# Amra > Amra (Mangifera indica L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Anacardiaceae family. Mangifera indica is included in multiple national pharmacopeias. [A Review on Ethnopharmacological Applications, Pharmacological Activities, and Bioactive Compounds of Mangifera indica (Mango)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29456572/). ## Key facts - **Botanical name:** Mangifera indica L. - **Family:** Anacardiaceae - **Pharmacopoeia status:** Mangifera indica is included in multiple national pharmacopeias. WHO recognizes traditional use in various member states. Mangiferin supplements are commercially available globally. Listed in AYUSH pharmacopeias of India. ## Names and identification | Language | Name | |----------|------| | English | Amra | | Latin/Botanical | *Mangifera indica L.* | ## Key Phytochemical Constituents - Mangiferin (xanthone C-glucoside) - Isomangiferin - Gallotannins - Gallic acid - [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) - [Isoquercetin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoquercetin) - Ellagic acid - Protocatechuic acid - [Catechin](/reference/catechin/) - Beta-carotene - [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/) triterpenoid - Glucogallin ## How does it work? - [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) activity via mangiferin-mediated AMPK activation, enhanced GLUT4 translocation and inhibition of alpha-glucosidase - Anti-inflammatory action through inhibition of NF-kB, COX-2, and iNOS by mangiferin and gallic acid derivatives - [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) activity via xanthone-mediated free radical scavenging, chelation of Fe2+ ions and upregulation of Nrf2/ARE pathway - [Anticancer](/reference/anticancer/) mechanisms through induction of apoptosis (caspase-3/9 activation), cell cycle arrest and inhibition of angiogenesis ## Which traditional uses are supported by research? - Antidiabetic use of bark and leaf decoctions validated through multiple preclinical studies and preliminary clinical observations - Anti-diarrheal and dysentery treatment validated through [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity and astringent tannin effects in animal models - Oral health use (bark decoction as mouthwash) validated through antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens - Anemia management supported by iron content in leaves and fruits and confirmed hematopoietic effects in deficient models ## What do recent clinical trials show? - Ediriweera MK, Tennekoon KH, Samarakoon SR 2017. [A Review on Ethnopharmacological Applications, Pharmacological Activities, and Bioactive Compounds of Mangifera indica (Mango)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29456572/). *Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM*. PMID [29456572](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29456572/) · [doi:10.1155/2017/6949835](https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/6949835) Documented anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, gastroprotective, [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) and [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) activities attributed primarily to mangiferin and gallotannins. - Ediriweera MK, Tennekoon KH, Samarakoon SR 2017. [A Review on Ethnopharmacological Applications, Pharmacological Activities, and Bioactive Compounds of Mangifera indica (Mango)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29456572/). *Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM*. PMID [29456572](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29456572/) · [doi:10.1155/2017/6949835](https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/6949835) Leaf and bark extracts showed significant anticancer activity in MCF-7 breast cancer and HeLa cervical cancer cell lines through apoptosis induction via caspase-3 activation. *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 - Mangiferin and mango [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols) are generally safe at dietary and supplemental doses; GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for mango fruit and derived products - Mango latex and sap contain urushiol-like allergens causing contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; mango allergy (cross-reactivity with cashew and pistachio) documented in clinical reports ## What is it made of? ### Key Active Markers - Quercetin - Isoquercetin - Catechin - Lupeol - Mangiferin - Isomangiferin - Gallotannins - Gallic acid - - Ellagic acid - Protocatechuic acid - - Beta-carotene - **Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification) ## Dosage forms and preparation **Dosage Forms:** Churna (dried fruit/seed kernel powder), Amchur (dried unripe fruit powder), Aam Panna (beverage), Capsule, Tablet, Avaleha (preserve), Majja (pulp-based preparations) **Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 5-10g Amchur as culinary-medicinal ingredient; 50-100ml Aam Panna **Bioavailability:** Good bioavailability for mangiferin (major xanthone), with oral bioavailability of approximately 5-8% for pure mangiferin but significantly enhanced (2-3x) by mango fruit matrix. Lipid co-administration increases mangiferin absorption by 40-60%. Gallic acid has high oral bioavailability (>70%). [Carotenoids](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#carotenoids) (beta-carotene) require fat for absorption. **Optimal Timing:** Before meals for appetite stimulation (Amchur); with meals for digestive support; Aam Panna in summer afternoons for heat protection **Standardized Extract:** Leaf extract standardized to minimum 5% mangiferin. Bark extract standardized to minimum 8% mangiferin. Seed kernel extract: minimum 15% total [tannins](/reference/tannins/) (as gallic acid equivalent). **Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder/Amchur); 3 years (capsules/tablets); 1 year (pulp preserves); 18 months (Aam Panna concentrate) **Storage:** Amchur in airtight containers at room temperature. Extracts below 25°C in moisture-proof packaging. Fresh pulp preparations require refrigeration. **Marker Compounds:** Mangiferin, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Beta-carotene, Isomangiferin, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), Catechol tannins ### Extraction Methods - Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) for mangiferin enrichment - Aqueous extraction for polyphenol fraction - Supercritical CO2 for carotenoid enrichment - Ethyl acetate fractionation for mangiferin isolation - Spray-drying of pulp concentrate ### Synergistic Combinations - With Ela (cardamom) for digestive and cooling properties - With [Jeeraka](/herb/jeeraka/) and Saindhava in Aam Panna for heat stroke prevention - With Amalaki for antioxidant synergy - With [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for enhanced mangiferin absorption --- Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/amra/ ## 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.