A Critical Review of Amalaki- (Emblica Officinalis Gaertn.) in Classical Texts and Promote its Use in Our Life

The drug Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis Gaertn.) belongs to family Euphorbiaceae, is used since ancient time for therapeutic purposes. It has been used in the traditional Indian medicine of ‘Ayurveda’ for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Amalaki has five Rasa (taste) except Lavana (salt), It is mainly Amla Ras Pradhan. Its Vipaka (taste after digestion) is Madhura (sweet) and Veerya (potency) is Sheeta (cool). Because of these qualities, the plant performs various pharmacological actions such as anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant activity, immunomodulatory activity, anti-tussive, antiulcer activity, anticancerous activity, anti-diarroheal and spasmolytic, antidiabetic, in reducing cholesterol and dyslipidemia, antimicrobial, anti-asthmatic. It helps to improve physical and mental health, prevents degeneration, extends youth and delays aging or rather reverse the aging process. Various parts of Amalaki has been described in morphology like root, stem, leaf, seed, flower and fruit. Synonyms and their interpretation, Vernacular names, Rasapanchaka and Karma of Amalaki in various Nighantus (Dhanwantri Nighantu, Shodhal Nighantu, Madanpal Nighantu, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Kaiyadeva Nighantu and Raj Nighantu) has been described. Classical categorization of plant Amalaki in Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya has been explained according to its Karma and this paper presented a comprehensive review of Emblica Officinalis Gaertn

The Effect of Surfactant on Polyherbal Liquid Shampoo and its Comparative Analysis

Objective: Herbal shampoo is gaining immense popularity among all consumer groups due to rising awareness about the side effects of chemical formulations. It was also observed that not many marketed shampoos incorporated excellent hair nurturing properties of curry leaves. The aim of the study was to formulate and evaluate herbal shampoo using Murraya koenigii, Phyllanthus emblica, Acacia concinna Linn., Trigonella foenum-graecum, Sapindus mukorossi and perform a comparative analysis with marketed formulation. Method: Three formulations were prepared using extracts of Murraya koenigii, Phyllanthus emblica, Acacia concinna, Trigonella foenum-graecum and Sapindus mukorossi in definite proportions. Decyl Glucoside and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate were added as surfactant in adequate amount. The formulated shampoo was evaluated for organoleptic properties (colour and odour), pH, surface tension, viscosity, dirt dispersion, cleansing action, foaming ability and stability studies. Results: The formulated shampoos were brown in colour with good acceptable fragrance. All the formulations showed good cleansing and detergency power with stable foam. F1 showed comparatively better foaming ability. All the formulations had neutral pH and low surface tension (21-25 dyn/cm). The solid content was found to be in the range of 23-27 % and viscosity 4885 cP- 4903 cP. The results of the prepared formulations were compared with a marketed formulation and were found that F1 formulation was on par with marketed formulation. Conclusion: The prepared shampoo had good characteristics. It was further inferred that it is possible to develop safer and equally effective shampoo using ingredients of plant origin.

Effect of Phytogenic Mixture Supplementation on Carcass Characteristics and Cost of Production in Broiler Chickens during Winter Season

In present experiment 288 day-old commercial broiler chicks were subjected to eight dietary treatments consisting of three replicates of twelve chicks in each replicate were reared for a period of 6 weeks in winter season. The dietary treatments includes: T0- Negative control, T1-control, T2-0.5 % Amla + 0.5 % Ashwagandha + 0.25 % Turmeric powder, T3-0.25 % Amla + 0.5% Ashwagandha + 0.25% Turmeric powder, T4-0.125% Amla + 0.5 % Ashwagandha + 0.25 % Turmeric powder, T5- 0.5 % Amla + 0.25 % Ashwagandha + 0.25 % Turmeric powder, T6-0.5 % Amla + 0.125 % Ashwagandha + 0.25 % Turmeric powder and T7-0.5 % Amla + 0.5 % Ashwagandha + 0.125 % Turmeric powder. Standard managemental practices were followed during the experimental period. Supplementation of phytogenic mixture consisting of 0.5 % amla and 0.5 % Ashwagandha with 0.25% or 0.125 % turmeric powder (T2 and T7) gave best results and improved the giblet percentage, eviscerated weight percentage and drawn percentage in winter season. The cost of production of drawn weight (`/kg) of broilers at six weeks of age was reduced as much as ` 10.23 (T2) and ` 9.48 (T7) in winter season. The study concluded that addition of 0.5 % amla and 0.5 % Ashwagandha with 0.25% or 0.125 % turmeric powder can be effectively supplemented as an alternative to antibiotics growth promoter in poultry ration in winter for improving the carcass characteristics and such ration was found more economical in comparison to that having antibiotic growth promoter

