A tannin from the Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) with a protective action on ascorbic acid

IN a communication on the ascorbic acid content of Indian plant materials As a striking instance mention was made of the fruit of the Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), which according to the Tillmans-Harris titration method had an ascorbic acid content of about 4-6 mg. per g. of the material. The undiluted press-juice of this fruit was extremely resistant to atmospheric oxidation and, in contrast to most other plant juices which rapidly deteriorated in their ascorbic acid content on standing, retained its titre undiminished even after a week's exposure to the air. The suggestion was