Mangifera indica (amra)

In the therapeutics the Amrabija and Tvak are mainly used in all the major texts and nighantus for astringent property. Charaka mentioned Amrasthi majja (seed kernel of Mango) in the Mutrasangrahniya group (group of herbs which correct polyurea). Amrasthi majja is also found in the formulation called “Pushyanuga churna”. Sour fruits are considered to be Hridya. The ripen fruit is Brmhana in nature. Its leaves are mentioned under ‘Panca Pallavas’.

Botanical Description – Beautiful, large tropical tree to 50-80ft. New growth is very pretty, dark red to purple. The mango is self-fruitful, and large stalks of of small flowers are produced, with only a few maturing into full fruit. Fruit quality varies depending on the variety, and poor varieties may have turpentine-like aftertastes to the flesh. Fruits generally take 4-5 months to ripen. It grows all over India.

Part Used– Stem bark, leaf, flower, seed ighan

Dosage– Fresh juice 10-20 ml; decoction 50-100 ml; powder 3-6g.

Research–

(1) Mangiferin has cardiotonic and diuretic properties (Chem. Abstr. 1968,69, 3873h).

(2) Gallic acid (1mg/ml) and quercetin (4 mg/ml) showed marked anti-influenza virus activity (Chem. Abstr. 1982, 97, 141655g.)

(3) Mangiferin and isomangiferin showed antiviral activity aginst type I Herpes simplex virus (Chinese Med. J. 1990, 103, 160).