Phytochemistry, traditional uses and cancer chemopreventive activity of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica): The Sustainer.
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Date
2012-01
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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.
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Keywords
Phyllanthus emblica, Medicinal herb, anticarcinogenic, antitumor activity
Citation
Singh Ekta, Sharma Sheel, Pareek Ashutosh, Dwivedi Jaya, Yadav Sachdev, Sharma Swapnil. Phytochemistry, traditional uses and cancer chemopreventive activity of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica): The Sustainer. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2012 Jan; 2(1): 176-183.