Emblica officinalis

Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
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This information describes the common uses of Emblica officinalis, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.

What is it?

Emblica officinalis has antioxidant effects. It has not been shown to treat cancer in humans.

E. officinalis is commonly used in Ayurveda, the traditional medicinal system of India, for various ailments including diarrhea, jaundice, headaches, inflammation, and as a tonic. It is also one of the constituents of a popular Ayurvedic formulation, Triphala. All parts of the tree including the dried and fresh fruits, seeds, leaves, root bark, and flowers are used. Studies done in the lab and in animals suggest that E. officinalis has antioxidant, antibacterial, liver protective, cardioprotective, antiulcer, antitumor, antidiabetic properties. Small studies in humans show that it has antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects.

E. officinalis has strong antioxidant effects, and may therefore interfere with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

  • Diabetes
    Small studies showed that E. officinalis improves HDL cholesterol and reduces LDL levels in diabetic individuals.
  • Cancer
    Studies in mice that indicate that E. officinalis may inhibit tumor growth. However, human studies are needed in order to confirm this effect.
  • Cardioprotective Effects
    Lab studies suggest protective effects against doxorubicin toxicity.
  • Diarrhea
    There is no scientific evidence to support this use.
  • Jaundice
    Used in traditional medicine for jaundice. Clinical data are lacking.
  • Headaches
    Animal studies suggest E. officinalis can reduce fever and pain.
  • Inflammation
    E. officinalis was shown to reduce inflammation in lab studies. Human data are lacking.
  • Chronic ulcers
    Traditional use and results from lab studies support this use.
  • Hyperlipidemia
    Data from lab studies and small human studies indicate hyperlipidemic effects.

What else do I need to know?

Do Not Take if:

  • Clopidogrel: When used at the same time, E. officinalis extract was found to increase the antiplatelet activity in a study of patients with Type-2 diabetes.
  • Ecosprin: The above study found increased antiplatelet activity with Ecosprin as well.
If you have questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider. A member of your care team will answer Monday through Friday from to Outside those hours, you can leave a message or talk with another MSK provider. There is always a doctor or nurse on call. If you’re not sure how to reach your healthcare provider, call 212-639-2000.
If you have questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider. A member of your care team will answer Monday through Friday from to Outside those hours, you can leave a message or talk with another MSK provider. There is always a doctor or nurse on call. If you’re not sure how to reach your healthcare provider, call 212-639-2000.

For more resources, visit www.mskcc.org/pe to search our virtual library.

Emblica officinalis - Last updated on April 5, 2023
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