# Amlavetasa

> Amlavetasa (Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham. (primary); Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn. (substitute)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Clusiaceae (Garcinia) / Polygonaceae (Rheum) family. Not in WHO monographs as Amlavetasa; Rheum species have WHO/European Pharmacopoeia monographs as rhubarb (Rhei Radix); Garcinia pedunculata recognized in regional Indian pharmacopeias.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham. (primary); Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn. (substitute)
- **Family:** Clusiaceae (Garcinia) / Polygonaceae (Rheum)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not in WHO monographs as Amlavetasa; Rheum species have WHO/European Pharmacopoeia monographs as rhubarb (Rhei Radix); Garcinia pedunculata recognized in regional Indian pharmacopeias

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Amlavetasa |
| Latin/Botanical | *Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham. (primary); Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn. (substitute)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Garcinol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#garcinol) (polyisoprenylated benzophenone)
- Hydroxycitric acid (HCA)
- [Xanthones](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#xanthones) (mangostin derivatives)
- Garpedunchromones A-C (new chromones, 2024)
- Nujiangbiflavone A (new biflavonoid)
- [Anthraquinones](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthraquinones) ([emodin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#emodin), [chrysophanol](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chrysophanol) - in Rheum emodi)

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory activity through garcinol-mediated inhibition of NF-kB, COX-2, and 5-LOX pathways
- Anti-obesity effect via hydroxycitric acid (HCA)-mediated inhibition of ATP-citrate lyase, blocking de novo fatty acid synthesis
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) mechanism through [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) enzyme restoration and anti-inflammatory action of xanthones and chromones
- [Laxative](/reference/laxative/) effect (Rheum emodi) through anthraquinone-stimulated intestinal peristalsis

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Digestive stimulant and carminative (Deepana-Pachana) - validated through studies showing enhanced digestive enzyme activity
- Anti-obesity and lipid management (Medohara) - HCA-mediated lipogenesis inhibition confirmed in clinical studies on related Garcinia species
- Hepatoprotective (Yakrit-shodhana) - validated through preclinical studies demonstrating liver protection from chemical toxins
- Laxative (Bhedana) - confirmed for Rheum emodi through anthraquinone-mediated mechanisms

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Fan X, Guo J, Feng D and others 2024. [Chromones and biflavonoids from Garcinia pedunculata and Garcinia nujiangensis and their anti-inflammatory activity](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38810815/). *Phytochemistry*. PMID [38810815](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38810815/) · [doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114166](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114166)  
  Isolated four new compounds (garpedunchromones A-C and nujiangbiflavone A) along with 15 known analogs; demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity of isolated compounds.
- Yang X, Dai L, Yan F and others 2024. [The phytochemistry and pharmacology of three Rheum species: A comprehensive review with future perspectives](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38852474/). *Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology*. PMID [38852474](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38852474/) · [doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155772](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155772)  
  Comprehensive review on Rheum emodi documenting new compound isolation from both aerial parts and roots/rhizomes; highlighted anthraquinones and [stilbenes](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#stilbenes) as key bioactive classes.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Garcinia pedunculata fruit is generally safe for consumption; sour taste requires moderation in Pitta conditions; garcinol may interact with anti-inflammatory drugs
- Rheum emodi (substitute) contains anthraquinones which may cause diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance with prolonged use; not recommended during pregnancy or for patients with intestinal obstruction

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Garcinol
- Xanthones
- Anthraquinones
- Emodin
- Chrysophanol
- Hydroxycitric acid 
- Garpedunchromones A-C 
- Nujiangbiflavone A 

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Kashayam (decoction), Compound formulations ([Avipattikar](/herb/avipattikar/) churna component)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3g powder twice daily; 500mg extract capsule; as component in compound formulations per classical proportion

**Bioavailability:** Good oral bioavailability. Garcinia pedunculata (or Rheum emodi in some traditions — identity debated). Hydroxycitric acid (HCA, if Garcinia) is water-soluble with good absorption (60-70% oral bioavailability). Anthraquinones (if Rheum) are absorbed and undergo extensive hepatic metabolism. Traditional use with [Saindhava lavana](/herb/saindhava-lavana/) enhances absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water for hyperacidity; after meals for digestive support

**Standardized Extract:** If Garcinia pedunculata: standardized to minimum 30% hydroxycitric acid (HCA). If Rheum emodi: standardized to minimum 2% total anthraquinones. Specify botanical source on label.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (capsules/tablets); 18 months (decoction concentrate)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C. Highly hygroscopic — use moisture-barrier packaging with desiccant. Protect from light.

**Marker Compounds:** Hydroxycitric acid (Garcinia), Emodin (Rheum), Chrysophanol (Rheum), [Citric acid](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#citric-acidcitric-acid), Malic acid, Tartaric acid

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous extraction (hot water) for HCA-rich fraction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40)
- Standardized HCA extraction (if Garcinia species)
- Ethanol extraction for anthraquinone enrichment (if Rheum species)

### Synergistic Combinations

- Part of Avipattikar Churna for acid dyspepsia
- With Ela (cardamom) for digestive comfort
- With [Draksha](/herb/draksha/) (raisins) for mild laxative action
- With Sunthi for [Amla](/herb/amla/) Pitta (hyperacidity)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/amlavetasa/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.