Amal-Ayurvedic medicine for health benefit as a functional food

Abstract

Amal has been used as medicine by Indian scholars(Rishi) since antiquity. This has been worshiped as per Hindu belief. In ayurved amal has been considered as fruit of diverse medicinal qualities. This is one of the excellent source of vitamin-C which overcomes the senile degeneration and enhances mental ability. Although bitter in taste but due to its potent medicinal and nutritive qualities it is called as “ Drata fal” which symbolizes the “Mother” . It is also called immortal fruit (amar fal) and ancient fruit (aadi fal), due to its antigeriatic effect and its presence since antiquity in Indian subcontinent.