Avesthagen launches organic Indian gooseberry extract
launched globally to capitalize on the growing popularity of
Ayurvedic medicine.
Rather than harvesting the ingredient from dried fruit, Avesthagen used fresh fruit that is naturally rich in bio-actives such as tannins, gallotannins and polyphenols. The finished ingredient, AmlaPure, has a high level of antioxidant activity thanks to these bio-actives and its vitamin C content. The extract is standardized to 2 percent natural vitamin C. Suitable for dietary supplements, functional foods and cosmetics, AmlaPure has the marketing caché of the Ayurveda connection in addition to its functional benefits. Ayurveda trend The ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda has attracted the interest of global companies because of its link to the health and wellness trend. In use for over 5000 years, Ayurveda is a traditional method of healing that is said to provide a harmonious balance between body and soul. Indian gooseberry, otherwise known as alma, has been used by practitioners of Ayurveda medicine for centuries with diverse goals in mind including hair growth, intelligence and blood purification. In Hinduism, the tree that bears its fruit is considered sacred and is worshipped as Mother Earth. Specific benefits In personal care, the fruit is also highly regarded. It is used to nourish the hair in shampoos and has brightening and toning effects when added to skin care products. Avesthagen said the gallic acids in Indian gooseberry were shown in a recent study to dose-dependently inhibit the in-vitro biosynthesis of melanocytes. The company said in vitro studies have also pointed to its ability to inhibit enzymes that degrade the extracelullar matrix of the skin. In food products and supplements the other properties of the antioxidant rich fruit were emphasized. It claimed the ingredient protected consumers from a variety of oxidative assaults, as well as inhibiting lipid peroxidation in cases of hypercholesterolemia. Other studies have suggested Indian goosberry acts as an anti-mutagenic and is protective in hepatotoxicity from drugs, heavy metals and alcohol, according to Avesthagen.
