Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 02 (01); 2011: 176-183

ISSN: 2231-3354
Received on: 23-11-2011
Revised on: 09:12:2011
Accepted on: 13-12-2011

Phytochemistry, traditional uses and cancer

chemopreventive activity of Amla (Phyllanthus
emblica): The Sustainer.
Ekta Singh, Sheel Sharma, Ashutosh Pareek, Jaya Dwivedi, Sachdev Yadav
and Swapnil Sharma

Ekta Singh, Sheel Sharma

Assistant Professor
Department of Food Science and
Nutrition, Banasthali University
Rajasthan (India).

Ashutosh Pareek, Sachdev Yadav,

Swapnil Sharma
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacy
Banasthali University
Rajasthan (India).

Jaya Dwivedi
Associate Professor
Department of Chemistry
Banasthali University
Rajasthan (India)

ABSTRACT
Ayurveda, which is the oldest health system in the world, appreciates and uses amla to
treat a host of diseases and promote positive health. Amla [Emblica officinalis, or emblic
myrobalan], is called amalaki in Sanskrit. It is extensively used as a rejuvenator in ayurveda. It is
also used widely in combination with other two [chebulic and belleric] myrobalans [fruit-bearing
plant species] as triphala. Amla is indeed, the key ingredient in the popular ayurvedic recipe,
Chyavanaprasha. More than anything, it may be called as "King of Rasayana" [rejuvenation],
owing to its multiple health benefits. Phyllanthus emblica or Indian gooseberry (Amla) possesses
a vastethnomedical history and represents a phytochemical reservoir of heuristic medicinal
value. It is one of the oldest oriental medicines mentioned in Ayurveda as potential remedy for
various ailments. The fruit is rich in quercetin, phyllaemblic compounds, gallic acid, tannins,
flavonoids, pectin and vitamin C and also contains various polyphenolic compounds. A wide
range of phytochemical components including terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins
have been shown to posses useful biological activities. Many pharmacological studies have
demonstrated the ability of the fruit shows antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antitumour,
antigenotoxic, antiinflammatory activities, supporting its traditional uses. In this review, we have
focused our interest on phytochemistry, traditional uses, cancer chemopreventive activity of
Phyllanthus emblica both in vivo and in vitro. In view of its reported pharmacological properties
and relative safety, P. emblica could be a source of therapeutically useful products.
Keywords: Phyllanthus emblica, Medicinal herb, anticarcinogenic, antitumor activity.

INTRODUCTION

For corrospondance
Swapnil Sharma
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacy
Banasthali University
Rajasthan (India).

Amla is a gift of nature to mankind. It is an indispensable part of the ayurvedic and unani
system with amazing remedial qualities. In Sanskrit, it is called Amalaki or Dhartiphala. Amla is
perhaps the single most often mentioned herb in "Charak Samhita", the Ayurvedic medicine
literature (500 BC). Amla is a wonder herb and one of the precious gifts of nature to humans.
Amla is known as "Divya" and "Amrut" or Amrit Phala in Sanskrit, which literally means fruit of
heaven or nectar fruit. The Sanskrit name, Amlaki, translates as the Sustainer or The Fruit where
the Goddess of Prosperity Resides. In Hindu religious mythology the tree is worshipped as the
Earth Mother as its fruit is considered to be so nourishing as to be the nurse of mankind (Onions,
1994).
Plant anatomy and harvesting
- Kingdom : Plantae
- Division: Flowering plant

Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 02 (01); 2011: 176-183

Class:
Magnoliopsida
Order :
Malpighiales
Family :
Phyllanthacae
Tribe :
Phyllantheae
Subtribe : Fluegginae