Analysis Of Effect Of Amla Rasa (sour Food) In Different Concentrations On Mamsa Dhatu (muscle Tissue)

It is said that one should consume Shad-Rasayuktha Ahara for better nourishment. The nutritive value of the 6 Rasas (taste) has been explained in the classics of Ayurveda along with their harmful effects when used in excess. When Amla Rasa is taken in excess it produces Dantaharsha (Morbid sensation of teeth), Trishna (thirst) etc. Objectives - The present study is designed by administering Amla Rasa Pradhana Drvya given in different concentration 10% and 15% and effect on the Mamsa Dhatu is assessed by certain blood parameters. Material and Methods -Wistar strain albino rats of either sex, weighing of 200-300 g. Obtained from S.D.M Centre for Research in Ayurveda, Udupi, Karnataka. 5Groups were taken and Group 1 is Control, Group-2 is 15% Chincha, Group-3 is 15% Vrukshamla, Group-4 is 10% Chincha, Group-5 is 10% Vrukshamla which receives drug and laboratory food for 28days, next day blood was collected by supra-orbital puncture with the help of micro capillary tubes under mild ether anesthesia. Results - There was increase in the Total Protein, Serum Albumin and serum creatinine levels and decrease in Serum globulin, Serum Urea level and Body weight. Conclusion – the study suggests that there is catabolic action of the Amla Rasa on the Mamsa Dhatu and anabolic act action on serum protein especially at the level of liver, so there will be a loss of muscle tissue which suggests Mamsa Vidhahyati action.

A Critical Review On Hridya (cardiotonic) Action Of Dadim (punica Granatum Linn.) With Special Reference To Ayurvedic And Modern Aspect

Cardiovascular diseases pose an alarming threat to global health. Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in India, Killing 1.7 million Indians in 2016. According to Ayurved, Hriday or Heart is a vital organ as any type of damage to this organ leads to loss of life. Hridya mahakashaya (group of cardiotonic drugs i.e. drugs having beneficial action on the heart) possessing sour taste has been explained in Charak Samhita. These drugs are useful in maintaining cardiac health and also mental health. Dadim (Punica granatum Linn.) means Pomegranate is one of the Dravyas explained under Hridya group. By means of its virtues, Dadim performs Agnideepan, Rasa-Dhatwagnideepan, Pittashamana, Vatanuloman and the Hridya function; and strengthens heart moreover nourishes brain. Hriday is one of the sites for Mana (psyche). Amla rasa of Dadim performs Tarpana karma of Hriday, satiates mind and improves mental strength. In this review the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti- hypertensive, Anti-stress, thrombolytic, anxiolytic and anti-depressant actions of Dadim have been focused which are the key factors in treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This is an attempt made to explain the Hridya action of Dadim according to Ayurvedic as well as modern aspect. This article spreads a hopeful array for the researchers working on cardiovascular diseases.

