Amla fruit - Rich in vitamin C

 

                               Amla / Anwla / Indian gooseberry / Phyllanthus emblica

                  Amla / Amalaki is a highly potent medicinal deciduous plant for its innumerable healing properties and powerhouse of nutrients. The Amla tree is  medium size , near about 10 feet to 20 feet in height , with slightly curved trunk . Its leaves are finely and closely set along the branchlets . Leaves have pinnate resemblance , very tiny , simple and attached by the base to branchlets . Its flower color are yellowish , smooth , spherical fruit yellowish green with generally six vertical strips .  Amla is native to India and it is grown in different tropical and subtropical region . It  is also known as Indian gooseberry is loaded with sufficient amount of nutrients and is the richest natural source of Vitamin C. Amla is one of the main ingredients in almost Ayurvedic medicines, Chyawanprash and herbal tonic due to presence of powerful Antioxidant properties.

Amla Other Name – ( Family - Phyllanthaceae) -

               English ( Indian Gooseberry , Malacca tree , Emblic , Myrobalan ) , Sanskrit  (Amlki , Dhatri , Amalaki , Aonla , Vrushya , Sriphalam ) , Hindi ( Amla , Aonra  ) , Malayalam and Kannad (Nelli) ,  Tamil ( Nellikai ) , Farsi  ( Amlaj  ,  Bengali ( Amala) , Marathi (Avala) ,  Telgu  (Usiri Kaya) , Botanical name ( Emblica officinalis ), Botanical synonym ( Emblica officinalis ) .

Properties of Amla – Emblica officinalis -                                                                                                                                          

1.      Ayurvedic properties of Amla are ;  Rasa/ Taste – Sour taste /Madhur ,katu , Tikta and kashaya ; After Taste / Anu-rasa – Madhur ; Guna /Quality – Heavy , dry , cool ; Potency / Virya – Sheet /Cold ; Vipaka  – Madhur ;  Prabhav / Therapeutic effect – Rejuvenation ; Karma /Dosha – Amla pacifies mainly Pitta, but it also balance the Kapha and Vata . According to Charak sutrasthana , Amla contain all five rasa except salt . Beneficial organ – stomach , intestine ,heart , blood vessels , pancreas ,liver and with  work as best immunity booster . Amla is a non-toxic and free from side effects .

2.     Boost immunity and other activity - Ayurveda suggests to consume Amla daily to boost immunity and  improve metabolism.  Amla contains five taste ; Sour , Sweet , Bitter , Pungent  and Astringent that may help to improve function our body ,  fight against infection and  inflammation . It is the best natural source of vitamin C , which helps in keeping the skin healthy and strengthens the immune system .This herbs prevents our body from bacterial and viral aliments like cold and cough .Amla’s vitamin C content plays an important role by stimulating the production of white blood cell ( WBC ) , these are infection fighting cells .Amla’s Vitamin C acts like a booster , a booster , revitalizing the production of these WBC to perform at their best .

3.     Others properties - Amla fruit  have Anti-pyretic , Analgesic , Anti-atherogenic , Adaptogenic , Diuretic , Cardio-protective , Gastro-protective , Anti-anemic , Wound-healing , Anti-diarrheal , Hepato-protective , Nephro-protective , Digestive-stimulants , Anti-microbial , Mild- laxative , Carminative , Anti-hypertensive, Anti-diabetic and Anti-oxidant properties. Amla fruit possesses Spasmolytic ( relieves in cramps and spasm ) , expectorant and hypoglycemic properties also . Oxidative damage to the cells minimize in the presence of Amla , this effect only due to the presence of antioxidants that scavenge free radicals. Superoxide radicals are harmful radicals that cause damages to the cells , but it treat with amla ,then increased the activity of superoxide dismutase , an antioxidant enzyme that combats oxidative stress .

