Crude drug sample data base

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Crude drug name

Market nameAwala (Amala)
Formal nameAmalaki
Other names　　　

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Aamla (T), Aamla (B), Aamla, Aanvala (H), Nellikayi (K), Nellikka (M), Nellikaya, Usirikaya (Te), Nellikay (Ta), Skyurura (Ti), Nelli, Nellika (Sin)
English nameEmbelic Myrobalan, Indian Gooseberry
Original plant namePhyllanthus emblica Linn. (= Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Embelic Myrobalan, Indian Gooseberry
Family nameEuphorbiaceae
Used partClassificationPlant origin
Sub classification fruit
Collection informationIndia, New Delhi, Hans Raj & Sons
Collection date1991/05/07
CollectorTsuneo Namba, et al.
TMPW No.12004

The capital city, provincial capital city or the representative　　
location of its administrative area is indicated.　　
Production area information
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28.6139391
77.20902120000005
Collection information
India,New Delhi
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Scientific information data base

Crude drug nameAyurvedic name or
Sanskrit name, English name		Amalaki, Embelic Myrobalan, Indian Gooseberry
SynonymsVayastha, Vrsya, Jatiphalarasam, Sivam, Dhatriphalam, Sriphalam, Amrtaphalam, Tisyaphala, Amrta, Dhatrika, Santa, Sita, Dhatreyi, Vrttaphala, Rocani, Sarabhuhvaya
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Original plant namePhyllanthus emblica Linn. (= Emblica officinalis Gaertn.)
Family nameEuphorbiaceae
Used partFruit
Distribution areaThroughout India, on hill slopes up to 200m, also cultivated in plains.
RemarksCommon
Common usesBoth dry and fresh fruits are used as drug. Fruit is used to promote longevity, memory, intellect and strength of the sensory and motor organs. It is useful in the treatment of dyspepsia, cough, inflammation of the eyes, jaundice, haemorrhages/hemorrhages, constipation, anaemia, thirst, burning sensation, vomiting, diabetes, weakness and enlarged liver. The fresh fruit is the main constituent of Cyavanaprasa - a much acclaimed Ayurvedic tonic while dry fruit is one of the ingredients of Triphala (along with Terminalia chebula and T. bellirica). Amalaki is an important rejuvenative drug capable of imparting youthful vigour and strength. It is also a very important source of vitamin C. The drug is especially good for abundant growth of hair. Fruit is successfully used is the treatment of human scurvy.
Therapeutic usesRaktapitta (bleeding disorders), Prameha (diabetic types), Jvara (fever), Daha (burning), Vami (vomiting), Sopha (swelling), Srama (tiredness), Vibandha (Block), Adhmana (distension of abdomen), Jaravyadhi (geriatric disorders), Aruci (lack of appetite), Sosa (emaciation), Medoroga (obesity), Visa (poisons)
Chemical constituentFlavones & Flavonols
(S)-Eriodictyol 7-O-(6”-trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (*C10),
(S)-Eriodictyol 7-O-(6”-O-galloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (*C10

Tannins
Corilagin (*C2), 1,2,3,6-Tetra-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (*C2), 1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (*C2), 2,6-dimethoxy-4-(2-hydroxymethyl)phenol 1-O-beta-D-glucoside (*C6), 2,3-Dimethoxy-4-(2-hydroxymethyl)phenol 1beta-4-di-O-galloylglucose (*C6), Phyllanemblinin A (*C8), Phyllanemblinin B (*C8), Phyllanemblinin C (*C8), Phyllanemblinin D (*C8), Phyllanemblinin E (*C8), Phyllanemblinin F (*C8), 1beta-O-galloylglucose (*C8), 1beta,4-Di-O- galloylglucose (*C8), 3,6-Di-O- galloylglucose (*C8), Corilagin (*C8), Furosin (*C8), Chebulanin (*C8), Chebulagic acid (*C8), Mallonin (*C8), Putranjivain A (*C8), Putranjivain B (*C8), Neochebulagic acid (*C8), Carpinusnin (*C8), Grraniin (*C8), Gallic acid 3-O-beta-D-glucoside (*C8), Gallic acid 3-O-(6’-O-galloyl)-beta-D-glucoside (*C8), (-)-Epiafzelechin (*C8), 2-(2-methylbutyl)Phloroglucinol 1-O-(6”-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (*C10)