In India, it is common to eat gooseberries steeped in salt

water and turmeric to make the sour fruits palatable. There are two
varieties of Amla - cultivated (gramya) and wild (vanya). The wild
amla is small, while cultivated amla is big, smooth and juicy.
Chemical composition of the amla fruit contains more than 80% of
water. It also has protein, carbohydrate, fiber and mineral and also
contains gallic acid which is a potent polyphenol. Vitamin C is
important for human beings. It is necessary for the synthesis of the
inter-cellular cementing substance which is responsible for keeping
the cells of the body together. The amla fruit is reported to contain
nearly 20 times as much vitamin C as orange juice. The edible
amla fruit tissue has 3 times the protein concentration and 160
times the ascorbic acid concentration of an apple. The fruit also
contains higher concentration of most minerals and amino acids
than apples. Amla fruit ash contains chromium, Zinc and copper. It
is considered as adaptogenic that improves immunity. The tree is
small to medium sized, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a
crooked trunk and spreading branches. The branch lets are glabrous
or finely pubescent, 10-20 cm long, usually deciduous. The leaves
simple, sub sessile and closely set along branch lets, light green,
resembling pinnate leaves. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The
fruit is nearly spherical, light greenish yellow, quite smooth and
hard on appearance, with 6 vertical stripes or furrows. Ripening in
autumn, the berries are harvested by hand after climbing to upper
branches bearing the fruits. The taste of Indian gooseberry is sour,
bitter and astringent, and is quite fibrous. (Brun, 1987)
Phytochemicals constituents & active ingredients
The active ingredient that has significant pharmacological
action in amla is designated by Indian scientist as "Phyllemblin".
The fruit is rich in quercetin, phyllaemblic compounds, gallic acid,
tannins, flavonoids, pectin, and vitamin C and also contains various
polyphenolic compounds. A wide range of phytochemical
components including terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and
tannins have been shown to posses useful biological (Kim et al.,
2005; Arora et al., 2003). The fruits, leaves and bark are rich in
tannins. The root contains ellagic acid and lupeol and bark contains
leucodelphinidin. The seeds yield a fixed oil (16%) which is
brownish-yellow in colour. It has the following fatty acids:
linolenic (8.8%), linoleic (44.0%), oleic (28.4%), stearic (2.15%),
palmitic (3.0%) and myristic (1.0%) (Thakur et al., 1989). The
phytochemicals of this plant include hydrolysable tannins
(Emblicanin A, Emblicanin B, punigluconin, pedunculagin)
(Ghosal et al., 1996), flavonoids (Kaempferol 3 O alpha L (6
methyl) rhamnopyranoside, Kaempferol 3 O alpha L (6 ethyl)
amnopyranoside) (Rahman, 2007), alkaloids (Phyllantidine and
phyllantine) (Khanna et al., 1975). Gallic acid, ellagic acid,
1OgalloylbetaDglucose, 3,6diOgalloylDglucose, chebulinic
acid, quercetin, chebulagic acid, corilagin together with

isostrictinnin, were isolated from the fruit of Phyllanthus emblica

(Zany, 2003). A new acylated glucoside was isolated from the
methanolic extract of the leaves of P.emblica. Their structures were
named as apigenin7O(6butyrylbeta)glucopyranoside, along
with four known compounds gallic acid, methyl gallate,
1,2,3,4,6pentaOgalloylglucose and luteolin4'Oneohesperiodoside
(Desouky, 2008). The seeds of P. emblica contain fixed oil,
phosphatides and small quantity of essential oil. In addition, the
leaves contain gallic acid, ellagic acid, chebulagic acid and
chebulinic acid. Phyllaemblic acid, a novel highly oxygenated
norbisabolane were isolated from the roots of P.emblica and its
structure was fully characterized by spectroscopic andchemical
means (Zany et al., 2003). Ellagic acid and lupeol are present in
roots of P.emblica (Kapoor 1990; Rastogi et al., 1993).
Nutritive value
Amla is well known for its nutritional qualities. It is rich
in polyphenols, minerals and is regarded as one of the richest
source of vitamin C (200900 mg per 100 g of edible portion) (Jain
et al., 2000; Bharthakur et al., 1993). Major components of
nutritional importance are reported in table 1.
Table. 1:Nutritional Value of fruit of Phyllanthus emblica (% or per 100g).
Chemical components
Fruits: Moisture
Protein
Fat
Mineral matter
Fibre
Carbohydrate
Bulk elements Mg/100g,
Calcium
Phosphorous
Iron
Vitamin C
Nicotinic acid