4.     Improving digestion , constipation and reducing weight loss – Amla fruits helps by stimulating the production of juices , which are essential enzymes that breakdown food for better absorption .  Amla helps manages indigestion by improving the Pachak  digestive  fire and it also helps in easy expulsion of stool due to  laxative  property . Amla helps in weight control also by improving the metabolism due to its appetizer and Pachan ( digestive ) properties . Amla acts as a natural antacid and provide relief from gastritis . It may help in abdominal pain , nausea . The fiber of Amla reduce the digestive problem, because it increase the action of gastric juices for decomposition of food .  Thus , it is also useful to relieve stomach heaviness and gases . Amla is basically an alkaline nature ,which helps to balance  stomach acid levels and make the gut alkaline (helpful in reducing acidity ). Amla helps flush out toxins from our body , giving our digestive system a chance to thrive .

5.     Repair stomach lining and prevents Ulcers - Amla helps to minimize the damage of stomach lining by increasing mucin , which protect the inner side of gastrointestinal tract . Gallic acid of  Amla fruit protect the mucosal lining of stomach and may be also help in ulcer healing and minimize the side effect of other medicine . It is good for treatment of peptic ulcer , because Amla reducing the production of acid in stomach , the antioxidants action produced by Amla helps to protect the gastric mucosa from any damage and prevent ulceration . Amla also prevent complication of peptic ulcer .

6.     Improving hemoglobin - Amla is Anti-anemic fruit with  rich amount in Iron mineral and vitamin C . High level of vitamin C in Amla fruit may be helps our body absorb other nutrients like Iron ,and other minerals supplement. It is also a powerful super food for brain with  nourishes the mind and may be help to improve memory power .

7.     Preventing diabetes and its complication - Amla contains powerful Anti-hyperglycemic properties , which is used in the treatment and management  of diabetes due to improving  the glucose metabolism , thereby reducing blood sugar level in our body . Soluble fiber in Amla dissolves quickly in the body , which helps to slow the rate of  our body absorb sugar . Amla fruit helps insulin resistance and balances high blood sugar levels .  It eliminates toxin from the body and heal cellular metabolism , which makes it great useful for diabetes problem .

In some research paper showed that Amla fruit extract increase the secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta-cells , which further helped to minimize blood sugar level  . Amla fruit also have a positive effect on blood glucose and lipid counts in type 2 diabetes people. It prevent a sudden increase in blood glucose levels after food and delays the digestion of glucose .

Amla regulates carbohydrates metabolism , which helps the body to respond well to insulin , thereby reducing the blood sugar levels .

8.     Reducing bad cholesterol level and healthy heart - Amla may be helps in minimizing bad cholesterol (LDL) and keeps the level of good cholesterol (HDL) due to its Antioxidant properties . Amla help in increasing elasticity of blood vessels and protects them from inflammation  ( Inflammation of blood vessels linings is main cause of atherosclerosis  . Amla can reduce the accumulation of fats and plaque formation in arteries and veins , which may be  lowering  the risk of getting atherosclerosis and promotes healthy circulation along with overall cardiovascular health .Antioxidants and amino acid s in Amla may help combat oxidative stress , which is a major factor in heart disease . Vitamin C of Amla support the health of our blood vessels . More flexible blood vessels means a lower risk of plaque buildup .

9.     Improvement of healthy hair  and skin -- Vitamin C of  the Amla fruit ( if consuming Amla fruit regularly ) promote hair growth , improve hair health and fight against free radicals . Strong Anti-oxidant  , healing and rejuvenating  properties of Amla fruit may be helps in improving  hair quality, increasing the scalp blood circulation and stimulate the  healthy hair growth .It  prevent hair damage and premature graying also . The vitamin C of Amla produce collagen protein , which may be help in stimulating hair growth .

Amla is very useful in the treatment of scurvy because it is a very rich source if the vitamin C . Scurvy caused due to lack , or deficiency of vitamin C . Amla helps to stop aging and greying of hair .

10.  Improving eye vision - Vitamin C of Amla fight against bacteria , which guards the eyes against conjunctivitis and other eye infections like tear formation , redness , burning , etching etc. . Consuming Amla fruit regularly may helps in  improving  vision health and it makes the eyes  muscles stronger, provide relax to the eyes . Tannins in Amla help to manage diabetic cataract and also prevent loss of vision by reducing the fluid pressure in the eyes .

