Amlavetas (Amlavetasa)
Macroscopic: A medium to large evergreen tree reaching 10–15 meters with a fluted trunk and short spreading branches. Leaves are simple, opposite, obo...
Botanical name: Garcinia pedunculata. Also known as: Indian Sour Mangosteen, Wild Mangosteen, Amlaveda, Amalvet, Bor-thekera, Amlavetas, Amlataka, Amlatana, Amlata), Amlavetasa, Vetasamla, Chukrika, Garocha, Thekera, Amlokhi, Thaikal, Kodampuli, Kodukkaipuli, Iravipuli, Kudampuli, Simachinta, Stalked Mangosteen, Kundal, Heibung.
Properties
Inhibition of ATP citrate lyase, reducing the conversion of carbohydrates into fatty acids and cholesterol, Potent antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging by phenolic and flavonoid constituents, Anti-inflammatory action via inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators and enzymes like COX-2, Antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, particularly through xanthone derivatives, Hypolipidemic effects by modulating lipid metabolism and reducing serum triglyceride levels
Dosage
Fruit Juice: 5-10 ml; Fruit Powder: 3-6 g
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Amla (Sour), Kashaya (Astringent)
- Virya: Ushna (Hot)
- Vipaka: Amla (Sour)
Benefits
- Existing evidence is primarily derived from randomized controlled animal studies
- Toxicity assessments indicate the fruit is safe and potentially hepatoprotective at therapeutic doses (PMID: 28243309)
- Human data is limited to small-scale case studies and polyherbal observations
- Deepana (Appetizer)
- Pachana (Digestive)
Traditional uses
- Agnimandya (Low digestive fire)
- Aruchi (Anorexia)
- Gulma (Abdominal tumors/bloating)
- Hridroga (Heart disease)
- Arshas (Hemorrhoids)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: aggravating
Preparation methods
- Lavana Bhaskara Churna: Standard preparation as per API.
- Hingwadi Vati: Standard preparation as per API.
- Vyosadi Vati: Standard preparation as per API.
- Ashtang Lavana Churna: Standard preparation as per API.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (high doses/concentrated extracts)
- Active peptic ulcers
- Hyperacidity (Pitta-dominant conditions)
- Active bleeding disorders
Side effects
- May cause mild gastrointestinal irritation, acidity, or headache if consumed in excess (>3g/day). Diabetics should monitor blood glucose closely due to potential hypoglycemic activity.
Interactions
- Antidiabetic medications (may enhance hypoglycemic effects)
- Anticoagulants/Antiplatelet drugs (potential increased bleeding risk)
- Statins (theoretical interaction with HCA pathway)
- Other HCA-containing weight loss supplements
Clinical evidence
Amlavetas (Garcinia pedunculata) is traditionally used in Ayurveda for digestive and metabolic health, but verified human clinical trials are currently absent from major databases like PubMed. Existing evidence is primarily derived from randomized controlled animal studies. These trials demonstrate significant potential for managing metabolic disorders, including a 42% reduction in hyperglycemia (PMID: 29234381) and a 60% reduction in body weight gain in high-fat diet models (PMID: 27642282). Toxicity assessments indicate the fruit is safe and potentially hepatoprotective at therapeutic doses (PMID: 28243309). Human data is limited to small-scale case studies and polyherbal observations.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Deepana (Appetizer)
- Pachana (Digestive)
- Anulomana (Carminative)
- Bhedana (Purgative/Laxative)
- Shwasahara (Anti-asthmatic)
- Kasahara (Anti-tussive)
- Hridya (Cardiac tonic)
- Krimighna (Anthelmintic)
Classical clinical indications
- Agnimandya (Low digestive fire)
- Aruchi (Anorexia)
- Gulma (Abdominal tumors/bloating)
- Hridroga (Heart disease)
- Arshas (Hemorrhoids)
- Shwasa (Asthma)
- Kasa (Cough)
- Udavarta (Upward movement of Vata)
- Vibandha (Constipation)