Phenol derivatives
(+)-Gallocatechin (*C2, *C8), (-)-Epigallocatechin (*C2, *C8), (+)-Catechin (*C2), (-)-Epicatechin (*C2, *C8), (-)-Epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (*C2), (-)-Epicatechin 3-O-gallate (*C2), Epicatechin-(4beta-8)epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (*C2), Gallic acid (*C2), Pyrogallol (*C2), Protocatechuic acid (*C2), Epicatechin-(4beta-8)epigallocatechin (*C2, *C8), Epigallocatechin-(2beta-7, 4beta-8)gallocatechin (Prodelphinidin A-1,*C2), Prodelphinidin B-1 (*C8), Prodelphinidin B-2 (*C8), Prodelphinidin B-2,3’-O-gallate (*C8), Flavogallonic acid bislactone (*C8), 2-Carboxymethylphenol 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (*C6), L-Malic acid 2-O-gallate (*C9), Mucic acid 2-O-gallate (*C9), Mucic acid 1,4-lactone 2-O-gallate (*C9), Mucic acid 1,4-lactone 3-O-gallate (*C9), Mucic acid 1,4-lactone 5-O-gallate (*C9), Mucic acid 1,4-lactone 3,5-di-O-gallate (*C9), Mucic acid dimethyl ester 2-O-gallate (*C9), Mucic acid 6-methyl ester 2-O-gallate (*C9), Mucic acid 1-methyl ester 2-O-gallate (*C9), Mucic acid 1,4-lactone methyl ester 2-O-gallate (*C9), Mucic acid 1,4-lactone methyl ester 5-O-gallate (*C9)

Others
Phyllaemblic acid (*C1), Phyllaemblicin A (*C2), Phyllaemblicin B (*C2), Phyllaemblicin C (*C2), Phyllaemblic acid methyl ester (*C2), Vitamin C (*C3, *C5, *C7), Mucic acid (D-Galactaric acid, *C4), Phyllaemblic acid B (*C6), Phyllaemblic acid C (*C6), Phyllaemblic acid D (*C6)

Pharmacological effectThe fruit contained 402.14 units of superoxide dismutase/g fresh weight and exhibited anti-senescent activity.
Medical systemAyurveda (Traditional Indian medicine)
Traditional conceptRasa (Taste)Amla (Sour), Madhura (Sweet), Kasaya (Astringent), Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
Virya (Potency)Sita (Cold)
Guna (Quality)Mrdu (Soft), Laghu (Light)
Vipaka
(Post digestive taste)		Madhura (Sweet)
Karma
(General action)		Vrsya (aphrodisiac), Bhedana (purgative), Rucya (appetizing), Rasayana (rejuvenative), Kesya (good for hair), Bhagnasandhanakrt (fracture healing)
Dosakarma
(Action on dosa)		Decreases all three dosas
Dhatukarma(Action
on body tissues)		Rakta vikrti (blood disorders), Dhatu vrddhikara (increasing all body tissues), Sukrala (increasing reproductive tissue)
Mala
(Action on excretory mechanism)		Saraka (laxative)
Avayava
(Action on organ)		Netrya (good for eye)
Traditional usage1. Powder of Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica) pasted with juice of Amalaki along with jaggery, honey is taken followed by milk, is a very good rejuvenative.

2. For nasal bleeding (epistaxis), Amalaki made into a paste with ghee should be applied to the head. For bleeding, powder of Amalaki can also be taken with sugar.

3. Juice of Amalaki fruit fried with ghee alleviates fever. The patient of fever in case of loss of sweat and sleep accompanied by excessive thirst, should take liquid gruel processed with Sunthi (dry ginger) and Amalaki added with sugar and fried with ghee. It alleviates fever.

4. Amalaki fruits are roasted on charcoal fire, added with ghee, Jiraka (cumin seeds) and salt and fumigated with asafoetida. They stimulate digestive fire.

5. A drink made of Kasmarya (Gmelina arborea) and Amalaki and taken with supplement fatty layer of curd controls bleeding piles.

6. A regimen of buttermilk with Amalaki, Guduci (Tinospora cordifolia) etc. is prescribed in piles.

7. Juice of Amalaki mixed with honey is useful for worms.

8. Juice of Amalaki and sugarcane in the form of a drink is beneficial in case of anaemia. Powder of Amalaki with honey is also good for anaemia.

9. Juice of grapes and Amalaki is useful as drink and food in case of jaundice.

10. Amalaki fruits mixed with plenty of honey and sugar should be used as purgative. The juice is particularly beneficial for bleeding disorders.

