Insight about the biochemical composition, postharvest processing, therapeutic potential of Indian gooseberry (amla), and its utilization in development of functional foods—A comprehensive review

Abstract

Indian gooseberry/Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn. syn. Phyllanthus emblica L) has an amazing nutritional profile and is a reservoir of biologically active compounds which have potential health benefits and are regarded as a remedy for lethal diseases. The unique features of amla, conferred by their bioactive components, have extended future prospects about their usage for useful effects on human nutrition and health globally. With the rapidly growing popularity of this unique therapeutic fruit, it is important to have comprehensive knowledge of this fruit. The current review article presents the nutritional profile, bioactive components, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and postharvest processing of amla fruit. Moreover, studies related to therapeutic properties of amla and its utilization in development of functional foods have been presented in this review. E. officinalis is a promising source of bioactive compounds which showed varied potential in the management of a number of human ailments which has been proven through various studies. Therefore, amla should be taken in the regular diet, thereby utilizing its potential health benefits. Practical applicationsAmla (Indian gooseberry), as source of natural bioactive compounds, has a great potential application in improving the status of human nutrition and health. The utilization of amla extract has various biological effects, like antimicrobial, antioxidant, gastroprotective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, radioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effect, owing to its bioactive components. The use of amla extract has recently increased in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products to replace synthetic antioxidants which have inherent harmful health effects. The review report will provide information on bioactive components, therapeutic properties, utilization of amla in the development of future functional foods, and postharvest processing of amla, which will provide critical information to researchers all over the world.

Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) pomace: exploring its sustainable application as a functional ingredient with nutritional, technofunctional, rheological and in‐vitro antioxidant properties

“…Bioactive components inherent to fruit pomace possess a number of therapeutic properties such as antimicrobial, cardioprotective, antitumoral and antimutagenic activities. Fruit pomace also possesses good techno‐functional properties due to which it can be used in various food formulations in order to control their textural and rheological behaviour (Muzaffar et al ., 2022). The valorisation of fruit pomace is of prime importance in order to transform a linear economy into a circular one and development of sustainable bio‐economy‐based approaches (Singh et al ., 2021).…”

Thermal and nonthermal processing of an underutilized fruit Emblica officinalis (Amla): a sustainable approach

“…The therapeutic uses of amla fruit include the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, inflammation, various skin disorders, liver ailments, neurological issues, digestive dysfunctions, cancer, and immunological disorders. 6 Muzaffar et al 7 gave insight into the biochemical composition, post-harvest processing and therapeutic potential of Indian gooseberry. Ahmad et al 8 reviewed the therapeutic benefits of Phyllanthus emblica , whereas Gul et al 9 reviewed the nutraceutical and functional benefits of amla.…”

Attenuation of Hyperlipidemia by Medicinal Formulations of Emblica officinalis Synergized with Nanotechnological Approaches

“…Cancer, diabetes, liver disease, ulcers, heart problems, anemia, and a number of other diseases can all be helped by the chemical constituents of P. emblica. Additionally, it helps with lowering cholesterol levels, ophthalmic disorders, and improving memory [4,5].…”