Journal of Biochemistry International

Emblica officinalis (Amla) is widely used in the Indian medicine system, and is believed to increase disease defense. In Sanskrit Amla is called amalaki. It is one of the oldest Oriental medicines mentioned as a potential remedy for assorted ailments in Ayurveda. It has been shown that a wide variety of phytochemical components found in amla including alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids provide useful biological activities. As it removes excessive salivation and internal body heat, it is an ingredient of many Ayurvedic medicines and tonics. Work was done on amla assessing its function as an antioxidant. Amla is useful in the prevention of ulcers, for diabetes and for memory effects. It helps to keep immune system strong. Amla powder is also use as a supplement. For the first time, this review summarizes the results related to these properties and also highlights the aspects that warrant future research in establishing its activity and utility as a preventive and therapeutic drug for cancer in humans. This study discusses the anti-diabetes effects of amla for the first time, and also examines the mechanisms that mediate hyperglycemia, cardiac complications, diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, cataractogenesis and protein wasting properties.