Antimicrobial Properties
Based on evidence that Triphala (dried fruit of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Phyllanthus emblica) has demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity against wound pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pyogenes, Kumar et al. recently prepared a Triphala ointment and evaluated its effects for in vivo wound healing on infected rats. The investigators identified significantly improved wound closure and bacterial count decreases in the treated group, along with significant hexosamine, uronic acid, and superoxide dismutase levels and diminished matrix metalloproteinase expression. They concluded that Triphala ointment exhibited antioxidant, antibacterial, and wound healing activities suitable for treating infected wounds and that the active constituents of the ointment warrant further consideration for wound therapy (J. Surg. Res. 2008;144:94-101).
In 2008, Fuji et al. studied the effects of amla extract on human skin fibroblasts, with a focus on in vitro production of procollagen and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). They employed the WST-8 assay to assess human skin fibroblast mitochondrial activity and an immunoassay to measure procollagen, MMPs, and Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) released from the fibroblasts. The researchers found that amla extract controls collagen metabolism in therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Specifically, they found that in a concentration-dependent fashion, amla promoted fibroblast proliferation and in a concentration- and time-dependent manner stimulated procollagen synthesis. They also noted that amla significantly lowered MMP-1 production, with significant increases in TIMP-1, but had no effect on MMP-2. The authors concluded that their findings suggest the potential of amla to confer mollifying and therapeutic as well as cosmetic benefits (J. Ethnopharmacol. 2008;119:53-7).
Conclusion
The fruit, and other most other parts, of Emblica officinalis have long been used in Indian traditional medicine, particularly for antiaging purposes. Recent evidence suggests broad potential for the extract of the amla fruit in modern Western medical treatment and, in particular, as an ingredient in general purpose dermatologic topical formulations as well as antiaging, hypopigmenting, and sunscreen agents. Much more research is necessary to establish the effectiveness of such products, but current findings are encouraging.