Emblica officinalis (Amla) as medicine

Although numerous herbs have been shown to have potent biological activity, edibleherbs are more attractive in traditional medicine. Emblica officinalis, generally referredto as amla, is of particular interest due its enormous medicinal value. Amla is generallyconsidered safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has beenauthenticated by many pharmaceutical companies. In this chapter, we will discuss theorigin of amla and its availability throughout the world as well as the chemicalconstituents of each part of the plant. We will also summarize the therapeutic efficaciesof amla, including its anticancer, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, cardioprotective,antipyretic, analgesic, antihyperchloresterolemic, and cytoprotective properties. Insummary, inclusion of amla in a normal diet can alleviate a number of health hazards.