Introduction
Phyllanthus emblica, or Nepalese gooseberry, is a crop that has strong export potential and beneficial nutritional properties and healing benefits for a variety of health conditions. It is a hardy plant that can grow in diverse environments and is a highly valued plant in both Nepal and in regions that are already importing its products.
Product Description: Berries from the deciduous tree (locally known as amala) ground into a powder or turned into an oil extract. Fruits have a sour, astringent flavor, but have many health benefits (Morton, 1958).
Health/Nutritional Info
· Antiviral/Antimicrobial properties (Saeed and Tariq, 2007)
· Ability to induce apopstasis/modify gene expression in osteoclasts involved in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis (Penolazzi et al. 2008)
· Cancer fighting/prevention abilities (Ngamkitidechakul, et al. 2010)
· Lowering of cholesterol and blood glucose levels (Qureshi et al. 2009)
· Improved liver function (Qureshi et al. 2009)
· High amino acid (lysine, proline, alanine, glutamic/aspartic acid) and nutritional content (Arnold and Barthakur, 1991)
History/Geography of Product
This tree is considered sacred by the Hindu people, and the fruits are believed to lead to longevity (Morton, 1958). The tree has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicines to provide relief for many different ailments (Morton, 1958). This tree can be found throughout the hillside regions, with a known abundance in the Bajhang region in western Nepal (Gurung, 2008).
Growing Conditions of Product
· Tropical or subtropical regions (up to an elevation of 1500 m) (Gurung, 2008)
· Can grow in humid/wet conditions, but also in arid conditions (Morton, 1958)
· Sensitive to frost, but drought/wind tolerant (Morton, 1958)
· Tolerant of a variety of soils
o Tree will grow in anything from sandy loam to clay (light or heavy)
o Soils can be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline– bark from tree is known to reduce acidity in surrounding soils (Morton, 1958)
· Needs plenty of light (Gurung, 2008)
Cultivation
Shoots should be pruned and thinned out throughout its life to increase the size of the berries (Morton, 1958). This tree can be propagated from cuttings or seeds. Pests and diseases prone to attack this tree are leaf rust, chewing pests and birds who may steal the berries (Morton, 1958).
Environmental Sustainability
Overharvesting
Overharvesting is a potential problem on lands where gathering of berries is not regulated (Heinen and Shrestha, 2011). Regulations exist in national parks where gathering the berries need to apply for harvesting permits (Heinen and Shrestha, 2011).
Potential for Land Degradation
Wild trees should not be moved from their original location as removal could trigger erosion and nutrient loss to soils on mountain slopes; removal of trees could also change soil acidity as the bark of this tree can reduce acidity in the soils, this is a potential issue with the export of this product (Heinen and Shrestha, 2011).
Labor Required and Cost Issues
Labor required to harvest this product is minimal, especially if a tree farm is established. This tree is resilient, and it would not be difficult to find a suitable place to plant. Since trees are propagated from cuttings, it would not be costly to plant this tree, but seedlings do need attention to ensure survival (Morton, 1958). Tests should also be done to ensure optimal soil pH.
Impacts on Biodiversity
Since this tree has so many benefits and contributes to balancing soils through fallen leaves and bark, it would not detract from, and may even be beneficial to other plant species.
Impacts on Women and Children
This would have a positive impact on women and children; children can gather fruits and assist in drying them. Women would also have success growing these trees, and would not suffer the same problems as with growing a smaller crop where the grower is constantly on her knees or bent over. This can be used a source of income for families, in selling or processing the fruits. Collectives of women/farmers could be formed who will compile their seeds and process them themselves (or arrange processing), adding value to the product before it is exported. Technical problems may occur at this stage during transportation of fruits to centers where they can be processed or exported from mountain regions and funding may be needed for this initially. Another problem with this is that it may turn out to be costly to convert the berries to powder or oil while still inside Nepal.
Inputs Required
Minimal amounts of fertilizer may be needed as crops are fairly resilient to different types of soil (Gurung, 2008). Green manure could be used as mountain people generally have cattle and other grazing animals (Morton, 1958).
