Gambhari Phala

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Gambhari Phala
Latin/Botanical	Gmelina arborea Roxb.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Butyric acid
• Tartaric acid
• Arboreal
• Verbascoside
• Gmelinol
• Isoarboreol
• Apigenin
• Umbelliferone
• Balanophonin
• Lignans (iridoid glycosides)

How does it work?

• Verbascoside (acteoside) exhibits potent antioxidant activity through direct radical scavenging and inhibition of lipid peroxidation; also shows anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing NF-kB and AP-1 transcription factor activation
• Iridoid glycosides provide hepatoprotective effects by enhancing glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activity while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver tissue
• Apigenin and umbelliferone exert cardioprotective effects through inhibition of platelet aggregation and reduction of cardiac troponin levels in ischemia-reperfusion injury models

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

• Raktasthambhaka (hemostatic/anti-hemorrhagic) activity partially validated; Charaka Samhita states ‘Gambhari fruit is best among substances useful in bleeding disorders’ - supported by tannin and phenolic content
• Brain tonic (Medhya) and nourishing properties supported by nutritional analysis showing significant protein, mineral, and vitamin content in fruit preparations
• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects validated in preclinical models supporting traditional use for Shotha (inflammation) and Jwara (fever)

What do recent clinical trials show?

• Warrier RR, Priya SM, Kalaiselvi R 2021. Gmelina arborea- an indigenous timber species of India with high medicinal value: A review on its pharmacology, pharmacognosy and phytochemistry. Journal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 33217516 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113593
  Documented wide spectrum of pharmacological properties including wound healing, cytotoxic, cardioprotective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic potential.

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

Recent safety updates

• Fruits are edible and traditionally consumed as food; general safety profile supported by long traditional use as both food and medicine in Ayurveda
• Limited formal toxicity studies available; no significant adverse effects reported in traditional use at standard doses
• Use with caution in patients on anticoagulant therapy due to potential additive effects; avoid standardized extracts during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Fresh fruit pulp, Dried fruit powder, Avaleha (fruit confection), Tablet, Capsule, Swarasa (fruit juice)

Standard Dosage: 10-20g fresh fruit or fruit pulp; 3-6g dried fruit powder twice daily; 500mg extract capsule twice daily; 15-30ml fruit juice

Bioavailability: Gmelina arborea fruit contains iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, organic acids, and natural sugars (glucose, fructose). The fruit pulp provides a natural matrix that enhances dissolution and absorption of glycosidic actives. Sugar content aids osmotic absorption. Organic acids (citric, tartaric) may enhance mineral absorption. Fruit flavonoids have moderate bioavailability (15-30%). The sweet, mucilaginous fruit pulp serves as a natural sustained-release matrix. Enhancement generally not required for fruit preparations.

Optimal Timing: Fresh fruit or juice on empty stomach in the morning for nutritive tonic effect; Avaleha after meals; capsule twice daily with meals

Standardized Extract: Fruit extract standardized to NLT 1.5% total iridoid glycosides. Fruit powder: sugar content (Brix) 60-70% for dried powder. Extract ratio 4:1. HPTLC fingerprint matching reference standard.

Shelf Life: Fresh fruit: 3-5 days refrigerated; 2 years (dried fruit powder); 2 years (capsule/tablet); 1 year (Avaleha)

Storage: Fresh fruit: refrigerate at 2-8 deg C. Dried fruit powder: airtight, moisture-proof containers below 25 deg C with desiccant. Avaleha: airtight glass containers at room temperature.

Marker Compounds: Gmelinoside, Cerotic acid, Butyric acid, Beta-sitosterol, Apigenin, Total sugar content, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Extraction Methods

• Fresh fruit juice expression
• Aqueous extraction of dried fruit
• Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50)
• Traditional Avaleha preparation (fruit cooked with sugar/jaggery)
• Spray-dried fruit juice

Synergistic Combinations

• With Amalaki fruit for antioxidant and tonic synergy
• With Yashtimadhu for cooling, soothing, and Pitta-pacifying combination
• With Guduchi for immune support and Rasayana
• With Shatavari for nutritive and galactagogue action