Percentage
81.2%
0.5%
0.1%
0.7%

3.4%
14.1%
Net weight
0.05%
0.02%
1.2 mg/100g
600mg/100g
0.2mg/100g (Gopalan et al., 1991)

The Ayurvedic description of amla

The fruit has these properties using the Ayurvedic
classifications:
- Rasa (taste): sour and astringent are the most dominant,
but the fruit has five tastes, including sweet, bitter, and
pungent
- Veerya (nature): cooling
- Vipaka (taste developed through digestion): sweet
- Guna (qualities): light, dry
- Doshas (effect on humors): quietens all three doshas: vata,
kapha, pitta, and is especially effective for pitta
Because of its cooling nature, amla is a common
ingredient in treatments for a burning sensation anywhere in the
body and for many types of inflammation and fever; these are
manifestations of pitta (fire) agitation (Williamson, 2000). Amla
has been considered the best of the Ayurvedic rejuvenative herbs,
because it is tridosaghna. Uniquely, it has a natural balance of
tastes (sweet, sour, pungent, bitter and astringent) all in one fruit, it
stimulates the brain to rebalance the three main components of all
physiological functions, the water, fire, and air elements within the
body (Bajracharya, 1979).

Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 02 (01); 2011: 176-183

Amla in Ayurveda
There are many benefits that amla imparts that are
mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. These are:

Kapha, which among other things governs moisture balance in the

lungs. A fruit with seeds used for asthma, bronchitis and
biliousness (Singh et al., 1979; His, 1982)

Excellent source of Vitamin C

Amla is the most concentrated form of Vitamin C found
in the plant kingdom, and when the whole fruit is used rather than
an active ingredient, the Vitamin C is easily assimilated by the
human body (Nisha et al., 2004, Gopalan et al., 1991). The
Vitamin C in the amla fruit is bonded with tannins that protect it
from being destroyed by heat or light.

Regulates elimination
Amla-Berry pacifies Apana Vata, thus helping with the
downward flow of energy in the body. They keep the function of
elimination regular and ease constipation. The fruit is occasionally
pickled or preserved in sugar. When dry it is said to be gently
laxative (Drury, 1970), according to some sources the fresh fruit is
also laxative (Nadkarni, 1999).
The fresh ripe fruits are used extensively in India as a
laxative, one or two fruits being sufficient for a dose. They have
been exported to Europe, preserved in sugar, and are valued as a
pleasant laxative for children and made into a confection
consisting of the pulp of the de-seeded fruit.

Enhances food absorption

The regular use of Amla-Berry can strengthen digestion,
absorption and assimilation of food. People taking it notice that
they enjoy the taste of food better. It enhances all thirteen digestive
fires (Agni). But it works more slowly and gently than ginger or
other digestion-enhancing herbs, so it can be taken by people with
a lot of Pitta without fear of creating excess stomach acid.8. In
addition, it improves assimilation of iron for healthy blood.
Balances stomach acids
It improves digestion but does not heat the body, AmlaBerry is ideal for calming mild to moderate hyperacidity and other
Pitta-related digestive problems.
Fortifies the liver
Amla-Berry helps purify the Rasa Dhatu (nutrient fluid)
and Rakta Dhatu (blood), thus supporting the functions of the liver.
It also strengthens the liver, helping it in eliminating toxins from
the body (Pramyothin et al., 2006; Tasduq et al., 2005, Sultana 9.
et al
2004; Haque et al., 2000; Jayaweera, 1982).
Nourishes the brain and mental functioning
Amla-Berry is good for the brain. It is medhya nurturing
for the mind and enhancing coordination among dhi (acquisition),
dhriti (retention), and smriti (recall). It helps sharpen the intellect
and mental functioning. It supports the nervous system and
strengthens the senses (Reddy et al, 2011; Vasudevan et al., 2007;
10.
Perry, 1980).
Supports the heart
It is hridya, which means it nurtures the heart, blood and
circulation. It supports the cardiovascular system. On the other
hand, it sometimes acts as a cardiac stimulant (Williamson, 2002).
Research shows that Amla helps lower cholesterol (Kim et al; 11.
2005) and protect from heart diseases (Yokozawa et al., 2007,
Mathur et al 1996; Jacob et al., 1988; Shanmuga sundram et al.,
1983).
Strengthens the lungs
The Amla-Berry helps pacify Kapha dosha as well.
Therefore, Amla-Berry is a wonderful tonic for strengthening and
nourishing the lungs (which are a major seat of Kapha dosha in12.
the
body), and the entire respiratory tract. It also pacifies Shleshaka