Economic Benefits to Nepal (specifically hillside farmers)
· Source of income that does not require excessive labor or inputs
· Can be used to buy other food products or send children to school
· Create jobs at various stages in the harvesting/production process (harvesting, transportation, processing, exporting) and improve people’s living situation
Practical Business Information
In the beginning, a region should be established where a piece of land can be used to start a tree farm. In these early stages, mature trees should be brought in from other areas, and seedlings should be planted. Tools will be needed to cultivate an area to grow the trees, pH tests should be done and locals should be educated on ways to minimize damage to land (i.e. no tilling, soil loss prevention and nutrient depletion protection). The business will also need to establish a method for transporting the fruits to a processing area, or to the person who will be exporting the product. The fruit is known to be firm, long-lasting, and can withstand long trips to processing/distribution centers (Morton, 1958). A collective of local farmers could be created to create unity amongst growers, with profits being evenly distributed amongst growers. A cooperative would allow resources like land and labor to be pooled and shared so that everyone benefits economically.
Phyllanthus emblica, or Nepalese gooseberry, is a crop that has strong export potential and beneficial nutritional properties and healing benefits for a variety of health conditions. It is a hardy plant that can grow in diverse environments and is a highly valued plant in both Nepal and in regions that are already importing its products.
Product Description: Berries from the deciduous tree (locally known as amala) ground into a powder or turned into an oil extract. Fruits have a sour, astringent flavor, but have many health benefits (Morton, 1958).
Health/Nutritional Info
· Antiviral/Antimicrobial properties (Saeed and Tariq, 2007)
· Ability to induce apopstasis/modify gene expression in osteoclasts involved in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis (Penolazzi et al. 2008)
· Cancer fighting/prevention abilities (Ngamkitidechakul, et al. 2010)
· Lowering of cholesterol and blood glucose levels (Qureshi et al. 2009)
· Improved liver function (Qureshi et al. 2009)
· High amino acid (lysine, proline, alanine, glutamic/aspartic acid) and nutritional content (Arnold and Barthakur, 1991)
History/Geography of Product
This tree is considered sacred by the Hindu people, and the fruits are believed to lead to longevity (Morton, 1958). The tree has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicines to provide relief for many different ailments (Morton, 1958). This tree can be found throughout the hillside regions, with a known abundance in the Bajhang region in western Nepal (Gurung, 2008).
Growing Conditions of Product
· Tropical or subtropical regions (up to an elevation of 1500 m) (Gurung, 2008)
· Can grow in humid/wet conditions, but also in arid conditions (Morton, 1958)
· Sensitive to frost, but drought/wind tolerant (Morton, 1958)
· Tolerant of a variety of soils
o Tree will grow in anything from sandy loam to clay (light or heavy)
o Soils can be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline– bark from tree is known to reduce acidity in surrounding soils (Morton, 1958)
· Needs plenty of light (Gurung, 2008)
Cultivation
Shoots should be pruned and thinned out throughout its life to increase the size of the berries (Morton, 1958). This tree can be propagated from cuttings or seeds. Pests and diseases prone to attack this tree are leaf rust, chewing pests and birds who may steal the berries (Morton, 1958).
Environmental Sustainability
Overharvesting
Overharvesting is a potential problem on lands where gathering of berries is not regulated (Heinen and Shrestha, 2011). Regulations exist in national parks where gathering the berries need to apply for harvesting permits (Heinen and Shrestha, 2011).
Potential for Land Degradation
Wild trees should not be moved from their original location as removal could trigger erosion and nutrient loss to soils on mountain slopes; removal of trees could also change soil acidity as the bark of this tree can reduce acidity in the soils, this is a potential issue with the export of this product (Heinen and Shrestha, 2011).
Labor Required and Cost Issues
Labor required to harvest this product is minimal, especially if a tree farm is established. This tree is resilient, and it would not be difficult to find a suitable place to plant. Since trees are propagated from cuttings, it would not be costly to plant this tree, but seedlings do need attention to ensure survival (Morton, 1958). Tests should also be done to ensure optimal soil pH.
Impacts on Biodiversity
Since this tree has so many benefits and contributes to balancing soils through fallen leaves and bark, it would not detract from, and may even be beneficial to other plant species.
