Chapter 3 – Amla in the Prevention of Aging: Scientific Validation of the Ethnomedicinal Claims

Phyllanthus emblica (syn. Emblica officinalis), commonly known as the Indian gooseberry, is an important medicinal plant in the traditional Indian system of Ayurvedic medicine. The fruits, which are of both dietary and medicinal use, are shown to possess myriad medicinal benefits and to possess anti-aging effects. Scientific studies carried out in accordance with the philosophy of modern medicine have shown amla to possess properties that can combat age-related illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, cardiac ailments, renal failure, immune suppression, arthritis, cataracts, and wrinkling of skin. The present chapter addresses these aspects in detail.