Medicinal Properties of Amla (Fruit) Phyllanthus emblica L-Unani Medicine for Promotion of Longevity and Healthy Ageing: A Review (Review Article)

Author(s): Shamim, Saad Ahmed, Amanullah, Asim Ali Khan and Lubna Fatima

Abstract: Āmla (Phyllanthus emblica) is one of the most important herbs in the Indian traditional medicine system, especially in Unani Medicine used for longevity and geriatric care since long time. Āmla is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas, is native to India and also grows in tropical and subtropical regions of Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, South East Asia, China and Malaysia. In India Āmla is mostly collected in winter season after ripening and in Kashmir in summer. Emblica officinalis is rich in Vitamin C, Alkaloids, Calcium, Iron, Essential amino acids and many other vitamins and minerals. It has Mu‘mmir (Longevity promoting agent), Muqawwī-i-‘Ām (General tonic), Muqawwī-i-Dimagh (Brain tonic), Muqawwī-i-Qalb (Cardio tonic), Mufarriḥ (Exhilarant), Muqawwī-i-Baṣar (Eye tonic), Muqawwī-i-Mi‘da (Stomachic), Muqawwī-i-Sha‘r (Hair tonic), Mu‘addil-i- Ṣafrā’ (Normalizing yellow bile) etc. properties. It is used in Ḍu‘f-i-‘Ām (General debility), Ḍu‘f-i-Dimāgh (Cerebrasthenia), Ḍu‘f-i-Qalb (Cardiac insufficiency), Khafaqān (Palpitation), Ḍu‘f-i-Baṣar (Poor eyesight), Nisyān (Forgetfulness), Ḍu‘f-i- Mi‘da (Gastric debility), Qarḥa’-i- Mi‘da (Gastric ulcer), Humūḍat-i- Mi‘da (Hyperacidity), Ḍu‘f-i-Kabid (Hepatic insufficiency), Ishāl (Diarrhoea) etc. It showed Anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging, Immunomodulatory, Anti-ageing, Gastro-protective, Hepato-protective, Cardio-protective, Nephro-protective etc. activities. In this paper, an attempt has been made to review the Unani pharmacological actions & therapeutic uses for a comprehensive understanding of the importance of Āmla (Phyllanthus emblica) for promotion of longevity and healthy ageing.

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