What is it used for?
Source of antioxidants/Provides antioxidants [Source note 2].
Source of antioxidants/Provides antioxidants that help fight/protect (cell) against/reduce (the oxidative effect of/the oxidative damage caused by/cell damage caused by) free radicals [Source note 3].
Traditionally used in Ayurveda as Rasayana (rejuvenative tonic) [Source note 4].
Traditionally used in Ayurveda to help relieve symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion associated with Amlapitta (hyperacidity/dyspepsia) [Source note 5].
Traditionally used in Ayurveda as a digestive tonic to increase appetite and aid in digestion (stomachic) [Source note 6].
Traditionally used in Ayurveda as a mild laxative for the relief of occasional constipation [Source note 7].
Traditionally used in Ayurveda as an eye tonic [Source note 8].
The laxative claim is based on the Ayurvedic Medicine; however, this is not a stimulant laxative nor a bulk-forming laxative. The mode of action is unclear and the laxative effect is mild.
The above uses can be combined on the product label if from the same traditional or non-traditional system of medicine (e.g. Traditionally used in Ayurveda to help relieve symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion associated with Amlapitta (hyperacidity/dyspepsia) and as a digestive tonic to increase appetite and aid in digestion (stomachic)).
For multi-ingredient products:
What this guide covers
The solidus (/) indicates that the terms and/or statements are synonymous. Either term or statement may be selected by the applicant on the label.
Who does this guide cover?
Adults 18 years and older
How is it taken?
Oral
Which forms are covered?
this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.
Quantities
Methods of preparation: Dry, Powdered, Non-Standardized Ethanolic Extracts (Dry extract, Tincture, Fluid extract)
Antioxidant
Not to exceed 6 grams of dried fruit, per day [Source note 9].
Amlapitta, Digestive tonic, Laxative, Rasayana or Eye tonic
3-6 grams of dried fruit, per day [Source note 10].
How is it used?
All products
Take a few hours before or after taking other medications or health products [Source note 11].
How long is it used?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Warnings and precautions
All products
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are breastfeeding [Source note 12].
Products providing more than 3 grams of amla, per day
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant [Source note 13].
Amlapitta, Digestive tonic
Ask a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Laxative
Ask a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen or if laxative effect does not occur within 7 days [Source note 14].
When should it be avoided?
Laxative
Do not use if you have fever or any undiagnosed gastrointestinal trouble [Source note 15].
Possible side effects
Amlapitta, Antioxidant, Digestive tonic, Rasayana or Eye tonic
When using this product you may experience a laxative effect.
Storage
Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.
Preparation details
Ingredient identity, preparation requirements, and other details that define the scope of this guide.
Ingredients and preparations
| Proper name(s) | Common name(s) | Source information / Source material(s) | Source information / Part(s) | Source information / Preparation(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phyllanthus emblica |
| Phyllanthus emblica | Fruit | Dry |
References: Proper name: USDA 2023; Gardner and McGuffin 2013; Common names: ITIS 2023; USDA 2023; API 2001; Gardner and McGuffin 2013; Source information: API 2001; Khory and Katrak 1999.
Other ingredients
Must be chosen from the current source ingredient database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
Preparation and quality requirements
The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the source authority source’s product quality guidance.
The active ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the source ingredient database.
Guide change history
Updates to this SupplementSafety.org guide.
Minor updates
Updated guide wording, organization, and source presentation. Added our editorial change history.
Initial release
Initial SupplementSafety.org guide prepared from source reference material.
Validation: Not yet completed. Editorial updates do not constitute clinical validation.
Sources
Source information
This guide organizes source material about uses, preparations, amounts, and precautions. Read the conditions alongside each statement; the information may apply only to particular preparations or populations.
The source document includes supporting references. We have not independently summarized or assessed every cited study for this guide.
- Source document version
- March 28, 2025
- Source captured
- Aug 15, 2026
- Editorial work
- Editorial preparation. Independent clinical review has not been recorded for this guide.
Full citations are available through the link above. Verification is required to open them; reading this guide does not require verification.
Taking a medication too?
Explore our supplement–medication interaction checker. Its coverage and review status are shown with the results; a missing finding does not establish that a combination is safe.