Evidence supporting the use of: Gooseberry
For the body system: Eyes

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Gooseberry, particularly Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica or "amla"), has a long-standing role in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda for supporting eye health. In Ayurveda, amla is a key ingredient in formulations like "Triphala," which is commonly recommended for maintaining eye function and treating a variety of eye disorders. The traditional rationale is that amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which are believed to help protect the eyes from oxidative stress and aging-related degeneration. There are also references in classical Ayurvedic texts to amla’s benefits for improving eyesight and alleviating symptoms of eye fatigue or redness.

However, modern scientific validation of these traditional claims is limited. Some preliminary laboratory and animal studies suggest that the antioxidant properties of gooseberry may help protect ocular tissues from oxidative damage, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. The evidence base is therefore primarily traditional, with some emerging, but not yet conclusive, scientific support. As such, the use of gooseberry for eye health remains rooted in historical practice rather than established clinical evidence.

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