Embelica officinalis (Amla)
Introduction: Two main classic texts on Ayurved, Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, have recorded Amalaki as “the best among rejuvenative herbs”, “useful in relieving cough and skin disease” and “the best among the sour fruits”. The fruits of Amla are used in many medicinal preparations of Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine. It is found through out India at high altitudes. Embelica officinalis is one of the ingredients of very known combination of Triphala. Amla has been traditionally used as tonic for heart and for brain. It is also used to treat constipation, reduce fever, purify the blood, reduce cough, and alleviate asthma, for digestion and many other treatments. Major Chemical Constituents: Some of the major chemical constituents of Embelica officinalis are gallic acids, tannins, sugar, Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, glutamic acid, emblicol, phenolic compounds and phyllembelic acid. Pharmacological Actions Antioxidant:1,2,3,4 One study was conducted to see effect of bioactive tannoid principles of Embelica officinalis on ischemia-reperfusion-induced oxidative stress in rat heart. The conclusion of the study confirmed the antioxidant effect of E. officinalis and indicates that the fruits of the plant may have a cardio-protective effect. Another study was conducted to check the antioxidant activity of the fruit and of the Ayurvedic preparation of Embelica officinalis Gaertn. The data obtained show that the Embelica fruit has high antioxidant activity. The study also found that Vitamin C accounts for approximately 45–70% of the antioxidant activity. Many other studies have also proved the anti-oxidant property of E. officinalis. Herb Drug interactions: There are no known herb drug interactions. Safety: No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. Reference 1 Bhattacharya SK, Bhattacharya D, Sairam K, Ghosal S, Effect of bioactive tannoid principles of Embelica officinalis on ischemia-reperfusion-induced oxidative stress in rat heart. International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology 2002; 9 (2): 171-174. 2 Scartezzini P, Antognoni F, Raggi MA, Poli F and Sabbioni C., Vitamin C content and antioxidant activity of the fruit and of the Ayurvedic preparation of Embelica officinalis Gaertn. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 8 March 2006; 104(1-2): 113-118. 3 Jeena KJ, Kuttan R. Antioxidant activity of Embelica officinalis. J Clin Biochem Nutr 1995; 19:63–70. 4 Anila L., and Vijayalakshmi NR., Antioxidant action of flavonoids from Mangifera indica and Embelica officinalis in hypercholesterolemic rats. Food Chemistry, December 2003; 83 (4); 569-574.