Amalaki as Preventing Premature Ageing Drug-a Review

Abstract

Ageing is the natural process of decaying continuously and this manifest in the form of various degenerative changes. Ayurveda has two aims i.e. prevention and maintenance of health from diseases and cure from disease. Everyone wants to give the impressing of being young forever and increase life span by staying healthy. As various cells and tissues of the body undergo changes as age advances Rasayana claims that it retards the process of ageing. The word Rasayana connotes a specific meaning Rasyana means by which body get excellence of Rasa which nourishes the body. It basically boosts the Oja and the immune system. It helps the person to maintain good health and longevity. Rasayana drugs acts as antioxidants and neuroendocrine immunomodulators and Amalaki is one of them. Oxidative damage to cells is important phenomenon in ageing process. Charak and Vaghbat has admired Amalaki as the drug of choice for Vayasthapana karma (to stop ageing). Charak has also mentioned it as Ayushya, Deepaniya (appetizer) and Pachniya (digestive). Amalaki is the great Rasayana that helps to protect from disease and reduced the possibilities of pre mature ageing. It acts on Rakta Dhatu Main constituents of Amalaki are Vit. C, carotene and riboflavin. It is having a role in cellular oxidation reduction. They also play a role in collagen fibrin formation, helps in production of fibrin, and iron absorption.

Influence of Amalaki Rasayana on telomerase activity and telomere length in human blood mononuclear cells

“…In Ayurveda, it is described to possess appetizing ( Deepaniya ) and digestant ( Pachniya ) properties. As rasayana , Amalaki was also found to be effective on general health, age related changes, voice, sensory organs, physical capacity, psychological improvement and complexion [28] . Bargale et al.…”

“…Amla is the most commonly mentioned herb in the Charaka Samhita and suggested as good rejuvenating herb. Amalaki Rasayana was found to promote longevity, prevent ill health, block geriatric symptoms and increase fertility and personal appeal [28] . Ingredients of Amalaki are considered as Vayasthapanum (preserving of life), which suggests life supporting activities of Amalaki Rasayana [28] .…”

“…Amalaki Rasayana was found to promote longevity, prevent ill health, block geriatric symptoms and increase fertility and personal appeal [28] . Ingredients of Amalaki are considered as Vayasthapanum (preserving of life), which suggests life supporting activities of Amalaki Rasayana [28] . In Ayurveda, it is described to possess appetizing ( Deepaniya ) and digestant ( Pachniya ) properties.…”

“…Amalaki ( P. emblica ) is also included as one of the important ingredients in various Ayurveda herbal formulations, found to possess chondroprotective [31] , anti-clastogenic [32] , anti-inflammatory, hypocholesteromic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant [28] and antimicrobial [33] activities. Thus, it has several mechanisms of action and hence in the present investigations we focused on telomerase activity and telomere length which may influence cellular senescence and ageing.…”