Anola (Emblica officinalis): Morphology, Taxonomy, Composition and Health Benefits

Amla, India gooseberry or wonder fruit, is the most important fruit crop of Indian subcontinent and is acclaimed for its unique nutritional and rejuvenating properties. The fruit is valued in Unani and Indian holistic medicine system for its tremendous medicinal properties. The vitamin C content of amla is highest than oranges and tangerines. Moreover, amla fruit contains high levels of calcium followed by phosphorus, iron and magnesium. Some trace elements of therapeutic importance in amla are manganese, cobalt and chromium. Traditionally, the juice of the fruit is being used for the treatment of tuberculosis of lungs, asthma, bronchitis, conjunctivitis and glaucoma. In addition, the fruit is used as an antiscorbutic, diuretic and laxative, hence used for treating common cold, gastric troubles, acidity and scurvy, dysentery and bronchitis, diabetes, diarrhea, jaundice and dyspepsia, coughs, headache, ophthalmic disorders, colic, flatulence, skin diseases, leprosy and greyness of hair. Moreover, several studies have confirmed protective effect of amla against heart (cardioprotective effects), lungs, gastric lining and kidney (hepatoprotective effects). Open image in new window Order: Euphorbiales Family: Euphorbiaceae Genus: Emblica Species: Emblica officinalis Local name: Amla