Scientific name: Phyllanthus emblica
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Higher classification: Leafflower
Order: Malpighiales
Kingdom: Plantae
Rank: Species

Indian gooseberry is a tree that grows in India, the Middle East, and some southeast Asian countries. Indian gooseberry has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Today people still use the fruit of the tree to make medicine.

Indian gooseberry is most commonly used for high cholesterol, abnormal levels of cholesterol or blood fats (dyslipidemia), and persistent heartburn. It is also used for diarrhea, nausea, and cancer, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work ?

Indian gooseberry seems to work by reducing total cholesterol levels, including the fatty acids called triglycerides, without affecting levels of the "good cholesterol" called high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
High cholesterol. Most early research shows that taking Indian gooseberry fruit or fruit extract for 4 weeks to 6 months decreases low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in people with high cholesterol.
A grouping of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (metabolic syndrome). Early research shows that taking Indian gooseberry extract for 12 weeks decreases levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, and fats called triglycerides. It also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol.
Osteoarthritis. Early research shows that taking two capsules of an Ayurvedic formula containing Indian gooseberry and several other ingredients three times daily for 24 weeks is as beneficial as taking glucosamine sulfate or the drug celecoxib for reducing pain in people with knee osteoarthritis.