Efficacy and safety of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica L.) in non-erosive reflux disease: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints. GERD, caused by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, leads to troublesome symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. It is classified into two types: erosive esophagitis, characterized by visible esophageal mucosa erosion in endoscopy, and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). GERD is a chronic and recurrent disease that impairs the quality of life and imposes socioeconomic and therapeutic burdens to both patients and society.</p><p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Due to the failure of the conventional treatments for GERD and to the traditional use of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica L.), in addition to beneficial effects shown in recent studies, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of Amla tablet for improvement of symptoms of patients with NERD.</p><p><b>DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS</b>We designed a double-arm, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Sixty-eight patients who had classic symptoms of GERD (heartburn, regurgitation and epigastralgia) for at least three months before the start of the trial were randomized in two parallel groups. Patients in the Amla group received two 500 mg Amla tablets twice a day, after meals, for 4 weeks. In the control group, patients received placebo tablets similar to the Amla prescription.</p><p><b>MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES</b>The patients were visited at baseline, and at the end of the 2nd and 4th weeks of intervention; their symptoms were measured on a frequency and severity scale for the symptoms of NERD, according to the quality of life in reflux-associated disease questionnaire.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Frequencies of heartburn and regurgitation in both groups of the study were significantly reduced after intervention (P < 0.001). Repeated measures logistic regression analysis showed that, in the Amla group, there was a more significant reduction in regurgitation frequency, heartburn frequency, regurgitation severity and heartburn severity during the study period, compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrated that Amla could reduce frequencies of heartburn and regurgitation and improve heartburn and regurgitation severity in patients with NERD.</p><p><b>TRIAL REGISTRATION</b>Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2016061428469N1.</p>

Phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and traditional uses of Emblica officinalis: A review.

From the ancient time, plants have been playing a key role for the betterment of mankind presenting as an extraordinary source of natural medicine. The complexity in formulating chemical based drugs as well as their health related side effects and uprising cost has led worldwide researchers to focus on medicinal plant research. Bangladesh has a vast repository of diverse plant species where about five thousand plants species have been claimed as having significant medicinal values. The researched papers on medicinal plants publishing from last few decades mention the activities of different plant bioactive compounds that are used widely in the treatment of various human ailments. Emblica officinalis is reported to possess bioactive compounds like tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, ascorbic acids and many other compounds which are confirmed to have diverse pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, radio-protective, hepatoprotective, antitissuive, immunomodulatory, hypolipedemic and many other activities. This medicinal plant is also reported to have anticancer, anti HIV-reverse transcriptase, antidiabetic, antidepressant, antiulcerogenic, wound healing activities and so forth. The current review paper summarizes the phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities and traditional uses of the plant Emblica officinalis.

Factors Influencing the Antioxidant Potential of Amla and Its Products.

Aims: Emblica officinalis, locally known as Amla, is a highly nutritious seasonal fruit. The processed fruit could be an important dietary source of natural vitamin C with potent antioxidant activity. The aim of present investigation was to study factors influencing antioxidant potential of Amla and its products. Methodology: Three Indian varieties of Amla fruits in three ripening states (unripe, semi ripe and fully ripe) were analyzed for total phenolic contents, vitamin C as well as antioxidant potential. Two Amla products were studied over a period of 33 days for these parameters. Results: In the present data, the fully ripe stage of Amla had the highest value of vitamin C (804.4±0.8mg/100g) and polyphenols (1300.3±99.6mg/100g) than the unripe, semi ripe stages. The DPPH Scavenging activity was found to be highest in semi ripe stage. ABTS radical scavenging (IC50 values) of unripe, semi ripe and ripe were 18.5±0.0071, 34.7±0.026, 21.9±0.024 respectively. The stability study for syrup and pickle, processed from Amla fruit, demonstrated sharper decrease of the vitamin C content for pickle than decrease for syrup over the time 33 days but the polyphenols and the free radical scavenging activity remained the same over the time. Conclusion: The present study suggested that ripening stages influence the antioxidant potential of Amla fruit. The contents of vitamin C showed a significant decrease over time in syrup and pickle but the antioxidant potential remained unaffected.

Evaluation of analgesic activity of Emblica officinalis in albino rats.

Background: Amla is one of the most often used herbs in indigenous medicine, whose all parts including fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark, and fl owers are used in various Ayurvedic/Unani medicines. However, studies to establish analgesic potential of amla were limited, so the purpose of the present study was to evaluate analgesic activity of amla, if it possesses any. Methods: Albino rats were divided randomly in three groups of six rats each. Group 1 (control) received distilled water orally, Group 2 (test) received Emblica offi cinalis extract in dose of 600 mg/kg orally and Group 3 (standard) received Pentazocine in dose 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally. Results: Emblica offi cinalis extract did not produced statistically signifi cant (p>0.05) analgesia when compared with the control group in hot plate latency, but produced a statistically signifi cant reduction in 6% NaCl induced abdominal writhing (p<0.05). Conclusions: Since the plant extract signifi cantly reduced the number of writhes in abdominal writhing model, but do not increase hot plate latency, the commercially available crude extract of Emblica offi cinalis exhibit analgesic activity involving peripheral mechanisms.

