Vol. 11, Issue 6 (2022)

Author(s):
Sanjana Shrivastava, Jaspreet Kaur, Mahrukh Mehraj, Fathima Feroz, Jyoti Chawla and Surbhi Kumari

Abstract:
Plants have played an important part in the advancement of humans from ancient times, serving as an exceptional source of natural medicine. Medicinal plants are nature's gift to humans which foster a healthy and disease-free life. Emblica officinalis (Euphorbiaceae family), also known as Indian gooseberry or amla is an important herbal plant which has been widely used. Though the plant's entire structure is employed for therapeutic purposes, the fruits in particular have a wide range of pharmacological benefits. They are used as a medication as well as a tonic to re-establish lost vitality and stamina. Amla is nutrient-dense and a good source of vitamin C, amino acids, and minerals and other micro-nutrients in the diet. The fruits are used to cure diarrhoea, jaundice, and inflammation in traditional medicine. Bioactive compounds found in E. officinalis include tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, ascorbic acids, and many others that have been shown to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anticancer, and other pharmacological activities. This review includes pharmacological properties, traditional use, geographical distribution, commercialization and therapeutic characteristics of this very valued medicinal plant are mostly discussed in this article.