Indian gooseberry -- botanical name Emblica offinalis and Hindi name amla -- has had a role in Ayurveda, the traditional medicinal system of India, since ancient times. This fruit has strong antioxidant properties, as it contains a high level of ascorbic acid. Research is lacking on its effectiveness, however, according to Drugs.com. Indian gooseberry does not appear to have any negative effects on kidney function, and it might even have some benefits. Consult a qualified health care provider before consuming Indian gooseberry supplements.
Possible Benefits
Although Indian gooseberry is commonly used in traditional medicine, few studies with humans have been conducted, notes Drugs.com. Animal research indicates that fruit extracts of this plant may have several beneficial effects. The extracts may lower cholesterol and blood sugar, protect the liver, protect against and heal certain types of gastric ulcers and have pain-relieving effects.
Lack of Negative Effects
Animal research with Indian gooseberry has not found any negative reactions, even at high or long-term dosages, according to Drugs.com. No adverse effects on kidney function have been found either. Since clinical research is lacking, it is impossible to know whether this would be the case with humans as well, but no adverse effects or major toxicities have been reported.
Clinical Research
A study published in 2009 in the "American Journal of Chinese Medicine" investigated whether Indian gooseberry extract would decrease oxidative stress in people with uremia. Uremia involves a buildup of waste products in the blood caused by kidney dysfunction severe enough to cause symptoms; oxidative stress produces harmful substances known as free radicals. Their results indicated that while taking Indian gooseberry extract may increase plasma antioxidant activity and reduce oxidative stress in patients with uremia, it did not have an effect on the participants' kidney function.
Animal Research
Animal research published in the September 19, 2007 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" evaluated the effects of Indian gooseberry on kidney dysfunction associated with oxidative stress during aging. Results indicated that its antioxidant effects could make the supplement useful for preventing age-related kidney disease.
References
- Drugs.com: Emblica
- NetDoctor: Kidney Failure
- NetDoctor: Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress
- "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry"; Amla (Emblica Officinalis Gaertn.) Attenuates Age-Related Renal Dysfunction by Oxidative Stress; T. Yokozawa et al.; September 2007
- "American Journal of Chinese Medicine"; Supplementation of Emblica Officinalis (Amla) Extract Reduces Oxidative Stress in Uremic Patients; T.S. Chen et al.; 2009
