Indian gooseberry and cancer:
Scientists tested the anti-cancer effects of Phyllanthus emblica (PE), Indian gooseberry known for its medicinal properties. In a series of experiments on mice and on human cancer cell lines, they found that an extract of PE may help slow tumor growth and promote apoptosis (a type of programmed cell death essential for stopping the proliferation of cancer cells). PE extract at 50-100 microg/mL significantly inhibited cell growth of six human cancer cell lines: lung, liver, cervical, breast, ovarian and colorectal. Additionally, researchers saw a 50% reduction of tumor numbers and volumes in mice treated with PE extract. PE extract at 25 and 50 micrograms/mL was also shown to inhibit invasiveness of breast cancer cells. These results suggest PE has anti-cancer properties against certain cancer cells. (20)