Akuamma seeds also called as Picrialima Nitida are used as an analgesic in different parts of the world but mainly Africa. The active alkaloid present in Akuamma seeds is akuammine and pericine. Akuammine closely resembles the mechanism of action of mitragynine, the active component of Kratom. However, the Akuamma seeds powder is mostly in use.
The uses of Akuamma include the following:
- Act as an antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory action
- Anti-diarrheal action
- Muscle relaxant
- Anti-Pyretic
- Anti-ulcer
- Antiplasmodial action
- Remedy for dysmenorrheal, jaundice, GIT disorders, and malaria
As we mentioned earlier, Akuamma seeds are mostly taken in the form of powder or capsules due to its bitter taste. It is important to identify the methods as to how to take Akuamma seeds powder and what is the right dose? But before we get into the details of dosage and method of burning it down, let’s have a look at the various alkaloids in Akuamma seeds powder and their mechanism of action.
Active Alkaloids in Akuamma Seeds Powder and their Mechanism of Action
Though there are many alkaloids present in Akuamma Seeds powder, the major effect is exerted by Akuammine and Pericine that act on the delta and kappa opioid receptors present within the central nervous system. Akuammaine acts as an antagonist at the mu receptor. Its mechanism of action closely resembles that of cocaine. Being a sympathomimetic it lowers the gastrointestinal motility and inhibits peristalsis.
Akuammicine binds to kappa receptors; same is the case for Akuammidine. Akuammidine has hypotensive action and acts as an analgesic. Akuammigine and PseudoAkuammigine have anti-inflammatory action.
Akuammigine shows antiadrenergic activity and thus reduces heart rate. Alkaloids like Picraline, Picraphylline, Picracine, Picranitine, Burnamin, and Deacetylakuammiline have minor roles.
How to take Akuamma Seeds?
Akuamma seeds can be taken in various ways but mostly it is taken in the form of capsules. The capsules are filled with Akuamma seeds powder. Powder of one seed can fill one capsule. Capsules absorption is process. To avoid this, make micro-holes into the capsules.
Akuamma seeds can be ground into fine powder and then the usual ‘toss and wash method’ can be used. The bitter taste of Akuamma seeds powder may cause vomiting or nausea but this method is the most efficient one as it is the quickest way to absorb it.
Akuamma seed tincture is also burnt by many. It gives the fastest pain relief but the duration of action is short.
Dosage of Akuamma Seeds Powder
To determine the dosage of Akuamma you need to understand the fact that every individual has a different makeup. Some individuals have a high threshold for pain, others have low. Akuamma seed powder is mainly in use as an analgesic. It is in demand for chronic pain that can even be debilitating and affect the daily lifestyle.
Implementation of a standard dose for pain can’t be prescribed, however, in this article, we have made an effort to collect data from reliable sources to give an outline of dosage for pain.
According to reliable sources, the daily dosage of Akuamma for pain could be anywhere between 250mg to 500mg. This dose equals to consumption of 1-2 seeds. The same amount of powder equals 2/3rd of a teaspoon. This dosage is recommended for mild to moderate pain.
For severe pain, you can increase Akuamma dosage to 2 -4 grams and in some cases, it can even reach 6 grams. The effects last for an average time of 4-5 hours.
Effects of Akuamma Seeds Powder
Akuamma basically is a pain killer that alleviates pain in diseases like SLE, arthritis, migraine, and fibromyalgia. The analgesic effects of Akuamma are similar to that of opiates but the addiction potential, as well as the dependence potential, is low.
You can crush the seeds into fine powder and it is available in capsules form as Picap. Though the effects are not as strong as Kratom they appear quicker.
Akuamma seeds powder also cause muscle relaxation and reduce stress levels. Thus, those who suffer from anxiety and depression can seek this as a medication. Akuamma seeds powder is rightly in use to relieve tension headaches.
Along with relaxation, Akuamma seeds powder at higher doses provide sedation that is a helpful property for those who suffer from insomnia, night terrors.
Akuamma seeds powder also provide anti-malarial action. Alkaloids like akuammine and alstonine are important in the treatment regimen of Malaria, which is a cause of Falciparum.
The antiparasitic action of Akuamma seeds powder is available in a number of journals but is negligible. Akuamma seeds powder hinders the growth of Trypanosoma, and is in use in the treatment of Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.
The alkaloid Akuammicine may have anti-diabetic action.
Dose Related Adverse Effects
With higher doses of more than 2 grams of Akuamma powder, one may experience a dull headache. The alkaloids present in Akuamma seeds powder also may alter the levels of Potassium and Sodium in the plasma causing hyperkalemia and hypernatremia.
Side effects start appearing with continuous use. If the dose is greater than 6 to 8 grams or up to it, the side effects may appear even quicker, causing sedation that may lead to depression of respiratory center present in the brain stem, resulting in coma and death.
Summing up, we can take Akuamma seeds in the form of powder or capsules with juice to avoid the bitter taste. One should adjust the dose. Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it may help you in achieving the desired dose.
Once you take your Akuamma dose, within 15-30 minutes you will start experiencing the effects. You will feel a considerable reduction in pain. It will reduce anxiety and restlessness.
If you take another dose before 4 hours of the first dose, you may even feel sedated. One cannot decide the right dosage for any individual, but speaking of general recommendations, a dose as low as 500mg can also prove helpful.
Higher doses cause severe side effects, so it is better to avoid them or take them very rarely. The use of Akuamma tinctures is also not useful as it may cause addiction as well as severe sedation.