Impacts on Women and Children
This would have a positive impact on women and children; children can gather fruits and assist in drying them. Women would also have success growing these trees, and would not suffer the same problems as with growing a smaller crop where the grower is constantly on her knees or bent over. This can be used a source of income for families, in selling or processing the fruits. Collectives of women/farmers could be formed who will compile their seeds and process them themselves (or arrange processing), adding value to the product before it is exported. Technical problems may occur at this stage during transportation of fruits to centers where they can be processed or exported from mountain regions and funding may be needed for this initially. Another problem with this is that it may turn out to be costly to convert the berries to powder or oil while still inside Nepal.
Inputs Required
Minimal amounts of fertilizer may be needed as crops are fairly resilient to different types of soil (Gurung, 2008). Green manure could be used as mountain people generally have cattle and other grazing animals (Morton, 1958).
Economic Benefits to Nepal (specifically hillside farmers)
· Source of income that does not require excessive labor or inputs
· Can be used to buy other food products or send children to school
· Create jobs at various stages in the harvesting/production process (harvesting, transportation, processing, exporting) and improve people’s living situation
Practical Business Information
In the beginning, a region should be established where a piece of land can be used to start a tree farm. In these early stages, mature trees should be brought in from other areas, and seedlings should be planted. Tools will be needed to cultivate an area to grow the trees, pH tests should be done and locals should be educated on ways to minimize damage to land (i.e. no tilling, soil loss prevention and nutrient depletion protection). The business will also need to establish a method for transporting the fruits to a processing area, or to the person who will be exporting the product. The fruit is known to be firm, long-lasting, and can withstand long trips to processing/distribution centers (Morton, 1958). A collective of local farmers could be created to create unity amongst growers, with profits being evenly distributed amongst growers. A cooperative would allow resources like land and labor to be pooled and shared so that everyone benefits economically.
References
Arnold, N.N. and Barthakur, N.N. (1991). Chemical analysis of the emblic (Phyllanthus emblica L.) and its potential as a food source. Scientia Horticulturae. Vol. 47, Issues 1-2, pp. 99-105. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/030442389190031S
Canadian Border Services Agency. (2014). Checklist for Importing Commercial Goods into Canada. Government of Canada website. Retrieved from http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/checklist-controle-eng.html
Government of Canada. (2014) Funding Programs – Development. Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development Canada. Retrieved from http://www.international.gc.ca/department-ministere/funding-financement.aspx?lang=eng
Gurung, Khilendra. (2008). Resource Assessment of Amala (Phyllanthus emblica L.) in Bajhang District: A Detailed Study from Byansi and Rayal VDCs. District Forest Office, Bajhang. Retrieved from http://www.scribd.com/doc/9406022/Assessment-of-Amala-Phyllanthus-emblica-in-Bajhang-District-Nepal
Heinen, Joel., Shrestha-Acharya, Ranju. (2011). The Non-Timber Forest Products Sector in Nepal: Emerging Policy Issues in Plant Conservation and Utilization for Sustainable Development. Journal of Sustainable Forestry. 30(Issue 6) pp.543-563. Retrieved from http://journals1.scholarsportal.info.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/details/10549811/v30i0006/543_tnfpsicaufsd.xml
International Finance Corporation (IFC). (2014) How to Apply for Financing: Investment Proposals. Retrieved from http://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/corp_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/what+we+do/about_ifc_financing
Morton, Julia. (1958). The Emblic (Phyllanthus emblica L.). Economic Botany. 14(2) pp. 199-128. Retrieved from http://journals2.scholarsportal.info.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/pdf/00130001/v14i0002/119_teel.xml
Ngamkitidechakul, C.; Jaijoy, K.; Hansakul, P.; Soonthornchareonnon, N.; Sireeratawong, S. (2010). "Anti-tumour effects of Phyllanthus emblica L.: Induction of cancer cell apoptosis and Inhibition of in vivo tumour promotion and in vitro invasion of human cancer cells". Phytotherapy Research 24 (9) pp.1405–1413.PMID 20812284
Penolazzi, L., Lampronti, I., Borgatti, M., Khan, M., Zennaro, M., Piva, R., Gambari, R. (2008). "Induction of apoptosis of human primary osteoclasts treated with extracts from the medicinal plant Emblica officinalis". BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 8(59). PMC 2587459. PMID 18973662
Qureshi S.A., Asad W., Sultana V. (Jan 2009). "The Effect of Phyllanthus emblica Linn on Type — II Diabetes, Triglycerides and Liver — Specific Enzyme". Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. 8(2) pp.125–128. Retrieved from 10.3923/pjn.2009.125.128
Saeed S., Tariq P. (2007). "Antibacterial activities of Emblica officinalis and Coriandrum sativum against Gram negative urinary pathogens". Pak J Pharm Sci 20(1) pp.32–35. PMID 17337425.