11.  Protect Liver - Jaundice occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha , which leads to weak Liver function. Modern drugs and fast food cause many side effects , which mainly affect the liver function. Amla helps to improve Liver function due to its Pitta balancing and  rejuvenating properties. By consuming regularly Amla fruits might be help in removing toxins from Liver and kidney due to its Antioxidant properties, which may improve liver function .

The over consumption of Paracetamol may cause damage to the liver . Amla prevent the damage of liver cells , because it  fight against free radical due to presence of high Antioxidant properties ( due to the presence of natural antioxidant such as Tannins , Flavonoids , and vitamins ) . Amla also help reduce inflammation of liver by lowering the level of inflammatory mediators and liver enzyme .

12.  Antioxidant  properties - Amla has very rich amount of Vitamin C and Polyphenols , which is a very potent Anti-oxidant . 100 ml Amla juice contains near about 480 mg Vitamin C . Combination of vitamin C and Polyphenols may help to fight against oxidative stress , stimulates the immune system and keeps disease the disorder at bay .

Amla fruit contain rich amount of Vitamin C , which is a strong powerful Anti-oxidant and best immunity booster.  Vitamin C may helps enhance the antibodies response and white blood cell function  .  Amla is one of the important component in Chyawanprash that has immunity boosting properties , digestive and liver protective action .

Amla has strong Anti-oxidant properties and help combat free radicals . ( Anti-oxidant are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by  free radicals) . Free radicals are unstable ions in the body , responsible for ageing and cell degeneration . Amla stabilized these free radical and protect our body  . Amla is also a most powerful Rejuvenating agent for our body .

Chemical Properties of Amla –

1.     Amla fruit contain rich amount of Ascorbic acid / Vitamin C and have bitter taste may derived from ( Hydrolysable Tannins ) Ellagitannins such as Emblicanin A , Emblicanin B   ( both Emblicanin A and B have Anti-oxidant properties ) , Punigluconin ( punigluconin is an Ellagitannin , which exhibit  Anti-inflammatory , Anti-microbial activity ) , and pedunculagin ( pedunculagin is also ellagitannin , which have Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory bioactivity ) . Vitamin C of Amla fruit are essential for boosting immunity and keeping the body healthy .

2.      Ellagitannins are a type of bioactive - Polyphenol ( a diverse class of hydrolysable tannins ). Polyphenols are compound that are packed with Anti-oxidant and potential health benefit .Polyphenols may improve or help treat digestion issues , weight management , diabetes and cardiovascular disease . Ellagitannins  and their metabolites have may be to exhibit numerous beneficial effect on the  human health including  with Anti - inflammatory , Antioxidant , Pre-biotic and Cardio-protective properties .

3.     Amla fruit have some others active constituents , which are  ;  Alkaloids - ( Phyllantine , phyllemblin , Phyllantidine ) ; Vitamins C ( Ascorbic acid ) ; Amino acids ( Glutamic acid , Proline  , Aspartic acid ,  Lysine ) ; Carbohydrates ( pectin ) , Flavonoids ( Kaempferol , Quercetin )  ; Organic acid ( Citric acid ) . Hydrolysable tannins ( Emblicanin A and B , Punigluconin , Chebulinic acid ,/ Ellagitannin , Chebulagic acid ) .

4.     Generally Anti-oxidant properties in Amla is due to presence of some  compound like Vitamin C ,Phenolic compounds , Polyphenols  ,Quercetin , Kaempferol ,Isocorilaginn, Gallic acid  and  Ellagic acid . Polyphenols of Amla have a properties , which are known to protect our body from oxidative stress caused by high blood sugar levels .

5.     Anti-oxidants  as Ascorbic acid ( vitamin C ) is necessary for the growth , development and repair of all body tissue and its involved in like formation of collagen , absorption of Iron , proper functioning of the immune system , wound healing etc. Vitamin C is also a powerful scavenger of free radicals which cause cell damage leading to several disease including cataract , heart problem , diabetes , and ageing . It can increase in the pH levels in our stomach and may trigger hyperacidity for those who are suffering from it .Amla is very well known for its high vitamin C content , which is a very potent anti-oxidants . Amla is also a rich source of  Polyphenols that possesses anti-oxidants properties . Combination of vitamin C and Polyphenols helps to fight against oxidative stress , stimulates the immune system and keeps diseases and disorders at bay . The phenolic compound present in amla fruit , they acts as antioxidants activity , which are Quercetin , Kaempferol , Iso-corilagin, and  Ellagic acid .

