← Reference library
    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Fluid-Engendering, Throat-Clearing, Hepatoprotective & Anti-Aging Tonic (生津止渴 / 清热利咽降脂保肝延年药)

    余甘子 / 油甘子 / 庵摩勒 — Phyllanthus emblica L. (syn. Emblica officinalis Gaertn.)

    Pinyin: Yúgānzǐ / Yóugānzǐ · Malay: Pokok Melaka / Melaka / Amla · Family: Phyllanthaceae (叶下珠科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool (微凉 / 凉)

    Flavor

    Sour, sweet, astringent, returning sweet (酸、涩、微甘，后回甜)

    Meridians

    Lung (肺), Stomach (胃), Liver (肝)

    Traditional Edict

    Namesake tree of historical Melaka. First sour and astringent, then engenders sweet saliva to quench thirst, clears throat, cools blood, and detoxifies alcohol. Sovereign Triphala fruit for longevity.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • High tannin astringency; take after meals in severe hyperchlorhydria. Contraindicated in severe Spleen deficiency cold diarrhea.

    Clinical Applications

    • Acute/chronic pharyngitis, vocal cord fatigue, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hyperlipidemia, Type 2 Diabetes, and macular retinal degeneration.

    Quality Markers

    Emblicanin A & B, Gallic Acid >= 1.20% & Ascorbate-Polyphenol Complexes (Chinese Pharmacopoeia standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Emblicanins A and B and low-molecular hydrolyzable tannins stimulate submandibular salivary aquaporin-5 channels, triggering long-lasting salivation. 2. HMG-CoA reductase inhibition and LDL receptor upregulation. 3. Potent Nrf2 antioxidant cytoprotection in hepatocytes.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Fresh fruits chewed raw: 5-10 fruits daily. Dried fruit pericarp in decoction/tea: 5-15 g daily. Standardized Amla extract: 250-500 mg.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Classical Triphala Longevity Synergy with Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellirica. 2. Melaka Pharyngeal Voice-Restoring Tea with Luo Han Guo and Ophiopogon.

    Enter your email to unlock the full clinical data and formulation notes.

    No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only