Enhances fertility
By balancing Apana Vata and by nurturing all the dhatus
(body tissues), Amla-Berry also keeps menstruation regular and
healthy. Amla-Berry supports the reproductive systems of both
men and women and can help overcome difficulty in conceiving. It
is a vrishya herb, which means that it enhances all the seven tissues
(dhatus), including the reproductive tissue. This herb nurtures the
ovaries and sperm, and it has a property called garbhasthapana,
which means it enhances fertility and the possibility of conception.
It is especially nurturing for women, strengthening the uterus and
supporting reproductive health.
Helps the urinary system
Because it enhances all the thirteen agnis (digestive fires)
and supports Apana Vata, Amla-Berry is especially supportive to
the urinary system and can be helpful if you experience a mild
burning sensation while urinating. It supports natural diuretic
action, but does not force water from the body like diuretic pills. In
other words, it helps eliminate waste from the body but does not
over-stimulate the urinary system (Tsarong, 1994).
Good for the skin
Because Amla-Berry strengthens digestion, helps the liver
detoxify and is rich in Vitamin C and other minerals, it is very
good for the complexion. Amla-Berry moisturizes the skin,
cleanses the tissues of toxins, and supports immunity of the skin
against bacterial infection. It helps enhance glow and luster.
Promotes healthier hair
Amla-Berry boosts absorption of calcium, thus creating
healthier bones, teeth, nails and hair. It also helps maintain
youthful hair color and retards premature graying, and supports the
strength of the hair follicles, so there is less thinning with age
(Stuart, 1911). The crushed fruits have a good effect on hair
growth and prevent hair graying (Stuart, 1911).
Acts as a body coolant
Although Amla-Berry is good for all doshas and seasons,
it is especially effective in the hot season to cool Pitta dosha. It is

Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 02 (01); 2011: 176-183

an especially good rasayana for people with Pitta and Vata body
18.
type s (Dragendorff et al., 1989). In Tibetan medicine, the fruit
have been described as having a sour taste with cooling potency
(Tsarong and Tsewang, 1994).
Flushes out toxins
Individuals who have been eating "junk" food for a while
tend to have accumulated deposits of preservatives and additives
19.in
the liver. Amla-Berry helps support the liver in flushing out
chemicals and additives from the physiology (Zany et al., 2000).
Increases vitality
Because it has five tastes and supports all the doshas and
many bodies functions and cleanses the blood and the microchannels of the body, Amla-Berry increases energy and removes
20.
fatigue (Brun et al., 1987). It supports regeneration of cells-the
process by which tired old cells are replaced by vital, new ones.
Strengthens the eyes
Amla-Berry is called chakshushya, which means
21.
"strengthening the eyes" (Chakshu means "eye" and ayushya
means "rasayana" so it is literally a "rasayana for the eyes"). It
supports the health of the eye by enhancing both Ranjaka Pitta (the
sub-dosha of Pitta that governs liver function and the blood
plasma) and Alochaka Pitta (the sub-dosha of Pitta that governs the
eyes and vision). The tridoshic nature of Amalaki also makes it a
good tonic for the eyes (Biswas et al., 2001). Infusion of the leaves
is applied to sore eyes (Drury, 1970). The dried fruit immersed
22.in
water in a new earthen vessel a whole night yields a decoction
which is used as a collyrium (a medical lotion applied to the eye as
eyewash) in ophthalmia. It may be applied cold or warm
(Nadkarni, 1999). In another treatment an infusion of the seeds is
also used as a collyrium and applied with benefit to recent
inflammations of the conjunctive and other eye complaints. The
exudate collected from incisions made on the fruit is applied
23.
externally on inflammation of the eye (Jayaweera, 1980). In
Ayurvedic terms it lowers pitta without disrupting the other two
doshas and so amla is frequently used in cataract medicine
(Suryanarayana et al., 2007).
Improves muscle tone
Amla-Berry enhances protein synthesis, which is why it
is good for strengthening muscles and building lean muscle mass.
Its unique Ayurvedic action offers athletes and body-builders
24.a
natural way to tone muscles and build lean mass.
Acts as an antioxidant
Amla-Berry and other rasayanas are effective broadspectrum antioxidants and free radical scavengers, helping to
reduce disease and slow the aging process. The use of amla as an
antioxidant has been examined by a number of authors (Kumaran
et al., 2006; Rao et al., 2005; Naik et al., 2005; Bajpai et al., 2005;
Bhattacharya et al, 2002, Anita et al, 2002, Scartezzini, 2000;
25.
Bandyopathyay et al., 2000, Chaudhuri, 2003).

