Tradition and medicinal value of Indian gooseberry: A review

Abstract

Research in medicinal plants has gained a renewed focus recently. The prime reason is that other system of medicine although effective come with a number of side effects that often lead to serious complications. Plant based system of medicine being natural does not pose any serious problems. Aonla is one of the oldest oriental medicines mentioned in Ayurveda as potential remedy for various ailments. The fruit is rich in quercetin, phyllaemblic compounds, gallic acid, tannins, flavonoids, pectin, and vitamin C and also contains various polyphenolic compounds. A wide range of phytochemical components including terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins have been shown to possess useful biological activities. In this review, we have focused our interest on phytochemistry, traditional uses, cancer chemo-preventive, anti-microbial and antimutagenicity activities activity of aonla. It is having a strong memory enhancing property, in lowering cholesterol level applicable in ophthalmic disorder, antimicrobial action and in neutralizing snake venom.