English Name: Indian Gooseberry, Emblic Myrobalan
Hindi Name: Amla
Sanskrit Name: Amalaki, Amritaphala, Dhatriphala
Latin Name: Emblica officinalis Linn Pennell
A middle sized deciduous tree with green globose fruits found wild throughout tropical India. The tree is extensively cultivated these days in many parts of India for its fruits.
Application
Indian Gooseberry has been given a prominent place in Ayurveda. In ancient India it was believed that Ambrosia (heavenly nectar) contained all rasas thereby, it could impart immortality. In that sense Amlaki and Hareetaki stand next by exhibiting five rasas. Therefore, Gooseberry is considered a "Rasayana" bestowed with anti-aging effects. Enthusiastic investigations on Amla substantiate almost all of its acclaimed properties. It has been identified to be a potent antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antistress etc. Apart from its medicinal use. It also finds an important place in traditional hair and skin care formulations. Its cytoprotective role has been investigated in detail. For Ayurveda Amlaki is considered to be a nature"s boon.
Chemical composition
The fruit juice is reported to contain nearly 20 times as much vitamin C as orange juice. Every 100 gm edible fruit provides 470-680 mg of Vitamin C. Fruit contains moisture, protein, fat, minerals, fibers and carbohydrate. Its mineral and vitamin contents include calcium, Phosphorous, iron, carotene, carbohydrate, thiamine, riboflavin besides vitamin C. A recent study on Amla attributes its strong antioxidant properties to its small molecular weight tannoid complexes.
Effect on dosha
Pacifies tridoshas.
