Amla Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Introduction:

You might have heard your grandmother or other elderly family members rave about how good amla may be for your health. It is mentioned as a remedy for so many ailments in folk medicine that it almost feels like a myth. You might even doubt its real medical potential. But it may be true! Amla may be considered as a wonder herb and might be used for treating many problems. It may be regarded as a precious gift of mother nature to human health. Isn’t it astonishing to know that one herb might have numerous applications? Ancient Indian mythology seems to have similar beliefs; it is believed that amla was the first tree to be created in the universe.¹

Amla or Indian gooseberry is known as Embelica officinalis scientifically. It is native to India and can also be found in Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Pakistan, China, Uzbekistan and Malaysia, which are tropical and subtropical regions. There is wide use of amla in Ayurveda to treat many conditions as it is rich in various vitamins and minerals. Besides the fruit, the seeds, bark and leaves may also be used for multiple purposes.¹

Nutritional Value of Amla Juice:

Amla is a good source of vitamin C and is also known for its high fibre content. There are other bioactive components present in amla too.¹ The nutrient profile of amla is as follows: 

• Carbohydrates: 4%
• Protein: 2%
• Fat: 1%
• Fibre: 15%
• Potassium: 4%
• Iron: 2%
• Calcium: 2%
• Vitamin C: 31%
• Vitamin B1: 3%
• Vitamin B2: 2%
• Vitamin B3: 2%
• Vitamin B5: 6%
• Vitamin B6: 5%
• Vitamin B9: 2%
• Vitamin E: 2%

Nutritional profile of amla juice²  

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From my knowledge, as a matter of fact, amla contains phytonutrients and antioxidants that are believed to help with memory by combating free radicals, that are known to assault and destroy brain cells. I strongly recommend the consumption of amla juice in moderation for maximum benefits.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Properties of Amla Juice:

Amla may have many properties. Some of the potential properties of amla juice are stated below:

• It may act against various microorganisms (anti-microbial)
• It might kill insects (insecticidal)
• It may be an antioxidant
• It might help in protecting the heart (cardioprotective)
• It might help in protecting the liver (hepatoprotective)
• It may alleviate inflammation (anti-inflammatory)
• It might help in relieving diarrhoea (anti-diarrhoeal)
• It may prevent the occurrence of anaemia (anti-anaemic)
• It might help in reducing fever (antipyretic)
• It might be radioprotective (helps against effects of radiation)
• It might help with memory
• It might help to boost energy and vigour
• It might help to boost immunity¹

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Potential Uses of Amla Juice for Overall Health:

1. Potential uses of Amla Juice for the Heart:

It is hypothesised that oxidative stress might cause heart diseases to occur. In animal studies, it was found that amla juice might help lower the level of reactive oxygen species in the body and may help decrease oxidative stress, thereby it may be helpful for heart diseases. As the elements which might cause heart diseases might be potentially removed, it might be helpful for heart health. However, there is a need for studies on humans to state it as a fact.¹ Disease of the heart should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor, so ensure that you consult a doctor.     

2. Potential uses of Amla juice for Diabetes:

Amla has a high vitamin C content, which might contribute to its anti-diabetic property. Studies have shown that amla juice might have the potential to reduce blood sugar and it may promote the production of insulin. However, in animal studies, a herbal composition containing amla and other compounds like Guduchi (Tinospora cardifolia) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum) did not cause much lowering of blood sugar. The use of other herbal preparations also showed only a small reduction in blood sugar levels. Therefore, though there are studies that might prove amla’s effectiveness in lowering blood sugar, the results are not consistent. So, there is a need for more human studies.¹ Diabetes is a serious condition and should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Kindly consult a doctor.

3. Potential uses of Amla juice for Cancer

Amla juice might be helpful for cancers and might help to stop it from growing and spreading. It might have the potential to curb the growth of cancer cells in various cancers such as that of the breast, stomach, liver, uterus, and pancreas. It might help the cells against the harmful effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, owing to its potential antioxidant and radioprotective (protects our cells from harmful radiation) activity. Amla might be a valuable tool for cancer treatment in the future.¹   However, extensive research is required to prove the above-mentioned claims. Therefore, you should consult a doctor.

4. Potential uses of Amla juice for Oxidative Stress

As amla is a natural source of vitamin C and contains a few components like gallic acid which might   exhibit antioxidant properties. Owing to this property, amla might act as a scavenger for free radicals in the body and neutralise them, which might potentially cause a reduction of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a cause of many diseases. The potential use of amla for conditions that result due to increased oxidative stress (like diabetes, cancer, etc.) may be attributed to its antioxidant activity. Amla may also help with redox homeostasis i.e., the capacity of cells to deal with stress and toxic substances. ¹ However, more research is required to state the potential use of amla juice for oxidative stress.

