Indian Gooseberry Benefits Collagen Synthesis, Aging

BANGKOK, Thailand—Superfruits are not only gaining momentum as a healthy inclusion in foods and beverages, but they are also increasingly used in skin care applications. Phyllanthus emblica— Indian Gooseberry or Amla—is newer to the superfruit category, but it is quickly becoming known for its health benefits. In fact, results from a Thai study showed emblica extract’s type I collagen promoting and anti-collagenase effects on primary mouse fibroblast cells (Int J Cosmet Sci. 2010;32(3)233). At a concentration of 0.1 mg ml-1, an emblica extract significantly increased the type I pro-collagen level up to 1.65-fold and 6.78-fold greater than an untreated control. It also caused an approximately 7.75-fold greater type I pro-collagen induction compared to the known herbal collagen enhancer asiaticoside at the same treatment concentration (0.1 mg ml­1). Moreover, emblica extract inhibited collagenase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Maximal inhibition was observed at a concentration of 1 mg ml­1. The researchers said, “Emblica extract has a promising pharmacological effect that benefits collagen synthesis and protects against its degradation and could be used as a natural anti-aging ingredient.”