Indian Gooseberry for Cancer Prevention
Compelling preclinical studies with both in-vitro and in-vivo systems have shown that amla possesses anticancer, chemopreventive, cytoprotective, and radioprotective effects.
Various studies have shown amla extracts to inhibit growth of lung, liver, cervical, breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer cells.
Amla and some of its phytochemicals (gallic acid, pentagalloylglucose, ellagic acid, pyrogallol quercetin, and kaempferol) have found to be cytotoxic to neoplastic cells.
Several mechanisms are likely to be responsible for the cancer preventive effects of amla.
- Induction of apoptosis of neoplastic and preneoplastic cells
- Free radical scavenging, antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory activities
- Increase in glutathione S-transferase levels (an antioxidant enzyme)
- Decrease in excessive Phase 1 liver enzymes (which can convert chemicals into carcinogens)
- Decrease in lipid peroxidation
- Protection against DNA damage from various carcinogens
