Current Trends in the Research of Emblica officinalis (Amla): A Pharmacological Perspective

Abstract

Phyllanthus emblica Linn. Or Emblica officinalis Gaertn. commonly known as Indian gooseberry or Amla is one of the most important medicinal plants in Indian traditional systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha). It is a well-known fact that all parts of amla are useful in the treatment of various diseases. Among all, the most important part is fruit. Amla fruit is widely used in the Indian system of medicine as diuretic, laxative, liver tonic, refrigerant, stomachic, restorative, anti-pyretic, hair tonic, ulcer preventive and for common cold, fever; as alone or in combination with other plants. Phytochemical studies on amla disclosed major chemical constituents including tannins, alkaloids, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. Gallic acid, ellagic acid, emblicanin A & B, phyllembein, quercetin and ascorbic acid are found to be biologically effective. Research reports on amla reveals its analgesic, anti-tussive, antiatherogenic, adaptogenic; cardio, gastro, nephro and neuroprotective, chemopreventive, radio and chemo modulatory and anticancer properties. Amla is also reported to possess potent free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, immunomodulatory activities, which are efficacious in the prevention and treatment of various diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, liver and heart diseases. In this article, we discuss the nutritional value, biochemical constituents, traditional uses, medicinal value of amla and its use as a household remedy. We also emphasized the mechanisms behind the pharmacological activities based on the recent research reports and tried to summarize the results of research done from the past 5 years with proper specifications on the future prospects in a pharmacological perspective.