AMALAKI (Emblica officinalis Geartn): A REVIEW FROM CLASSICAL TEXTS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO NIGHANTU AND KOSHA

Abstract

Ayurveda is a profound and comprehensive system of health care that originated in India. This system endeavors to rationalize all the phenomena governing empirical experiences with natural products in medicine. Plants have been one of the important sources of medicines since the beginning of human cultivation. There is an increasing demand for plant based medicines, health products, pharmaceuticals, food supplements, cosmetics etc. The Nighantu, Ayurvedic form of Materia Medica, help significantly to know the meanings of cryptic names of medicinal plants. It is believed that each Samhita has a Nighantu at the end of it. The fruit of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Geartn.) is anabolic, antibacterial, rejuvenative and immunopotent drug. It also possess expectorant, cardiotonic, antipyretic, antiviral, antioxidative and anti-emetic properties. This plant is indicated in various medicinal applications like in the treatment of leucorrhoea and atherosclerosis. Its decoction is used in hyperacidity and as an anthelmintic along with honey. The total extract of the dried fruits of Amalaki shows antibacterial and hypoglycemic activity. The fruit can also be used as a sustained dietary supplement to counteract the cytotoxic effect of prolonged exposure to metals in population of industrial area. It is also reported to inhancing trypsin activity and show hypotensive activity. The present work aims to discuss Amalaki in various Nighantu as the manuscripts or just as the evidence - in a chronological order.