Zurawska, Milena. (2014) Regional Plant Resource Center. Photo retrieved from http://herbarium-images.googlecode.com/hg/specimen-photos/4106-phyllanthus-emblica.jpg
Arnold, N.N. and Barthakur, N.N. (1991). Chemical analysis of the emblic (Phyllanthus emblica L.) and its potential as a food source. Scientia Horticulturae. Vol. 47, Issues 1-2, pp. 99-105. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/030442389190031S
Canadian Border Services Agency. (2014). Checklist for Importing Commercial Goods into Canada. Government of Canada website. Retrieved from http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/checklist-controle-eng.html
Government of Canada. (2014) Funding Programs – Development. Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development Canada. Retrieved from http://www.international.gc.ca/department-ministere/funding-financement.aspx?lang=eng
Gurung, Khilendra. (2008). Resource Assessment of Amala (Phyllanthus emblica L.) in Bajhang District: A Detailed Study from Byansi and Rayal VDCs. District Forest Office, Bajhang. Retrieved from http://www.scribd.com/doc/9406022/Assessment-of-Amala-Phyllanthus-emblica-in-Bajhang-District-Nepal
Heinen, Joel., Shrestha-Acharya, Ranju. (2011). The Non-Timber Forest Products Sector in Nepal: Emerging Policy Issues in Plant Conservation and Utilization for Sustainable Development. Journal of Sustainable Forestry. 30(Issue 6) pp.543-563. Retrieved from http://journals1.scholarsportal.info.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/details/10549811/v30i0006/543_tnfpsicaufsd.xml
International Finance Corporation (IFC). (2014) How to Apply for Financing: Investment Proposals. Retrieved from http://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/corp_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/what+we+do/about_ifc_financing
Morton, Julia. (1958). The Emblic (Phyllanthus emblica L.). Economic Botany. 14(2) pp. 199-128. Retrieved from http://journals2.scholarsportal.info.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/pdf/00130001/v14i0002/119_teel.xml
Ngamkitidechakul, C.; Jaijoy, K.; Hansakul, P.; Soonthornchareonnon, N.; Sireeratawong, S. (2010). "Anti-tumour effects of Phyllanthus emblica L.: Induction of cancer cell apoptosis and Inhibition of in vivo tumour promotion and in vitro invasion of human cancer cells". Phytotherapy Research 24 (9) pp.1405–1413.PMID 20812284
Penolazzi, L., Lampronti, I., Borgatti, M., Khan, M., Zennaro, M., Piva, R., Gambari, R. (2008). "Induction of apoptosis of human primary osteoclasts treated with extracts from the medicinal plant Emblica officinalis". BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 8(59). PMC 2587459. PMID 18973662
Qureshi S.A., Asad W., Sultana V. (Jan 2009). "The Effect of Phyllanthus emblica Linn on Type — II Diabetes, Triglycerides and Liver — Specific Enzyme". Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. 8(2) pp.125–128. Retrieved from 10.3923/pjn.2009.125.128
Saeed S., Tariq P. (2007). "Antibacterial activities of Emblica officinalis and Coriandrum sativum against Gram negative urinary pathogens". Pak J Pharm Sci 20(1) pp.32–35. PMID 17337425.
Zurawska, Milena. (2014) Regional Plant Resource Center. Photo retrieved from http://herbarium-images.googlecode.com/hg/specimen-photos/4106-phyllanthus-emblica.jpg