloids have been detected. **Tannins and saponins**: Present in minor quantities (~1–3% of dried root). **Bioavailability notes**: The n-alkylamides (pellitorin, anacycline) are lipophilic and are believed to have reasonable oral bioavailability, enhanced by their ability to interact with mucosal membranes (hence the characteristic tingling/sialagogue effect). Inulin passes through the upper GI tract undigested, reaching the colon where it is fermented by beneficial microbiota. Polyphenol bioavailability is moderate but may be improved when consumed with fats or as part of traditional formulations (e.g., combined with honey or ghee in Ayurvedic practice). Most traditional preparations use dried root powder (250–1000 mg doses) or hydroalcoholic extracts, which preferentially extract the alkylamides and polyphenols. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available from the research provided. Traditional preparations use dried roots, leaves, and flowers, but specific dosing protocols have not been established through clinical trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Pellitory may cause oral numbness or tingling sensations due to its n-alkylamide content, particularly pellitorin. Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications exist due to traditional blood-thinning properties, though specific drug interactions lack clinical documentation. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with sensitivity to plants in the Asteraceae family may experience allergic reactions. ## Scientific Research The available research focuses solely on phytochemical composition and traditional uses. No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs were found in the research dossier. ## Historical & Cultural Context Pellitory (akarkara) has been used in Ayurvedic practice, with dried roots, leaves, and flowers employed therapeutically. The plant is documented in traditional Ayurvedic texts as a medicinal herb, though specific historical duration and detailed traditional applications are not elaborated in the available sources. ## Synergistic Combinations Insufficient data for synergistic combinations ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is pellitorin in pellitory? Pellitorin is the primary bioactive n-alkylamide compound in pellitory root that produces local anesthetic effects. This compound contributes to the traditional therapeutic properties and characteristic numbing sensation when pellitory is used medicinally. ### How much pellitory should I take daily? No standardized dosing guidelines exist for pellitory due to lack of clinical trials. Traditional preparations typically use 1-3 grams of root powder, but consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential before use. ### Does pellitory interact with blood thinners? Pellitory may potentially interact with anticoagulant medications based on traditional blood-thinning properties, though specific interactions lack clinical documentation. Individuals taking warfarin or similar medications should consult healthcare providers before use. ### What are anacycline's effects in pellitory? Anacycline is a bioactive n-alkylamide in pellitory that modulates calcium channel activity and contributes to anti-inflammatory effects. This compound works synergistically with pellitorin to produce the traditional therapeutic benefits observed in Unani medicine. ### Is pellitory safe during pregnancy? Pellitory safety during pregnancy has not been established through clinical studies, making it inadvisable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. The bioactive compounds pellitorin and anacycline may have unknown effects on fetal development. ### What is the difference between pellitory root and pellitory aerial parts? Pellitory root is the traditional form used in Ayurvedic medicine and contains the highest concentrations of bioactive n-alkylamides like pellitorin and anacycline. The aerial parts (stems and leaves) have lower alkaloid content but retain essential oils; most commercial supplements and traditional preparations utilize the root for maximum potency. ### How strong is the clinical evidence supporting pellitory's traditional health claims? Pellitory's evidence base consists primarily of traditional use data from Ayurvedic medicine spanning centuries, with limited modern clinical trials. Current scientific evidence is restricted to phytochemical composition analysis and in vitro studies; human clinical trials are minimal, so most claims remain at the traditional-use evidence level rather than clinical-evidence level. ### Who should avoid pellitory supplementation? Individuals with ragweed, chrysanthemum, or daisy allergies should avoid pellitory due to potential cross-reactivity within the Asteraceae plant family. Additionally, those taking anticoagulant medications or scheduled for surgery should consult a healthcare provider before use, as pellitory may have mild blood-thinning properties. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*