Anticancer Properties ofPhyllanthus emblica(Indian Gooseberry)

Abstract

There is a wealth of information emanating from bothin vitroandin vivostudies indicating fruit extract of thePhyllanthus emblicatree, commonly referred to as Indian Gooseberries, has potent anticancer properties. The bioactivity in this extract is thought to be principally mediated by polyphenols, especially tannins and flavonoids. It remains unclear how polyphenols fromPhyllanthus emblicacan incorporate both cancer-preventative and antitumor properties. The antioxidant function ofPhyllanthus emblicacan account for some of the anticancer activity, but clearly other mechanisms are equally important. Herein, we provide a brief overview of the evidence supporting anticancer activity of Indian Gooseberry extracts, suggest possible mechanisms for these actions, and provide future directions that might be taken to translate these findings clinically.