Experiments conducted at the Niwa Institute of

Immunology in Japan have shown amla to be a potent scavenger of
free radicals. The studies showed that amla preparations contained
high levels of the free-radical scavenger, superoxide dimutase
(SOD), in the experimental subjects (Goshal, 1996).
Enhances immunity
All of the benefits already mentioned make Amla- a
strong immunity booster. Antibacterial, antifungal (Dutta, 1998),
antiviral medical studies conducted on amla fruit suggest that it has
antiviral properties (Udupa, 1993) and also functions as an
antibacterial and anti-fungal agent (Treadway, 1994).
Boils and spots
The pericarp of the fruit is often used in decoctions along
with other ingredients and also applied externally on boils with
cow ghee to promote suppuration (Jayaweera, 1980).
Chelating agent
Photo aging of the skin is a complex biologic process
affecting various layers of the skin with major changes seen in the
connective tissue within the dermis. Emblica was shown to reduce
UV-induced erythema and had excellent free-radical quenching
ability, chelating ability to iron and copper as well as MMP-1 and
MMP-3 inhibitory activity (Chaudhuri et al., 2003).
Diabetes
The fruits are used in the treatment of diabetes (Akhtar et
al., 2011, Nampoothiri et al., 2011,Babu et al., 2004, Sabu et al.,
2002, Drury, 1973) and in other references an infusion of the seeds
are also used (Nadkarni, 1999). Decoctions of the leaves and seeds
are used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (Treadway, 1994).
Diarrhoea
It is used medicinally for the treatment of diarrhoea
(Mahmood et al., 2009). As a fruit decoction it is mixed with sour
milk and given by the natives in cases of dysentery. The bark
partakes of the astringency of the fruit. A decoction and
evaporation of the root solution produces an astringent extract
equal to catechu. An infusion of the leaves with fenugreek seed is
given for chronic diarrhoea (Jayaweera, 1980).
Diuretic
The fresh fruit is diuretic. A paste of the fruit alone or in
combination with Nelumbium speciosum (the Egyptian Lotus),
Saffron [authors note: more likely to be Curcuma longa (Indian
saffron) than Crocus sativus (saffron)] and rose water is a useful
application over the pubic region in irritability of the bladder, in
retention of urine. It is used as a febrifuge, as an antiinflammatory
and unusually as an antidiuretic.
Gonorrhoea
The juice of the bark combined with honey and turmuric
is a remedy for gonorrhoea (Jayaweera, 1980; Nadkarni, 1999).

Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 02 (01); 2011: 176-183

The Barks have been reputed to exert antidiarrheic effects

and for treatment of leucorrhoea (vaginal infection)
(Bunyapraphatsara, 1987).
Inflammation
P. emblica has been used for anti-inflammatory (Dang et
al, 2011, Muthuraman et al 2010; Nicolis et al 2008) and
antipyretic treatments by rural populations in its growing areas
(Burkill, 1966).
Anticancer and antiulcer effects
The potential anticancer effects of aqueous fruit extract
of P. emblica was tested in several different human cancer cell
lines such as A549 (lung), HepG2 (liver), HeLa (cervical),
MDAMB231 (breast), SKOV3 (ovarian) and SW620
(Colorectal). P. emblica extract significantly inhibited the growth
of several human cancer cell lines at doses of 50100 g/ml
(Ngamkitidechakul et al, 2010). Research found that amla is
benecifical to treat different types of cancers.
Apoptosis
(programmed cell death), is a useful marker for
predicting tumour response after anticancer treatment.The efficacy
of Emblica officinalis Polyphenols (EOP) on the induction of
apoptosis in mouse and human carcinoma cell lines. (Rajeshkumar
et al., 2003). P.emblica extract was found to inhibit cell cycle
regulating enzymes cdc 25 phosphatase in a does dependent
manner. The IC50 dose of extract was found to be 5 g/ml (Jose et
al., 2001). The modulatory effect of EOP fractions was evaluated
on liver tumours induced by Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in rats 5
days a week for 20 weeks followed by NDEA administration.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate pyruvate transaminase
(GPT), liver glutathione Stransferase (GST) was evaluated in the
treated animals. The level of above mentioned enzymes was
increased, whereas the treatment of EOP reduced the activities of
all enzymes (Rajeshkumar et al., 2003).
Liver cancer
Only a few studies have speculated the chemopreventive
effects of P.emblica against liver cancer. It was tested in vivo in
wistar ratstreated with carcinogen Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)
(200mg/kg b.wt.i.p) to induce liver cancer. The results showed that
pretreatment of methanolic fruit extract (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w)
exhibited significant pathological manifestations at both the doses.
Emblica officinalis has the potential to be useful in ameliorating
the carcinogeninduced response in rat (Sarwat et al., 2008).
Skin Cancer
Research indicative of chemopreventive potential of P.
emblica against skin carcinogenesis (Garima et al., 2005).
Antigenotoxicity & Antimutagenecity
The protective effect of P. emblica fruit extract against
clastogenecity induced by lead nitrate on the incidence of sperm
head abnormalities in the germ cells of mice. The results clearly

indicate that extract exhibited significant reduction in the

frequency of sperm head abnormalities. The finding of the above
study shows that P. emblica plays a key role in inhibition of heavy
metal mutagenesis in mammals (Madhavi et al., 2007). The
protection afforded by EO may be associated with its antioxidant
capacity and through its modulator effect on hepatic activation and
detoxifying enzymes (Banu et al., 2004). An aqueous extract of
Emblica officinalis fruit protected mice against the chromosome
damaging effects of the well known carcinogen 3, 4benzopyrene
(Nandi et al., 1997).The activation and mutagenecity of
2Acetamidofluorene (2AAF) was inhibited by P.emblica. It also
inhibits the cytochrome P450, aniline hydroxylase (Jeena et al.,
1996).
Amla and Common Ailments
Constipation causes infrequent stool, anal and peripheral
pain and abdominal
discomfort. This persistent straining during
the defecation leads to bleeding piles (hemorrhoids). Amla being
rich in fibres regulates the bowel action and keeps constipation at
bay. Juice of amla taken with 250 mg of giloy extract provides an
effective remedy for hemorrhoids.
If your blood cholesterol troubles you then take amla. The
vitamin C in amla helps in dilating the blood vessels and thereby
lowering the blood pressure.
Grind dried amla into a fine powder and mix it with sugar
candy (mishri). Store this mixture in a glass bottle and take one
teaspoon of this mixture every day empty stomach. This will help
maintain the cholesterol level.
Amla has anti diabetic quality. Make a mixture of equal
quantity of amla, jamun and bitter gourd powder. Take one
teaspoonful of this mixture once or twice a day. This mixture is
also useful in treating conjunctivitis and glaucoma.
In case of acidity take 1 gram of dry amla powder with a
little sugar in milk or water twice a day.
1 tablespoon of paste of amla leaves, mixed with honey is
an effective treatment for diarrohea.
For promoting hair growth and prevent premature greying
of hair one can use amla rich oils and shampoos. For a quick home
remedy soak amla powder in water for a week. Then use it wash
hair. This preparation is a 3 in 1 shampoo, conditioner and hair
dye. Learn more about how to get shiny hair.
Amla helps in restoring Vitamin C level in elderly,
diabetic patients, hypertensive and women using oestrogen
contraceptives.
Deficiency of Vitamin C makes a person lethargic,
susceptible to infections, rheumatic pains and intestinal disorders.
Consuming amla removes this lethargic feeling and makes one
vibrant and upbeat.
According to a research, low vitamin C levels put a
person at risk of developing gallbladder disorders. Taking amla
saves one from gallbladder infections.
In children low vitamin C levels leads to disturbed growth
and fragile disorders. For a person with low vitamin C level
healing of wounds and fractures is a slow process. For quick
healing, one must consume amla.

Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 02 (01); 2011: 176-183

Amla is also a cure for scurvy. Dry amla powder mixed

with an equal quantity of sugar taken in doses of one teaspoon
thrice a day with milk provides enough vitamin C to beat scurvy.
Amla also works wonder with pregnant and lactating
mothers. It also reduces the incidence of cancer of the
gastrointestinal and respiratory tract. It provides protection against
pollution. Amla is nature's best antioxidant. Food rich in
antioxid\ants combat free radicals naturally and without any side
effects. In indigestion the tender shoots of amla given in buttermilk cure indigestion and it is known that green fresh leaves
combined with curds have similar effect.
Amla powder is mixed with red sandalwood (Pterocarpus
santalinum) and prepared in honey to relieve nausea and vomiting.
A decoction of the leaves is used as a chemical-free
bactericidal mouthwash. Bark of the. Another remedy suggests root
bark rubbed with honey is used in aphthous stomatitis (an
inflammation of the mouth).
When amla is in season it should be consumed in
chutneys and pickles. And when not in season it can be taken in the
form of murabba.
Cultural importance
Amla has been regarded as the sacred tree in India. The
tree was worshipped as Mother earth and is believed to nurture
humankind because the fruits are very nourishing. The leaves,
fruits and Houses are used in worship in India. Kartik Mahatma
and Vrat Kaumudi order the worship of this tree. The leaves are
offered to the lord of shri Satyanarayana Vrata, Samba on Shri
Shani Pradosha Vrata and Shiva and Gowri on Nitya Somvara
Vrata. In Himachal Pradesh, this tree is worshipped in the month
Kartik as propitious and chaste (Onion, 1994).
CONCLUSION
The healthy look is in and fitness has become a religion
for the present generation. So is the mindless gulping of
supplementary vitamin pills to sustain and boost their system. In
fact, according to medical consultation they could even prove to be
fatal for life. Instead if they choose the natures products, they
would not only benefit immensely but also can cut cost to buy
those bitter pills to great extent. Such vitalizer is freely available in
the vegetable market is the ubiquitous "Amla" or gooseberry. It is
richest source of vitamin C. Vitamin C content of amla increases in
the sun dried amla for example if 100 gms. of fresh amla gives out
600 mgs of Vitamin C, then when it is sundried, its content
increases to 1500 to 1600 mg.
One fresh gooseberry is equal to consuming 16 bananas or
3 oranges. A variety of phytochemical such as tannins, flavonoids,
terpenoids and alkaloids are reported to indicate several
pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anticancer,
antitumor, antigenotoxic, and ant carcinogenic effects. It is
considered to be a safe herbal medicine without any adverse
effects. So it can concluded that Indian gooseberry is a traditionally
and clinical proven fruit for both its application and efficacy.

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