Emblica exhibits strong antioxidant activity. It is one of the most important plants in the traditional Ayurvedic medical system as well as in other traditional health systems for immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, and anticancer actions. However, there is very limited clinical evidence to support the use of emblica for any indication.
The fruits contain a high concentration of ascorbic acid, which degrades with heating or cooking. In addition, they contain phenols, including ellagic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, corilagin, geraniin, furosin, gallotanins, emblicanins, flavonoids, glycosides, and proanthocyanidins. The roots contain glycosides and tannins.
There are few clinical studies to guide dosages. Diabetes/hyperlipidemia: 1 to 3 g of powdered, dried fruit was consumed daily in 30 mL of water for 21 days in 1 clinical trial. Another trial used amla 300 mg tablets (each containing 50% amla extract and 50% dextrin) 3 times per day. Hypercholesterolemia/hyperlipidemia: 500 mg standardized extract of Phyllanthus embilica twice daily.
