Phytochemistry, traditional uses and cancer chemopreventive activity of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica): The Sustainer.

Ayurveda, which is the oldest health system in the world, appreciates and uses amla to treat a host of diseases and promote positive health. Amla [Emblica officinalis, or emblic myrobalan], is called amalaki in Sanskrit. It is extensively used as a rejuvenator in ayurveda. It is also used widely in combination with other two [chebulic and belleric] myrobalans [fruit-bearing plant species] as triphala. Amla is indeed, the key ingredient in the popular ayurvedic recipe, Chyavanaprasha. More than anything, it may be called as "King of Rasayana" [rejuvenation], owing to its multiple health benefits. Phyllanthus emblica or Indian gooseberry (Amla) possesses a vastethnomedical history and represents a phytochemical reservoir of heuristic medicinal value. It is one of the oldest oriental medicines mentioned in Ayurveda as potential remedy for various ailments. The fruit is rich in quercetin, phyllaemblic compounds, gallic acid, tannins, flavonoids, pectin and vitamin C and also contains various polyphenolic compounds. A wide range of phytochemical components including terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins have been shown to posses’ useful biological activities. Many pharmacological studies have demonstrated the ability of the fruit shows antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antitumour, antigenotoxic, antiinflammatory activities, supporting its traditional uses. In this review, we have focused our interest on phytochemistry, traditional uses, cancer chemopreventive activity of Phyllanthus emblica both in vivo and in vitro. In view of its reported pharmacological properties and relative safety, P. emblica could be a source of therapeutically useful products.

Probiotics: The Emissaries of Health from Microbial World.

Probiotics have a long history of human use and are traditionally consumed in several parts of the world. These are live microbes that can be formulated into many different types of products, including foods, drugs, and dietary supplements. Examples of foods containing probiotics are yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, and some juices and soy beverages. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria are the most common types of microbes used as probiotics; but certain yeasts and bacilli may also fit the bill. Probiotics are also called "friendly bacteria" or "good bacteria". They are gaining importance because of the innumerable benefits, e.g. treating lactose intolerance, hypercholesterolemia and managing cardiac problems like atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. With the current focus on disease prevention and the quest for optimal health at all ages, the probiotics potential could reign high. Health professionals and pharmaceutical companies need to objectively help and guide their clients and consumers toward appropriate prophylactic and therapeutic uses of probiotics that deliver the desired beneficial health effects, shunning type and instant benefits.