Overview

Amla berry (Phyllanthus emblica), an Ayurvedic wonder coined as “superfruit” said to contain as much vitamin C as 20 oranges in a 100-gram serving. It has traditionally been used as a tonic to restore vitality. It is highly nutritious and contains a variety of amino acids, minerals, and phenolic compounds that researchers are demonstrating to be effective remedies for various ailments. 

Key Benefits

• Provides antioxidant support
• Supports healthy blood lipid levels
• Improves skin elasticity
• Promotes collagen production
• Provides anti-inflammatory effects
• Improves endothelial function
• Supports hair growth

History of Usage

Amla is from the Indian gooseberry tree that grows in India, the Middle East, and some southeast Asian countries. Thousands of years ago, it was used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments. The fruit is still harvested to make medicine and as fruit berries that are used in jams and candy. Amla is finding popularity throughout the world as a potent antioxidant and natural anti-aging remedy. Researchers are continually discovering many other benefits for supporting health and reducing disease states.

Biochemistry

Amla fruit extracts contain numerous phytoconstituents, including the polyphenols gallic acid, ellagic acid, tannins, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, fixed oils, and such flavonoids as rutin and quercetin. The extract may be efficacious against various ailments: inflammation, osteoporosis, neurological disorders, hypertension, and parasitic and other infectious disorders. These actions are attributed to either regulation of various molecular pathways involved in several pathophysiologies or antioxidant properties that prevent the damage of cellular compartments from oxidative stress. 

Recent Trends

A 4.7 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is predicted for the global amla extract market, which is expected to reach $51.8 billion by 2027.

Amla is applied to many sectors, including cosmetics, food, and beverage, personal care, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. The market growth is expected to be propelled by the massive usage of amla extract in various forms, including powders, raw drinks, berry concoctions, dips, pickles, jams, candy, hair products, capsules, and tablets. 

Precautions

• Amla is likely safe for most people.
• Individuals who have a bleeding disorder or take diabetes medication should consult with their health care professional before taking amla.
• Stop taking amla at least 2 weeks before a surgery.

References

1. Variya BC, Bakrania AK, Patel SS. Emblica officinalis (Amla): A review for its phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal uses and medicinal potentials with respect to molecular mechanisms. Pharmacol Res. 2016 Sep;111:180-200. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.06.013. Epub 2016 Jun 15. PMID: 27320046.
2. Bhavesh C. Variya, Anita K. Bakrania, Snehal S. Patel. Emblica officinalis (Amla): A review for its phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal uses and medicinal potentials with respect to molecular mechanisms. Pharmacological Research, Volume 111, 2016, Pages 180-200, ISSN 1043-6618.
3. Upadya H, Prabhu S, Prasad A, Subramanian D, Gupta S, Goel A. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, multicenter clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Emblica officinalis extract in patients with dyslipidemia. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019 Jan 22;19(1):27. doi: 10.1186/s12906-019-2430-y. PMID: 30670010; PMCID: PMC6341673.
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5. Uchiyama T, Tsunenaga M, Miyanaga M, Ueda O, Ogo M. Oral intake of lingonberry and amla fruit extract improves skin conditions in healthy female subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2019 Sep;66(5):870-879. doi: 10.1002/bab.1800. Epub 2019 Aug 16. PMID: 31342566.
6. Fujii T, Wakaizumi M, Ikami T, Saito M. Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) extract promotes procollagen production and inhibits matrix metalloproteinase-1 in human skin fibroblasts. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Sep 2;119(1):53-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.05.039. Epub 2008 Jun 6. PMID: 18588964.
7. Rao TP, Okamoto T, Akita N, Hayashi T, Kato-Yasuda N, Suzuki K. Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) extract inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced procoagulant and pro-inflammatory factors in cultured vascular endothelial cells. Br J Nutr. 2013 Dec;110(12):2201-6. doi: 10.1017/S0007114513001669. Epub 2013 Jun 7. PMID: 23742702.
8. Usharani P, Merugu PL, Nutalapati C. Evaluation of the effects of a standardized aqueous extract of Phyllanthus emblica fruits on endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and lipid profile in subjects with metabolic syndrome: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled clinical study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019 May 6;19(1):97. doi: 10.1186/s12906-019-2509-5. PMID: 31060549; PMCID: PMC6503348.
9. Kumar N, Rungseevijitprapa W, Narkkhong NA, Suttajit M, Chaiyasut C. 5α-reductase inhibition and hair growth promotion of some Thai plants traditionally used for hair treatment. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Feb 15;139(3):765-71. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.12.010. Epub 2011 Dec 13. PMID: 22178180.