Amalaki
Common Name:
Emblic myrobalan (Eng.)
Sanskrit Name:
Amalaki- Means 'sustainer of health'
Dhatri- Means "Nurse' as it nourishes so many aspect of human health
Amrita- Means 'nectar' because of its nutritive and rejuvenative value
Lt. Name:
Embelica officinalis- Euphorbiaceae
Bio energetics:
Rasa- It contains all the six tastes except Lavana (Salty one) But Amla (Sour) dominate over the others.
Guna (Characteristics)- Guru (Heavy); Ruksha (Rough)
Veerya (Potency)- Sheeta (Cool and calm)
Vipaka (Post digestion effect)- Madhura (Sweet)
Chemical composition:
The fruit contains a series of diterpenes referred to as the gibberellins, as well as the triterpene lupeol, flavonoids (e.g. kaempherol-3-O-β-Dglucoside, quercetin-3-O-β-Dglucoside), and polyphenols (e.g. emblicanin A and B,punigluconin and pedunculagin). Also present are the phyllantine and zeatin alkaloids, and a number of benzenoids including amlaic acid, corilagin, ellagic acid, 3-6-di-O-galloyl-glucose, ethyl gallate, 1,6-di-O-galloyl-β-Dglucose, 1-di-O-galloyl-β-Dglucose, putranjivain A, digallic acid, phyllemblic acid, emblicol, and alactaric acid
Effect on Tridosha (Three bio humors):
It pacifies all the three Doshas i.e. maintains the balance of all Doshas that is why it is one of the best rejuvenator according to Ayurveda.
Actions according to Ayurveda:
Vaya sthapana- Enhances the longevity and delays the signs of aging
Virechanopaga- Aids in the function of Virechana (Therapeutic purgation) medicine
Haritaki samam- It is also useful in management of the diseases where Haritaki is useful
Rakta pittaghnam- Useful in management of bleeding tendencies
Rasayanam- Rejuvenates the body
Chakshushya- Tonic for eyes
Vrushya- Increases sexual desire
Medicinal value:
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Feeding of Amalaki to the hypercholesterolemic rabbits for 12 weeks showed a two pronged effects, its feeding increased the lipid mobilization and catabolism and retarded the deposition of lipids in the extra hepatic tissues. The degree of atherosclerosis at the end of 12 weeks of Amla feeding was much lower when compared to the control group.
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The tissue lipid levels including Serum cholesterol, TG, phospholipid and LDL showed a significant reduction following Embelica officinalis juice administration. Emeblica officinalis juice treated rabbits excreted more cholesterol and phospholipids, suggesting that the mode of absorption was affected.
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The fruit is an adaptogen which means it is a food grade, nontoxic herb that normalizes body function, balances the neuroendocrine system and improves immunity.
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Stress is a major contributing factor to the onset of heart attacks. One study found that Amalaki strengthened the body’s ability to combat stress-induced free radical damage.
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A recent study, published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, demonstrated that Amalaki juice reduced the effects of a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet in rabbits. The juice appeared to protect the arteries and prevent the damage that normally occurs when there is an accumulation of fatty plaques.
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Embelica officinalis, an excellent source of vitamin C (ascorbate) when administered orally, has been found to enhance natural killer (NK) cell activity and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in syngeneic BALB/c mice, bearing Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) tumor. An increase in life span (ILS) of 35% was recorded in tumor bearing mice treated with Embelica officinalis. These results indicated
a) An absolute requirement for a functional NK cell or K cell population in order that Embelica officinalis can exert its effect on tumor bearing animals, and
b) The antitumor activity of Embelica officinalis is mediated primarily through the ability of the drug to augment natural cell mediated cytotoxicity.
Useful part:
Fruit
Doses:
Powder- 3-6 gm; Juice- 10-20 ml
Some combinations with Amalaki:
Triphala; Chyawanaprasha; Dhatri lauha; Dhatri rasayana
Some important notes about Amalaki:
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The fruit allegedly contains 720 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of fresh fruit pulp, or up to 900 mg per 100 g of pressed juice. Apart from this it also contains tannins; a reason why even dried form retains most of the vitamin content.
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The Charaka Samhita says, "Amalaki is the best among rejuvenative herbs."
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