Indian gooseberry or amla has a divine place in the Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda. The amla (Emblica Officinalis Gaertn) fruits are used in extensive ayurvedic preparations to improve the immunity against certain diseases. It is very beneficial in managing anemia, diabetes, liver problems, ulcers, heart troubles and cancer.
Do You Know How Effective Indian Gooseberry is to reduce cancer risk? Indian gooseberry is known to show immunomodulatory, chemopreventive, anti-mutagenic, chemo modulatory, radioprotective, antioxidant, free-radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory actions. It also acts as chemosensitizers and improves the efficacy of various anti-tumor drugs.
You can take a glimpse of other anti-cancer herbs as well. Nature is filled with copious wonders that have superb ability to prevent cancer and to reduce cancer risk.
Today, let's explore how amla beneficial in cancer prevention and management:
Compounds present in Indian Gooseberry with anti-cancer properties
There are many molecules extracted from the amla which exhibit potential action against various types of cancers (liver cancer or skin cancer). These are phenolic compounds. Tannins and flavonoids. Let's explore these molecules in little detail:
Chemopreventive actions of Indian Gooseberry:
There are four ways through which this herb is known to exhibit its chemopreventive actions. Let's explore these:
1. Free-radical scavenging activity:
Amla is known to exhibit potent free-radical scavenging actions, which helps to neutralize the free radicals. This antioxidant activity further helps to prevent the free radical associated DNA damage and oncogenesis.
There are many other naturally occurring antioxidants that help in cancer prevention, which would be helpful for you.
2. Acts upon cytochrome enzymes
Cytochrome enzymes (Cyp 450) help to convert the xenobiotics (chemical compounds which are foreign to the organism body) into potential carcinogens. These enzymes also have a specific role in activation or inactivation of cancer drugs.
This can be harmful. Amla is known to reduce these enzyme levels in the liver cells. It helps to reduce hepatotoxicity.
There are many other ways that can help you in the prevention of liver cancer. Also, take a look at these 'Natural ways to prevent liver cancer'.
3. Anti-inflammatory properties
Amla is known to possess potential anti-inflammatory actions. Chronic inflammation in the body can damage the DNA and significantly affects the growth of normal cells. This can create a suitable environment for cancer progression. Amla reduces the chances of chronic inflammation and creates a healthy body environment.
4. Anti-mutagenic actions
Mutagenicity involves the permanent changes in the DNA and induction of a carcinogenic environment. Amla acts as an antimutagenic agent and is able to counteract effects of mutagens. In this way it helps to prevent the DNA mutation.
How to take Indian gooseberries on a daily basis?
- Drink amla water or fruit extract every morning on an empty stomach or in the evening one hour before a meal.
- Eat 1-2 amla fruit on a daily basis.
- You can eat amla in pickle form as well.
Overall, Indian gooseberry is a potent herb that can prevent our cells from being mutagenic. It is very crucial to consume amla on a daily basis. It will not only reduce your risk of cancer but also the risk of other diseases. Eat healthy foods, do physical activity, do yoga and keep your body fit and healthy.