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Abstract

Āmla (Emblica officinalis) tree is deciduous with fleshy fruit nearly about the size of lemon. It is one of the richest sources of ascorbic acid and is used for its healing properties in Unani and Ayurvedic system of medicine since antiquity. Āmla contains iron, calcium, phosphorus and tannins. It is haematinic, anabolic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective. Scientists have reported that Āmla possesses radiomodulatory, chemoprotective, free radical scavenging, anti-neoplastic and immunomodulatory effects. In traditional systems of medicine āmla is used in anemia, palpitations, and anxiety. Its sharbat is considered to be useful in jaundice, hemorrhoids, flatulence, and dyspepsia. This review is aimed to be acquainted with general description, physical, chemical and medicinal properties of āmla (Emblica officinalis). Need of the hour is to validate the healing properties of āmla on scientific grounds in order to avail the said benefits at low cost with no undesirable effects.