Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Gooseberry (commonly known as Indian gooseberry or Phyllanthus emblica, also called amla) has a long-standing presence in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for supporting kidney health, including the management of kidney stones. In Ayurveda, amla is considered a "rasayana" (rejuvenator) and is believed to possess diuretic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally, it is used either alone or in combination with other herbs to help prevent the formation of kidney stones, promote urine flow, and reduce urinary tract irritation. The rationale is that its high vitamin C and polyphenol content can help reduce oxidative stress, which is thought to play a role in stone formation.

However, scientific evidence remains limited. Some preclinical (animal or in vitro) studies suggest that extracts of amla may reduce the risk of stone formation by decreasing urinary oxalate levels and improving antioxidant status, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. The strength of evidence is therefore modest, relying primarily on traditional use and preliminary laboratory data rather than well-conducted human studies. Amla is generally considered safe as a dietary supplement, but its specific effectiveness for treating or preventing kidney stones has not been firmly established in the scientific literature. In summary, gooseberry's use for kidney stones is rooted mainly in traditional medicine, with limited scientific support at this time.

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