Prachinburi:Chao Phraya Abhaibhubej Hospital has emphasized the benefits of Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, in protecting cells from heavy metal toxicity. This statement comes amidst concerns about heavy metal contamination in the Prachinburi region.

According to Thai News Agency, the hospital revealed that animal studies have shown the potential of Indian gooseberry to mitigate the detrimental effects of heavy metals such as cadmium and lead. A study involving male mice demonstrated that oral administration of amla fruit juice reduced mortality rates and tissue damage in vital organs when exposed to cadmium. Additionally, the study noted a decrease in elevated liver enzymes and reduced cadmium accumulation in organs, highlighting amla's protective capacity against oxidative stress damage.

Further research indicated that amla fruit extract could lower the frequency of sperm abnormalities in mice exposed to lead, suggesting its role in protecting reproductive cells from heavy metal impact. Despite these promising results, the hospital cautioned that dosages used in animal studies do not directly translate to human dosages.

Moreover, the hospital addressed concerns regarding the safety of its herbal products amid the region's flooding and water pollution. Pharmacist Asalara Chaowcharoen assured that the hospital's raw herbal materials remain unaffected due to a robust quality control system. This system includes rigorous inspection of environmental conditions at cultivation sites for potential contamination and comprehensive testing for heavy metals and pesticide residues before, during, and after production.

The hospital also highlighted research into using the seed coat of Phyllanthus emblica, another name for Indian gooseberry, as a biomaterial for absorbing lead and cadmium in solutions. This research underscores the potential of Thai medicinal plants in both health and environmental applications, though practical application requires further evaluation of efficiency, safety, and suitability.