Phyllanthus Emblica (Indian Gooseberry) in the prevention of cancer

Abstract

Medicinal plants have been considered to be precious natural gifts to human beings that could promote disease-free life. Indian gooseberry or Amla, scientifically known as Phyllanthus emblica, is a tree abundantly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia. The fruit of Phyllanthus emblica is rich in vitamin C, flavonoids like quercetin and rutin, and polyphenols like tannins, gallic acid, and ellagic acid, etc. Research reports suggested that Amla is possessed with important neuroprotective, cardio-protective, gastro-protective, nephronprotective, and chemo-preventive properties. Cancer is currently a global epidemic with an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and approximately 10.0 million cancer deaths taking place in 2020. The societal impact of such a staggering number of deaths is immense when we think of the quality of human life and the economy. So undoubtedly we need new, promising and effective therapies for common cancers. In recent years the potential of Amla as an effective anti-cancer agent has been scrutinized through many studies and there is certainly evidence to show that Amla extracts can be used as an anti-tumor and cancer preventive agent. In this article, we focus on the anti-cancer properties of Indian Gooseberry or Amla.