Kampillaka (Mallotus philippensis Muell): A Comprehensive Ayurvedic Review

1. Most Accountable Disease in Ayurveda: Krimi Roga (Helminthic Parasitic Infections)

Introduction to Krimi Roga in Ayurveda: In Ayurvedic texts, Krimi Roga refers to diseases caused by parasites or worms that reside in the body. These may be visible (macroscopic) or invisible (microscopic) organisms, and their primary habitat includes the digestive tract, skin, blood, and other tissues. Krimi are divided into: Bahya (external) and Abhyantara (internal). Internal krimi are further classified as Kaphaja, Raktaja, Purishaja, and Pittaja, based on the predominant dosha and site of manifestation.

Kampillaka in Krimi Roga: Kampillaka is one of the most potent Krimighna Dravyas (anti-parasitic substances) described in Ayurveda. The red glandular powder from its fruits is a powerful anthelmintic and is especially effective against intestinal worms like roundworms and tapeworms. It is also useful in skin conditions caused by microscopic parasitic agents.

Medicinal Actions in Krimi Roga:

• Krimighna (Anthelmintic): Directly kills or paralyzes parasitic worms.

• Shodhana (Purification): Cleanses the intestines by removing toxins and parasites.

• Virechana (Purgative): Helps evacuate the bowels along with the parasites.

• Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory): Reduces inflammation in the intestinal lining.

• Raktashodhaka (Blood purifier): Useful in blood-borne parasitic infections.

• Kaphahara and Pittahara: Corrects dosha vitiation which is conducive to worm infestation.

Pathology in Ayurveda: Krimi Roga is caused by improper diet (Ahara) and lifestyle (Vihara) leading to Mandagni (weak digestion). This causes Ama (toxic waste) formation. Ama combined with vitiated Kapha and Pitta creates an ideal habitat for parasitic organisms, which then manifest as Krimi.

Dosha and Dhatu Involvement:

• Primary Doshas Involved: Kapha and Pitta

• Affected Dhatus: Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), and Purisha (feces)

Mode of Action in Ayurveda: Kampillaka acts by:

• Enhancing Agni (digestive fire) to burn Ama

• Its Ushna (hot) and Tikshna (sharp) qualities disrupt the habitat of Krimi

• Its powder irritates the mucosal lining in a controlled way to stimulate purgation

• Clears Srotorodha (blockage in body channels)

2. Pharmacognosy of Kampillaka (Mallotus philippensis):

• Botanical Name: Mallotus philippensis Muell-Arg

• Family: Euphorbiaceae

• Ayurvedic Names: Kampillaka, Kampilla, Raktanga

• English Names: Kamala tree, Monkey Face Tree, Red Kamala

• Parts Used: Glandular hairs from the fruit (Kamala)

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)

• Virya (Potency): Ushna (hot)

• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (pungent)

• Guna (Quality): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Tikshna (sharp)

• Effect on Doshas: Pacifies Kapha and Pitta

3. Names in Different Languages:

• Sanskrit: Kampillaka, Raktanga, Kampilla

• Hindi: Kamala, Kampila

• Tamil: Kanchori

• Telugu: Kampila-chettu

• Kannada: Kampila

• Malayalam: Kampilamaram

• Marathi: Raktkamal

• English: Monkey Face Tree, Red Kamala

4. Chemical Constituents:

• Rottlerin (principal active anthelmintic compound)

• Isoallorottlerin

• Kamalins

• Kamalins A, B, and C

• Phlobatannins

• Anthraquinones

• Tannins

• Resinous substances

• Fatty acids

• Flavonoids

5. Ten Diseases and Conditions Treated by Kampillaka in Ayurveda:

1. Krimi Roga (Worm Infestation): The fruit powder is a potent purgative and anthelmintic that removes worms from the GI tract.

2. Kustha (Skin Diseases): Kampillaka is used externally in skin infections, eczema, ringworm due to its antiparasitic and antimicrobial properties.

3. Vrana (Wounds): The paste aids in wound healing, reduces microbial load, and hastens tissue repair.

4. Shwitra (Leucoderma): Used topically with other herbs to restore pigmentation.

5. Arshas (Piles): Its purgative nature reduces constipation and supports expulsion of parasitic factors exacerbating piles.

6. Udara Roga (Abdominal Disorders): Especially used in ascites and bloating caused by Krimi or Kapha dosha vitiation.

7. Raktapitta (Bleeding Disorders): As a Raktashodhaka, it purifies blood and manages Pitta-dominant bleeding issues.

8. Kandu (Itching): Applied topically to relieve itching caused by worms or microbial skin infestations.

9. Netra Vikara (Eye Diseases): Used in conjunctivitis and other external eye infections after proper formulation.

10. Jwara (Fever): Used in parasitic fevers, particularly those of unknown origin, with worm involvement.

6. Ayurvedic Medicines Containing Kampillaka as an Ingredient:

1. Krimimudgar Ras

2. Vidangaadi Churna

3. Krumikuthar Ras

4. Kampillaka Churna

5. Mahasudarsana Churna

6. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu

7. Nimbadi Kwath

8. Trivrit Lehyam

9. Gandhaka Rasayana

10. Khadirarishta

These formulations utilize Kampillaka either for deworming, blood purification, or skin healing.

7. Home Remedies Using Kampillaka:

• For Intestinal Worms: Kampillaka powder (125–250 mg) mixed with honey is given on an empty stomach for 3–5 days under Ayurvedic supervision.

• For Ringworm and Fungal Infection: Mix Kampillaka powder with coconut oil and apply on the affected area twice a day.

• For Skin Itching: A paste of Kampillaka powder with neem leaf paste can be applied for localized relief.

• For Piles (Arshas): A decoction with Haritaki and Kampillaka helps in improving digestion and reducing pile symptoms.

• For Bloating: 250 mg powder with warm water before meals to help relieve flatulence due to krimi.

8. Harmful Effects and Contraindications:

• Excessive Use: High doses may cause severe purgation and dehydration.

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Strictly contraindicated due to its purgative and strong dosha-shifting nature.

• Children: Not recommended for children without supervision.

• Kidney Disorders: Use with caution in patients with renal compromise.

• Skin Sensitivity: Topical application may cause irritation or rash in sensitive individuals.

9. Relevance as Krimighna Dravya in Ayurveda:

Kampillaka is mentioned in Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana 4/9) and Sushruta Samhita as a key herb in the group of Krimighna Mahakashaya. It is regarded as one of the most effective herbs in managing internal and external parasitic infections. Its Krimighna action is attributed to its:

• Tikshna guna (penetrating action)

• Ushna virya (heat that destroys parasitic environment)

• Virechana karma (purgation to flush out parasites)

As such, it is often paired with other Krimighna herbs like Vidanga, Palasha, and Ajamoda to create a holistic anti-parasitic therapy.

Conclusion: Kampillaka (Mallotus philippensis) is a versatile and potent herb in Ayurvedic science, primarily recognized for its Krimighna (antiparasitic), Raktashodhaka (blood purifying), and Kusthaghna (skin disease healing) properties. While extremely effective, it should be used with caution due to its powerful purgative action and potential for irritation. Its value as a natural vermifuge, particularly in treating Krimi Roga and skin diseases, continues to be upheld in both classical and contemporary Ayurvedic practices.