Introduction

​Amla is a powerful, medicinal berry; revered in Ayurvedic medicine, employed in the healing and prevention of countless disorders. 
Indian Gooseberry or Amla is an essential ingredient in the renowned Ayurvedic herbal formula, Triphala, and Amla is further prized as a key component in a host of ​Ayurvedic formulas and remedies.


Scientific Evidence

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Modern researchers are re-discovering and confirming Amla's many beneficial effects; including cholesterol and lipid lowering (anti-atherogenic and cardioprotective), anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory actions (1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 15).

​The remarkable berry has further demonstrated its ability to inhibit HIV-1, tumor development and gastric ulcers (5, 6, 7, 8, 20), whilst gaining recognition for its anti-carcinogenic activities and its effectiveness in tumor treatment and prevention (16).
Amla performs a wide range of helpful functions in the body, including liver, kidney, gastro and neuro protective actions (11, 15, 20).


Applications
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aily intake of therapeutic doses of Amla will hence prove useful, if we are challenged with any of the aforementioned disorders. 

​Regardless, Amla is an outstanding adaptogen and imunostimulent; which markedly improves the performance of our immune-system (9, 10); and, a well-functioning immune system is the foundation on which health and vitality are maintained. 

Amla acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, likewise reducing low-grade, systemic inflammation and oxidative stress (11, 12, 13, 14), which cause obesity and premature ageing. The presence of effective, anti-oxidant protection and low levels of systemic inflammation, in our body; ensures a life devoid of pain, disorders and disease, full of well-being and peace. 

​Amla contains powerful phytochemicals including gallic acid, ellagic acid, kaempferol and quercetin, proven to protect DNA from radiation damage (17, 18, 19); Amla therefore affords extraordinary internal protection, in extension of sunbathing, for example, by promoting the formation of a healthy, beautiful tan, whilst negating the damaging, ageing effects of radiation.


Outstanding Online Sources

Mountain Rose Herb​
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Organic India​​​​​


Questions and suggestions are welcomed...
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​​​References 

1)Kim HJ et al. (2005) Influence of amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) on hypercholesterolemia and lipid peroxidation in cholesterol-fed rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 51(6):413-418.

​2) Anil L & Vijaylakshmi NR (2002) Flavonoids from Emblica officinalis and Mangifera indica-effectiveness for dyslipidemia. J Ethnopharmacol 79(1):81-7.

​3) Sabu MC & Kuttan R (2002) Anti-diabetic activity of medicinal plants and its relationship with their antioxidant property. J Ethnopharmacol 81(2):155-60.

​4) Asmawi MZ et al. (1993) Anti-inflammatory activities of Emblica officinalis Gaertn leaf extracts. J Pharm Pharmcol. 45(6):581-4.

5) El-Mekkawy S et al. (1995) Inhibitory effects of Egyptian folk medicines on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reverse transcriptase. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 43(4):641-8.

6) Jose JK et al. (2001) Antitumour activity of Emblica officinalis. J Ethnopharmacol. 75(2-3):65-9.

7) Bandyopadhyay SK et al. (2000) The role of antioxidant activity of Phyllanthus emblica fruits on prevention from indomethacin induced gastric ulcer. J Ethnopharmacol. 70(2):171-6.

​8) Al-Rehaily AJ et al. (2002) Gastroprotective effects of ‘Amla’ Emblica officinalis on in vivo test models in rats. Phytomedicine 9(6):515-22.

9) Sai Ram M et al. (2002) Cyto-protective and immunomodulating properties of Amla(Emblicaofficinalis) on lymphocytes: an in-vitro study. J Ethnopharmacol 81(1):5–10.

10) Sai Ram M et al. (2003) Cytoprotective activity of Amla (Emblica officinalis) against chromium (VI) induced oxidative injury in murine macrophages. Phytoter Res. 17(4):430-3.

11) Bhattacharya A et al. (1999) Antioxidant activity of active tannoid principles of Emblica officinalis (amla). Indian J Exp Biol 37(7):676-80.

12) Anil L & Vijaylakshmi NR (2000) Beneficial effects of flavonoids from Sesamum indicum, Emblica officinalis and Momordica charantia. Phytother Res. 14(8):592-5.

​13) Yokozawa T et al. (2007) Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) Attenuates Age-Related Renal Dysfunction by Oxidative Stress. Agric. Food Chem. 55 (19): 7744–7752

14) Yokozawa T et al. (2007) Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) prevents dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress in the ageing process. British Journal of Nutrition 97, 1187–1195

15) Vasant RA & Narasimacharya AV (2012) Amla as an antihyperglycemic and hepato-renal protective agent in fluoride induced toxicity. J Pharm. Bioallied Sci. 4(3):250-4.

16) Baliga MS et al. (2011) Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn), a wonder berry in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Eur J Cancer Prev. 20(3):225-39.

17) Devipriya N et al. (2008) Quercetin ameliorates gamma radiation-induced DNA damage and biochemical changes in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Mutat Res. 30;654(1):1-7.

18) Gandhi NM et al. (2005) Protection of DNA and membrane from gamma radiation induced damage by gallic acid. Mol Cell Biochem. 278(1-2):111-7.

​19) Bhosle SM et al. (2005) Enhancement of radiation-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in tumor cells by ellagic acid. Clin Chim Acta. 359(1-2):89-100.

20) Sairam K et al. (2002) Antiulcerogenic effect of methanolic extract of Emblica officinalis: an experimental study. J Ethnopharmacol 82(1):1-9.
​​​Amla (Emblica officinalis)
Wonder Berry