Evidence supporting the use of: Indian Gooseberry
For the health condition: Glaucoma
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis or Amla) is primarily used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for a wide range of health conditions, including those affecting vision and eye health. In Ayurvedic texts, Amla is regarded as a "Rasayana" (rejuvenative) herb and is a major ingredient in the classical formulation Triphala, which is traditionally prescribed for eye disorders. This historical use is based on its reputed antioxidant properties and its ability to support "Pitta" balance, which, according to Ayurveda, is linked with healthy eyesight.
However, when it comes to glaucoma specifically, there is little to no direct scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Indian Gooseberry in either preventing or treating the condition. Glaucoma is characterized by increased intraocular pressure and progressive optic nerve damage, and the current management relies on pharmacologic or surgical interventions to lower intraocular pressure. While Amla's antioxidant properties are well-documented in laboratory and animal studies, and oxidative stress is a factor in glaucoma pathogenesis, there are no robust clinical trials or scientific studies demonstrating that Amla supplementation can meaningfully affect intraocular pressure or glaucoma outcomes in humans. Thus, its use for glaucoma is grounded in traditional practice rather than scientific validation.
Other health conditions supported by Indian Gooseberry
Acid IndigestionAcne
Alzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cataracts
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hangover
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia