Abstract

THERAPEUTIC AND MEDICINAL USES OF AMALAKI: A REVIEW

Akhil Jain and Nidhi Garg *

Abstract

Amalaki fruit is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, containing approximately 20 times the vitamin C content of an orange. Its antioxidant effects explain its traditional use as one of the best rejuvenative tonics (rasayana) in Ayurvedic medicine particularly for Pitta Dosha. The main constituents of Amalaki include ascorbic acid, fatty acids, bioflavonoids, polyphenols, cytokinins, B vitamins, calcium, potassium, iron, tannins, and pectin. Its list of actions is really quite impressive. Not only is it a rejuvenative and antioxidant, but it is also hepato protective, lowers cholesterol, an excellent anti inflammatory, laxative, diuretic, and hypoglycaemic remedy. From an Ayurvedic perspective the healing properties of Amalaki extend to all tissues (dhatus) and it has the ability to increase Ojas, meaning that it enhances energy, immunity, fertility and joie de vivre. It helps to balance all three doshas particularly Pitta and Vata. Amalaki is in fact an excellent herb for the immune system. It has been shown to slow development and growth of cancer cells[1] probably through its ability to enhance natural cell mediated cytotoxicity[2,3] It has antimicrobial properties and is used as an antiviral for colds and flu. Constituents of Amalaki have been found to be active against a range of organisms including Staph. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staph. Typhosa.[4] With its cooling effects, Amalaki is used for a variety of inflammatory conditions of the GI tract, ulcers, acidity, nausea, vomiting, gastritis, colitis, hepatitis and haemorrhoids. The leaf infusion with fenugreek seeds is given in India for chronic diarrhoea and acute bacillary dysentery is treated there with a syrup of Amalaki and lemon juice. As an ingredient of Triphala, Amalaki is used as a bowel tonic to clear toxins from the bowel, for chronic constipation and IBS. Its antioxidant properties help protect the liver. Amalaki has been used traditionally for diabetes as it has a reputed hypoglycaemic effect.

Keywords: Amalaki, Phyllanthus embellica, Embellica officinalis.