Liver diseases, marked by inflammation or tissue damage, seriously disrupt the body’s normal functions and increase the risk of illness and death. These diseases are a major health concern that is often overlooked. Recent reports reveal that they affect more than 10% of the global population, with the heaviest burden in countries with limited medical resources.
To make matters worse, the available pharmaceutical treatments are far from ideal and can lead to systemic toxicity when used for extended periods. However, diet can play a role in modifying the processes that cause liver damage, including exposure to toxins. Studies have demonstrated that certain dietary components can protect the liver.
One such protective component is Emblica officinalis Gaertn, also known as the Indian gooseberry or amla. Amla is a crucial medicinal and dietary plant in the Indian subcontinent. Its fruits are used both in traditional and folk medicine and have been found to be effective in preventing or alleviating the harmful effects of various liver-toxic agents, including ethanol, paracetamol, and heavy metals.
Amla also shows promise in improving liver function, reducing hyperlipidemia, and combating metabolic syndrome. It has even been linked to protection against liver cancer in animal studies. The active phytochemicals in amla, such as quercetin, gallic acid, corilagin, and ellagic acid, offer protection against the toxic effects of certain substances.
Amla’s hepatoprotective effects are attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals, its antioxidant properties, its anti-inflammatory actions, and its influence on detoxification processes and lipid metabolism. Amla is native to India and can be found in other tropical and subtropical regions.
Additionally, amla is rich in vitamin C and low molecular weight hydrolysable tannins, making it a potent antioxidant. These tannins, including emblicanin-A and emblicanin-B, provide protection against oxidative damage to blood cells. Ellagic acid, another powerful antioxidant in amla, can prevent gene mutations and repair chromosomal abnormalities.
Amla also shows promise in inhibiting the growth and spread of various cancers, such as breast, uterus, pancreas, stomach, and liver cancers. It can even help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Amla’s anti-cancer properties are attributed to compounds that enhance the activity of Natural Killer (NK) cells in tumor cells.
Furthermore, amla has a positive impact on diabetes by helping control high blood pressure and regulating blood sugar levels. It contains chromium, which contributes to its anti-diabetic effects. Medicinal plants like amla are valuable gifts to promote a disease-free and healthy life.
In summary, amla, or the Indian gooseberry, is a remarkable natural resource with various health benefits, including protection against liver diseases, cancer, and diabetes. Its rich content of vitamin C and phytochemicals makes it a potent antioxidant and a valuable component in both traditional and modern medicine. Amla deserves further clinical investigation, particularly for individuals at high risk of liver diseases.
Sources:
- Thilakchand, K. R., Mathai, R. T., Simon, P., Ravi, R. T., Baliga-Rao, M. P., & Baliga, M. S. (2013). Hepatoprotective properties of the Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn): a review. Food & Function, 4(10), 1431-1441.
- Kulkarni, K. V., & Ghurghure, S. M. (2018). Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis): Complete pharmacognosy review. International Journal of Chemistry Studies, 2(2), 5-11.
Baliga, M. S., Shivashankara, A. R., Thilakchand, K. R., Baliga-Rao, M. P., Palatty, P. L., George, T., & Rao, S. (2019). Hepatoprotective effects of the Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn): a revisit. In Dietary interventions in liver disease (pp. 193-201).
