INDIAN GOOSEBERRY

OTHER NAME(S):

Aamalaki, Amalaki, Amblabaum, Amla, Amla Berry, Aonla, Aovla, Arbre de Malacca, Arbre Myrobolan, Dhatriphala, Emblic, Emblica, Emblica officinalis, Emblic Myrobalan, Groseille à Maquereau Indienne, Groseille Indienne, Groseillier de Ceylan, Grosella de la India, Indian-Gooseberry, Mirobalano, Myrobalan Emblic, Mirobalanus embilica, Neli, Phyllanthus emblica, Yu Gan Zi.

Overview

Overview Information

Indian gooseberry is a tree that grows in India, the Middle East, and some southeast Asian countries. Indian gooseberry has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Today people still use the fruit of the tree to make medicine.

Indian gooseberry is most commonly used for high cholesterol, abnormal levels of cholesterol or blood fats (dyslipidemia), and persistent heartburn. It is also used for diarrhea, nausea, and cancer, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work?

Indian gooseberry seems to work by reducing total cholesterol levels, including the fatty acids called triglycerides, without affecting levels of the "good cholesterol" called high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Possibly Effective for

  • Abnormal levels of cholesterol or blood fats (dyslipidemia). Research shows that taking a specific brand of Indian gooseberry whole fruit extract (Tri-low, Arjuna Natural Ltd.) for 12 weeks decreases low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol and fats called triglycerides.
  • Persistent heartburn. Research in people with persistent heartburn shows that taking Indian gooseberry fruit extract for 4 weeks helps to reduce how often heartburn occurs and how severe it is.

Insufficient Evidence for

  • High cholesterol. Most early research shows that taking Indian gooseberry fruit or fruit extract for 4 weeks to 6 months decreases low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in people with high cholesterol.
  • A grouping of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (metabolic syndrome). Early research shows that taking Indian gooseberry extract for 12 weeks decreases levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, and fats called triglycerides. It also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol.
  • Osteoarthritis. Early research shows that taking two capsules of an Ayurvedic formula containing Indian gooseberry and several other ingredients three times daily for 24 weeks is as beneficial as taking glucosamine sulfate or the drug celecoxib for reducing pain in people with knee osteoarthritis.
  • A skin disorder that causes white patches to develop on the skin (vitiligo).
  • Aging skin.
  • Bloody diarrhea (dysentery).
  • Cancer.
  • Diabetes.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Eye problems.
  • Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
  • Indigestion (dyspepsia).
  • Joint pain.
  • Obesity.
  • Swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate Indian gooseberry for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Indian gooseberry is LIKELY SAFE for most people when consumed in amounts found in foods. Indian gooseberry is POSSIBLY SAFE when used as medicine at doses of up to 1,000 mg daily, short-term. Ayurvedic formulations containing Indian gooseberry have been linked to liver damage. But it's not clear if taking Indian gooseberry alone would have this effect.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Indian gooseberry is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Bleeding disorders: Indian gooseberry might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in some people. If you have a bleeding disorder, use Indian gooseberry with caution.

Diabetes: Indian gooseberry might decrease blood sugar levels. Your diabetes medications might need to be adjusted by your healthcare provider.

Liver disease: In theory, taking Indian gooseberry with ginger, Tinospora cordifolia, and Indian frankincense might make liver function worse in people with liver disease. But it's not known if taking Indian gooseberry alone can have these effects.

Surgery: Indian gooseberry might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking Indian gooseberry at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Interactions?

We currently have no information for INDIAN GOOSEBERRY Interactions.

Dosing

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

  • For abnormal levels of cholesterol or blood fats (dyslipidemia): A specific product providing 0.5 grams of Indian gooseberry fruit extract has been taken two times daily for 12 weeks.
  • For persistent heartburn: 1 gram of Indian gooseberry fruit extract has been taken twice daily for 4 weeks.

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View References

REFERENCES:

  • Al Rehaily, A. J., Al Howiriny, T. A., Al Sohaibani, M. O., and Rafatullah, S. Gastroprotective effects of 'Amla' Emblica officinalis on in vivo test models in rats. Phytomedicine. 2002;9(6):515-522. View abstract.
  • Bafna, P. A. and Balaraman, R. Anti-ulcer and anti-oxidant activity of pepticare, a herbomineral formulation. Phytomedicine. 2005;12(4):264-270. View abstract.
  • Jose, J. K., Kuttan, G., and Kuttan, R. Antitumour activity of Emblica officinalis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2001;75(2-3):65-69. View abstract.
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  • Sabu, M. C. and Kuttan, R. Anti-diabetic activity of medicinal plants and its relationship with their antioxidant property. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002;81(2):155-160. View abstract.
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