Emblic Fruit

Amalaki is said to aid in the treatment of the following health conditions:

Atherosclerosis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Joint pain
Obesity
Amalaki is commonly used to promote longevity in Ayurveda. It's also used by Ayurvedic practitioners to improve the health of the blood, bones, digestive system, liver, and skin.1

Additionally, Amalaki is said to possess cooling properties that can help soothe pitta (one of the three doshas). According to the principles of Ayurveda, excess pitta can contribute to inflammation, difficulty sleeping, skin problems, gastrointestinal disorders, and stress-related issues such as high blood pressure.

In addition, Amalaki is thought to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, promote detox, sharpen memory, and protect against cancer.

Benefits
Despite its long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, Amalaki, and its health effects have been tested in few scientific studies. However, some preliminary research suggests that Amalaki may offer certain health benefits. Here's a look at some key findings from the available studies on Amalaki:

1) High Cholesterol
Amalaki may help prevent hyperlipidemia (a condition marked by abnormally high levels of cholesterol and other blood fats), according to a 2007 study from the British Journal of Nutrition. In tests on rats, the study's authors found that Amalaki may help fight hyperlipidemia by curbing oxidative stress.2

2) High Blood Pressure
A study published in Cardiovascular Toxicology in 2011 found that Amalaki may help prevent the development and progression of high blood pressure. In an experiment involving rats, scientists determined that antioxidants found in Amalaki may help normalize blood pressure in part by reducing oxidative stress.3

3) Diabetes
Amalaki may help protect against diabetic complications, suggests a 2012 study from the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. In the study, researchers found that treating rats with Amalaki reduced the risk of diabetic complications by improving the animals' antioxidant status and neutralizing free radicals.4

4) Cancer
Amalaki has a number of properties that may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of cancer, according to a report published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention in 2011. According to the report, Amalaki may help fight cancer through several means, such as reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and knocking out free radicals. However, there is currently a lack of clinical trials testing the anti-cancer effects of Amalaki.5