11. Fine paste of Amalaki fruits fried in ghee is applied on head. It cures epistaxis instantaneously.

12. In case of hoarseness of voice one should take Amalaki fruits with milk.

13. Juice of Amalaki and Kapittha (Limonia acidissima) mixed with Pippali (Piper longum) and honey checks hiccough.

14. Powder of Amalaki cooked with milk and added with ghee should be taken in cough.

15. Ghee cooked with decoction of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) or juice of Amalaki alleviates fainting.

16. Steamed fruits of Amalaki should be pounded and mixed with Draksa (Grapes) and Sunthi (dry ginger) and taken with honey. It pacifies fainting, bronchial asthma and cough.

17. In vomiting, cold soup of green gram mixed with Amalaki juice should be taken.

18. Amalaki fruits, Draksa (grapes), jaggery 40 gm should be pounded and mixed with honey 40 gm and water 160 ml. All this should be strained with cloth and taken. It alleviates vomiting caused by Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

19. In abnormal taste in the mouth, gargles should be used of sours and powder of Amalaki.

20. Powder of Amalaki is impregnated with sugarcane juice twenty-one times and taken with milk. It alleviates severe internal burning.

21. Powder consisting of Amalaki, Satavari (Asparagus racemosus) and Sugar all equal is mixed with equal quantity of honey and taken with milk or ghee. It alleviates senility and promotes vision and vitality.

22. In upward movement of Vata, juice of Amalaki mixed with water should be taken of three days.

23. In pain caused by Pitta, Amalaki powder mixed with honey should be taken. Juice of Amalaki mixed with juice of Trayamana (Bacopa monnieri) and Draksa (grapes) added with sugar alleviates pain caused by Pitta instantaneously.

24. In peptic ulcer, the powder of Amalaki fruit mixed with Lauhabhasma (iron powder) or Yastimadhu (liquorice) powder should be taken with honey.

25. One who takes powder of Amalaki and nimba (neem) leaves in the morning regularly is freed from leprosy.

26. In vitiligo, decoction of Amalaki and Khadira (Acacia catechu) mixed with seeds of Bakuci (Psoralea corylifolia) should be taken. It destroys the disorder quickly.

27. One should administer decoction of Amalaki and haridra (turmeric) sweetened with honey for arthritic conditions.

28. In erysipelas, Amalaki juice mixed with ghee should be given.

29. In jalakagardabha (an acute spreading inflammation), regular use of Amalaki and cold pastes are recommended.

30. In case of pox associated with wound in mouth and throat, one should take decoction of Amalaki fruits and Madhuka (liquorice) added with honey as gargle.

31. In freckles, tender fruits of Amalaki should be kept in cow's urine for a week and then pounded with goat's milk. It is applied as paste on face.

32. One who applies the paste of Mandura (processed iron powder), Amalaki and Japa (hibiscus) flowers on hairs before taking bath is freed from diseases of hair.

33. Amalaki and haridra are the best remedies for diabetic types.

34. The patient of diabetes after unction, emesis, purgation and non-unctuous enema should be given the juice of Amalaki mixed with haridra and honey.

35. On taking 160 ml juice of Amalaki mixed with honey one is relieved of the urinary trouble.

36. One should take Ela (cardamom) with juice of Amalaki for suppression of urine.

37. Amalaki taken with jaggery is saturating, promotes semen and alleviates exertion, bleeding disorders, burning sensation, colic, dysuria.

38. One should take juice of Amalaki or sugarcane mixed with honey in case of dysuria or haematuria/hematuria.

39. Juice coming out of the mature fruit of Amalaki staying on the plant after piercing with nail alleviates numerous diseases of eye caused by aggravation of Vata, Pitta, Kapha.

40. Semisolid extract of Amalaki and Rasanjana (a product of Berberis aristata) mixed with honey alleviates diseases of eye caused by Pitta and Vata, defects of vision.

41. A preparation made by boiling leaves and fruits of Amalaki if filled in the eye pacifies acute conjunctivitis.

42. Decoction of Amalaki is used for washing the face, mouth, eyes for preventing disorders of face, dryness of mouth and diseases caused by Rakta (blood) and Pitta.

43. In order to promote intellect and prevent senility one should take powder of Sesamum and Amalaki with honey and ghee in the morning for a month.

44. One should take powder of Amalaki mixed with gold and honey, promotes longevity. Senility in persons goes away who take Amalaki juice mixed with honey, sugar and ghee keeping on wholesome diet.

45. Those who take Amalaki and Tila (Sesamum indicum) mixed with Bhrngaraja (Eclipta alba) regularly do not suffer from disease and senility.

46. Powder of Amalaki impregnated with the juice of Amalaki itself mixed with sugar, honey and ghee should be taken followed by intake of milk. By this even the old is stimulated like young.

