As a child in India, Dr. Raj Kanodia was exposed to a fruit called Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry. The food fascinated him even then, and he set about studying it for much of his life.
Fast forward to current day, and Kanodia is a renowned plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, known as the “king of the Hollywood nose job.” Yet he is more interested than ever in Amla.
“I have studied the ancient Ayurvedic literature and learned about Amla’s benefits for the revitalization of cells,” he says. “It improves the mitochondria, which are the batteries of every cell.”
Kanodia has joined forces with DEF Research Director Dr. Cristina Kenney to investigate whether Amla can help “repair, improve and revitalize” cells in the macular portion of the retina.
“If we can take cells that are affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and reach them with Amla extract, we may be able to heal and prevent or slow vision loss from AMD,” he says. “This research takes us to another level of understanding and can help improve vision by improving cellular physiology. With further ongoing research, our desire is to scientifically establish that AMLA not only revitalizes the mitochondria in the macular cells, but every cell in the body is benefited and rejuvenated.”
Kanodia is also a generous financial donor to DEF. “The eyes are important,” he says. “I am delighted that my small contribution at the early stages of research can help us see the benefits of repairing the cells. I look forward to sharing this information, and encouraging my friends and patients to contribute toward this goal.”