Indian Gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis Gaertn.) Pharmacological Properties

October 2017

Sunil Pareek, Alexander N. Shikov, Olga N. Pozharitskaya, Valery G. Makarov, Gustavo A. González‐Aguilar, Suyare Araújo Ramalho, Narendra Narain

Indian Gooseberry Emblica officinalis 5α-reductase hair growth antioxidant enzymes oxidative stress alkaloids flavonoids terpenes Amla

TLDR Indian Gooseberry has potential for cancer prevention and treatment and promotes hair growth.

The document from 2017 examines the pharmacological properties of Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis, EO), emphasizing its potential in cancer prevention and treatment. It details EO's antioxidant capacity, including its ability to scavenge harmful radicals, stimulate antioxidant enzymes, and protect against oxidative stress in various biological systems. Studies have shown that EO extracts can reduce DNA damage, enhance antioxidant and detoxification enzymes, inhibit tumor cell proliferation, and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenes, and has been found to inhibit 5α-reductase, an enzyme associated with hair loss, thus promoting hair growth. The document also outlines EO's broad pharmacological activities, including cardioprotective, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective effects, and calls for more research to fully understand its medicinal potential.

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Research cited in this study

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research 5α-Reductase Inhibition and Hair Growth Promotion of Some Thai Plants Traditionally Used for Hair Treatment

69 citations, December 2011 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”

Some Thai plants, especially Carthamus tinctorius, could help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth without adverse effects.

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