47. Paste of Amalaki seeds mixed with honey and sugar should be taken with water. It alleviates leucorrhoea/leucorrhea in three days. This is good for burning in genitals.

48. Amalaki seeds taken with rice water alleviate menometrorrhagia or Amalaki pounded with udumbara (Ficus glomerata) decoction and taken with cold water does the same.

49. Leaves of nimba mixed with Amalaki along with ghee is good for eruptions, allergic manifestations, wound, itching, intrinsic haemorrhage/hemorrhage.
FormulationCyavanaprasa, Brahmarasayana, Dhatri lauha, Dhatri rasayana, Dhatryavaleha, Datryarista, Agastyavaleha, Sanjivanivati, Karanjadi yoga
CommentsDue to sour taste, it pacifies vata, due to sweet and cold nature Pitta, due to rough, astringent nature kapha.

Amalaki should be consumed before, during and after the meals.

This has many similar qualities to Haritaki.

Amalaki is included in the Vayasthapana and Virecanopaga gana of Caraka and Triphaladi and Parusakadi of Susruta.
ReferencesReference book　

Tips！

[2] Indian Medicinal Plants - A Compendium of 500 species, Varier, P.S., Orient Longman Ltd. Chennai (Madras)
Vol. 4 (Repr.1997), p 256.

Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants, 1956. Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L. and Chopra, I.C., Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, New Delhi. - New Edition (1996) National Institute Science Communication; Supplement
p 106.

Illustrated Manual of Herbal Drugs Used in Ayurveda, 1996. Sarin, Y.K., Council of Scientific & Industrial Research and Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi
p 198.

Ayurvedic Drugs and Their Plant Sources, 1994. Sivarajan, V.V. and Balachandran, I., Oxford & IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
p 28.

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol I, Ed. I, 1989. Govt. of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Dept. of Health, New Delhi
pp 5-6.

Plants in Ayurveda (A Compendium of Botanical and Sanskrit Names), 1997. Abdul Kareem, M., Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions, Bangalore
671.

Dravyagunavijnana, Vols. 1-5, reprint 1998. Sharma, P.V., Chowkhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi
Vol. 2, pp 758-760.

Classical uses of Medicinal Plants, 1996. Sharma, P.V., Chaukhambha Visvabharati, Varanasi
p 33.

Research paper*C1 Zhang, Y-J., Tanaka, T., Iwamoto, Y., Yang, C-R. and Kouno, I.; Tetrahedron Lett., 41, 1781-84 (2000).
*C2 Zhang, Y-J., Tanaka, T., Iwamoto, Y., Yang, C-R. and Kouno, I.; J. Nat. Prod., 63, 1507-10 (2000).
*C3 Shishoo, C. J., Shah, S. A., Rathod, I. S. and Patel, S. G.; Indian J. Pharm. Sci., 59, 268-71 (1997).
*C4 Premi, B. R., Sethi, V. and Saxena, D. B.; Food Chem., 61, 9-11 (1998).
*C5 Nandi, P., Talukder, G. and Sharma, A.; Br. J. Cancer, 76, 1279-83 (1997).
*C6 Zhang, Y-J., Tanaka, T., Iwamoto, Y., Yang, C-R. and Kouno, I.; J. Nat. Prod., 64, 870-73 (2001).
*C7 Prakash, D., Niranjan, A. and Tewari, S. K.; Journal　of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences, 22, 237-41 (2000).
*C8 Zhang, Y-J., Abe, T., Tanaka, T. Yang, C-R. and Kouno, I.; J. Nat. Prod., 64, 1527-32 (2001).
*C9 Zhang, Y-J., Tanaka, T. Yang, C-R. and Kouno, I.; Chem. Pharm. Bull., 49, 537-40 (2001).
*C10 Zhang, Y-J., Abe, T., Tanaka, T. Yang, C-R. and Kouno, I.; Pharm. Bull., 50, 841-43 (2001).
RemarksFermented preparation from the fruit is used in jaundice, dyspepsia and cough. Drink made of Amala and lemon juice is taken for arresting acute bacillary dysentery. Exudations from incisions on the fruit are used as external application for inflammation of the eye. Amla is one of the constituents of ayurvedic medicine ‘Mentat’ which is used in various behavioral problems of children like nocturnal enuresis, pica and breath holding spells with improvement in school phobia, learning disability and speech defects without any toxic or untoward effects. It is also one of the ingredients of herbal cough syrup ‘Koflet’.
Last renewal date2023/11/13
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