6.     Glutamic acid ( Amino acid ) may be support the good health of immune system , digestive system as also aid in the energy production in the body . It  is an amino acid used by the body to build protein and  stimulating neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.  Function of Proline include  may be helping from collagen , regenerating cartilage , forming connecting tissue , repairing skin damage and wound and healing gut lining . Aspartic acid is a type of Amino acid , which may plays a role in hormone production  and its release . It also may be  balance normal nervous system function . Lysine is an essential Amino acid which prevent cold sores to minimizing anxiety and promoting wound healing with numerous others benefits .

7.      Kaempferol is a naturally occurring flavanols ( flavonoids ) , which are strong Anti-oxidant and help to minimize the risk of chronic disease and it augments human body’s antioxidant defense against free radicals. Quercetin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect which may be help to reduce inflammation , control blood sugar and help to prevent heart problems . Function of  Gallic acid ( is a natural anti-oxidant and secondary polyphenolic metabolite ) and Methyl gallate ( phenolic compound )  , include antioxidant , anti-inflammatory , anti neo-plastic properties .

8.     The Amla fruit is rich in vitamin C and contains several bioactive Phyto-chemicals , of which majority are of Polyphenols ( Ellagic acid , Chebulinic acid , Chebulagic acid , Luteolin etc ) . Ellagic acid is a natural phenol Anti-oxidant , it may be help to remove toxin from our body and protect against harmful molecules free radicals. Chebulinic acid  have property to remove toxin and unwanted fat from the body an acts as an effective antibacterial and antifungal activity .

9.     Anti-diabetic property of Amla fruit is due to presence of strong Anti-oxidant , Gallic acid, Gallo tannin ,Ellagic acid and Corilagin . These compound contain powerful Anti-oxidant and free radicals scavenging properties that reduces oxidative stress in pancreas and help to normalize blood sugar level . It also may help reduce diabetic complication such as -cardiovascular disease , neuropathy / damage to nerve and kidney , retinopathy / damage to eyes .

10.  Phosphoprotein phosphatase-a is main protein involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism . Amla may be useful in controlling high cholesterol due to increase level of Phosphoprotein phosphatase-a , thereby Amla reducing level of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides In our body .

11.  Main nutrients ( nutritional value )  found in 100 gm fresh Amla fruit near about are ;     Energy – 40 kcal ; Carbohydrates -10 gm ( Dietary fiber 4.5 gm 3%, sugar – nil , starch – nil ) ;  Total fat -0.6 gm ( monounsaturated fat , polyunsaturated fat ,Omega-3 fatty acid,  Omega – 6 fatty acid ) ; Vitamins ( vitamin C ,vitamin A, Niacin , B6 ,Folate , Pantothenic  acid ,Riboflavin )  ; Minerals ( Potassium- 198 mg ,Phosphorus- 25 mg , Calcium -25 mg , Magnesium-10 mg , Iron , Sodium , Zinc , Copper , Selenium, etc. ) ; Some  other compound ( Quercetin , Beta-sitosterol , Carotenoid , Beta-carotene , etc.).

Side Effect of Amla –

1.     Preserved Amla juice may cause some side effect as like mild abdominal discomfort , sore throat , hyperacidity and it can worsen the cold condition .

2.     Amla fruit may be increase the risk of bleeding in some people , Due to its anti-platelet properties . Amla fruit can thin our blood and prevent normal blood clotting .

3.     Amla is rich in fiber and excess consumption may be lead to constipation . It make stool hard and bulky .One must increase water intake to prevent the problem of constipation.

Disclaimer –

            This content about Amla is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be constructed as medical advice. Please when use Amla as medicine , consult doctor before use Amla .