4. Potential uses of Amla juice for Cholesterol:

Amla might play a role in reducing blood cholesterol levels. It might potentially act in different ways;

• It may help in reducing the amount of fats (lipids) i.e., (hypolipidemic activity)

• It may help by not allowing the increase of fats in the blood (anti-hyperlipidaemic)

• It may help by not allowing fat to block the blood vessels (anti-atherogenic).

These actions might be why consumption of amla may show a decrease in blood cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) levels.¹ However, more research is required to ascertain the potential use of amla juice for cholesterol. Please consult a doctor before using amla juice for its potential health uses.

5. Potential uses of Amla juice for Youthfulness:

Apparently, amla might give strength to the body and energise it. It might help with various infections and diseases. These are the factors that might contribute to the possible anti-ageing effect of amla. Amla may also have potential use for hair and skin health. Thus, amla might have some effect on youthfulness, staying healthy and full of energy.¹ However, more research is required to prove these claims.

6. Potential uses of Amla Juice for Liver:

Amla might help the liver from getting damaged by certain toxic substances. The possible liver-protective action of amla may be due to its action as an antioxidant as it may nullify free radicals that might cause inflammation. Animal studies have shown that amla juice might help the liver from getting damaged due to alcohol consumption. It may also help with the severity of liver fibrosis (hepatic fibrosis) caused by toxic substances. In addition to these effects, amla might also help in the proper functioning of the liver.¹

However, more studies are required to prove such claims. Moreover, liver diseases can be serious and should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Kindly consult a doctor.

Studies have revealed that amla’s high Vitamin C content may aid in the production of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter which is thought to boost brain function in dementia patients. I suggest one dealing with dementia should consider consuming amla juice after discussing with their doctor.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Other Potential uses of Amla Juice:

There are various other potential uses of amla juice. Some of them are:

• Amla juice may be helpful for the eyes as it may help with eyesight preservation, conjunctivitis and glaucoma (reduction of pressure in the eyes).
• Amla juice combined with honey may be helpful for managing parasitic worm infection in the stomach (vermifuge) and might be prescribed by your Ayurvedic physician.
• It may be helpful for the teeth and mouth.
• It might help with jaundice.
• May be helpful for chronic piles and constipation due to its potential laxative (facilitates bulking up and passing of stools) action.
• It might help relieve fever (antipyretic).
• It might help in alleviating pain (analgesic).
• It may help with dysentery (watery stools with mucous caused due to stomach infections).
• It might be helpful for ulcers.
• It might have healing properties and may be helpful for skin wounds.
• It might help with respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis of the lung, lung abscess and pneumonia.
• It may help with rheumatism.
• It may also be helpful for scurvy as it is enriched with vitamin C.
• As amla might help in the absorption of iron, it may also be helpful for iron deficiency anaemia.¹

Though there are studies that show the potential use of amla juice in various conditions, but these are insufficient and there is a need of further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of amla juice on human health. 

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How to Use Amla Juice?

Amla juice is easily available in the market. Alternatively, you can extract fresh juice from the fruits of amla to reap maximum antioxidant benefit from it. However, a doctor must be consulted for use as a medicine for specific conditions. Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the form and dosage as per your health condition.

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.  

Side Effects of Amla Juice:

There are no credible sources claiming the specific side effects of amla juice. However, if you notice any allergic reactions or other symptoms occurring because of consuming it, please seek medical advice. Though there have been no reports of anaphylaxis, in case you notice a swelling of the face, throat or any other body part and have trouble in breathing, it may be due to an acute allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

You should immediately contact an ambulance and go to a doctor if you are ever in such a condition. Kindly do not self-medicate, replace, alter or discontinue any ongoing treatment on your own. Ensure that you consult a doctor.

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Precautions to Take with Amla Juice:

General precautions need to be taken before drinking amla juice. You should follow the dosage and way of use as recommended by your doctor. However, you need to be more precautious if:

• You are pregnant
• You are breastfeeding
• You are giving it to an elderly
• You are giving it to a child.

Ensure that you follow your doctor’s prescription and recommendations. Do not self-medicate, replace, alter or discontinue any ongoing treatment by yourself.

Interactions with Other Drugs:

Adverse reaction of amla juice with any other drug has not been reported. However, it may react with a few medications. So, make sure that you disclose all the medicines that have been prescribed to you for use when you consult an Ayurvedic physician. They will tailor their prescription to suit your health needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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References:

1. Pandey S. A complete pharmacognostic review on amla. 2021;8(4):622–37. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343294978_A_COMPLETE_PHARMACOGNOSTIC_REVIEW_ON_AMLA 
2. Nutrition Facts [Internet]. [cited 2022 May 24]. Available from: https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Gooseberries%2C_raw_nutritional_value.html?size=100+g 

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