Effects of Emblica Officinalis (AMLA) on Serum Lipids and Atherogenesis in Albino Rats Fed with High Fat Diet.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Emblica officinalis (Amla) extract on serum lipids and atherogenesis, in albino rats fed with high fat diet. Materials and Methods: Healthy albino rats of Wistar strain (150-200 gm each) were randomized into five groups of six animals each- Group A (received normal diet), Group B (received normal diet + Emblica officinalis extract 1 gm/kg BW) Group C (received high fat diet consisting of vanaspati ghee and coconut oil at a ratio of 3:2, at a dose of 10 ml/kg/day), Group D (received high fat diet + Emblica officinalis extract 1 gm/kg BW) and Group E (received high fat diet + simvastatin 1.8 mg/ kg BW). Treatment period was 8 weeks. At the end of 8 weeks, lipid profile was evaluated by estimating total cholesterol, serum triglyceride, serum LDL, serum HDL and atherogenic index. Results: Ethanolic extract of Emblica officinalis showed significant antihyperlipidaemic activity (P< 0.01) with significant improvement in atherogenic index (p<0.01). Conclusion: Present study suggests that Emblica officinalis extract at a dose of 1 gm/kg BW exerts antihyperlipidaemic effect comparable to that of simvastatin. It also possesses hypolipidaemic activity.

Genotoxicity of benzene in mammalian cells (Rattus rattus) and its minimization by medicinal plant extracts and Vitamin C.

Benzene is an enlisted industrial carcinogen with genotoxic effects. The present work was aimed at studying the genotoxic effects (chromosomal aberrations and mitotic index changes) of benzene on somatic (bone marrow) cells of 10–15 week old albino rats (Rattus rattus). Many medicinal plants and vitamins are known to have antioxidant and anticlastogenic properties. Therefore, vitamin C and crude extracts of fruits of medicinal plants Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) and Allium sativum (garlic) cloves were tested for their comparative effectiveness in minimizing the genotoxicity of benzene. Genotoxicity of benzene was investigated at doses of 1/ 40, 1/20, 1/10, 1/5 oral LD50. Antioxidants vitamin C (10 mg/kg b.wt) and crude medicinal plant extracts (P. emblica=1000mg/kg b.wt., A. sativum=1000mg/kg b.wt.) were tested for their ability to minimize genotoxic effects of benzene (at 1/10 LD50 dose), at pre, concurrent and post treatment levels. Statistical analysis was done by ‘student t-test’. Benzene was observed to cause significant increase in number of chromosomal aberrations, percentage of aberrated cells and depression in mitotic-index. P. emblica, A. sativum extracts, and vitamin C significantly reduced all the types of observed abnormalities induced by benzene. They showed best results during pre-treatment. Genotoxicity of benzene was best minimized by A. sativum extract. P. emblica and vitamin C showed more or less similar results. Thus, the daily intake of A. sativum extract might prove to be beneficial in minimizing and providing protection against benzene genotoxicity.

Antimicrobial Activity of Aloevera barbedensis, Daucus carota, Emblica officinalis, Honey and Punica granatum and Formulation of a Health Drink and Salad

Aims: Indian folk medicine has been in practice from time immemorial. Traditional medicine interconnects our body with nature for a healthy living. The naturally occurring antimicrobials in food vary in their efficacy and function, toxicology, safety and mechanism of action against microorganisms. Methodology and Results: The study revitalizes the traditional system of medicine in order to achieve self reliance in health care and health for all by analyzing the antimicrobial property of aqueous extracts of aloevera (Aloevera barbedensis), carrot (Daucus carota), Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), honey and pomegranate (Punica granatum), and to assess the reason for inhibition of growth of pathogenic organisms by DNA and protein analysis. Various aqueous extracts showed inhibition to microrganisms like Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexineri and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion significance and impact of study: The study also formulated and standardized a nourishing health drink and salad using the tested foods and estimated their shelf life and nutritive value. The health drink and salad had a low protein, low fat and moderate carbohydrate content. Therapeutically this drink and salad can be used to treat obesity.