Ishan Ayurvedic Medical College & Research Centre
Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry)

Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry)

The tree is small to medium in size, reaching 1–8 m (3 ft 3 in – 26 ft 3 in) in height.

Medicinal Plant

Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry)

The tree is small to medium in size, reaching 1–8 m (3 ft 3 in – 26 ft 3 in) in height.

The tree is small to medium in size, reaching 1–8 m (3 ft 3 in – 26 ft 3 in) in height. The branchlets are finely pubescent (not glabrous), 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) long, usually deciduous. The leaves are simple, subsessile and closely set along branchlets, light green, resembling pinnate leaves. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The fruit is nearly spherical, light greenish-yellow, quite smooth and hard on appearance, with six vertical stripes or furrows. The fruit is up to 26 mm (1.0 in) in diameter, and, while the fruit of wild plants weigh approximately 5.5 g (0.19 oz), cultivated fruits average 28.4 g (1.00 oz) to 56 g (2.0 oz)

Scientific Name

Phyllanthus emblica

Family

Phyllanthaceae

Common Name

Indian Gooseberry

Amalaki
Amla Indian Gooseberry medicinal plant
Amla Indian Gooseberry medicinal plant
Botanical Description

About the Amalaki Plant

The tree is small to medium in size, reaching 1–8 m (3 ft 3 in – 26 ft 3 in) in height. The branchlets are finely pubescent (not glabrous), 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) long, usually deciduous. The leaves are simple, subsessile and closely set along branchlets, light green, resembling pinnate leaves. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The fruit is nearly spherical, light greenish-yellow, quite smooth and hard on appearance, with six vertical stripes or furrows. The fruit is up to 26 mm (1.0 in) in diameter, and, while the fruit of wild plants weigh approximately 5.5 g (0.19 oz), cultivated fruits average 28.4 g (1.00 oz) to 56 g (2.0 oz)

Ayurvedic Properties

Rasa · Guna · Virya · Vipaka

Rasa

Rasa

Amla

Amla

Guna

Guna

Ruksha,Kashaya

Ruksha,Kashaya

Virya

Virya

Shita

Shita

Vipaka

Vipaka

Madhura

Madhura

Chemical Composition

Phytochemical Constituents

These fruits contain high amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C),and have a bitter taste that may derive from a high density of ellagitannins,such as emblicanin A (37%), emblicanin B (33%), punigluconin (12%), and pedunculagin (14%).[9] Amla also contains punicafolin and phyllanemblinin A, phyllanemblin other polyphenols, such as flavonoids, kaempferol, ellagic acid, and gallic acid.

Health Benefits

Therapeutic Benefits of Amalaki

From classical Ayurvedic indications to modern phytotherapeutic insights — explore the spectrum of wellness benefits this herb has to offer.

01

Indigestion

Amla helps manage indigestion by improving the Pachak Agni (digestion fire). It also helps in easy expulsion of stool due to its Rechana (mild laxative) property.

02

Obesity

Amla helps control weight by improving the metabolism due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) property.

03

Dysentery

Amla helps manage bloody diarrhea (dysentery) due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps control bleeding and reduce contraction of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.

04

Joint pain

Amla helps to control joint pains and swelling due to an aggravated Vata. Amla has Vata balancing property and relieves pain and improves mobility.

05

Pancreatitis

Amla shows a protective action by fighting against the free radicals and reducing the number of inflammatory mediators.

06

Cancer

Vitamin C in Amla is known to increase the activity of natural killer cells leading to toxicity and breakdown of the cancerous cells. Amla also inhibits the growth and multiplication of cancer cells to some extent by inhibiting the enzymes topoisomerase and cdc25 tyrosine phosphatase.

07

Diabetes

Amla helps to improve the glucose metabolism in diabetic patients therefore reducing the fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in the body.

08

Diarrhea

Excessive contraction of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract causes diarrhea with abdominal pain and cramping. Amla has antispasmodic property and helps relax the smooth muscles of the abdomen.

09

Is Amalaki safe

Amalaki is popularly known to be a natural source of antioxidants due to its rich phytochemistry with the presence of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and polyphenol content. Some sources even suggest the small, tart amalaki fruit has one of the highest known concentrations of vitamin C in the plant kingdom.

10

Contradictions

Amalaki, generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation.however,there can be certain contradictions or precautions to consider : Allergies, Medication interactions,Gastrointestinal issues,pregnancy and brest feeding.