Chapter 16 - Hepatoprotective Effects of the Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn): A Revisit

Abstract

Indian gooseberry or amla, scientifically known as Emblica officinalis Gaertn or Phyllanthus emblica Linn, is arguably the most important medicinal plant in the Indian traditional system of medicine, the Ayurveda, and in various traditional folk systems of medicine in the Southeast Asia. The fruits are a rich source of vitamin C and are of dietary and culinary use in India. In the traditional system of medicine, amla is used to treat a variety of ailments such as anemia, hyperacidity, diarrhea, eye inflammation, leucorrhea, jaundice, nervine debility, liver complaints, cough, and anomalies of urine. Scientific studies have shown that amla possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antiulcerogenic, free radical scavenging, antioxidant, antimutagenic, antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antitussive, antiatherogenic, adaptogenic, snake venom neutralizing, gastroprotective, antianemia, antihypercholesterolemia, wound healing, antidiarrheal, antiatherosclerotic, nephroprotective, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective properties. In this update, we emphasize on the hepatoprotective effects of amla by emphasizing on the scientific studies that have validated the property.