Amla extract significantly reduced cholesterol levels of dyslipidemic subjects, says new study

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A study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that supplementation with amla, or Indian gooseberry, has a significant impact on dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia is defined as abnormally high levels of cholesterol and lipids in the blood, and is considered a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of cholesterol and lipids on the artery walls. In the randomized, placebo-controlled study, 98 dyslipidemic patients were given either 500 mg of a patented amla extract (Tri-low by Arjuna Natural, Ltd.; Kerala, India) or placebo, twice daily for 12 weeks.

The extract is standardized for polyphenols and diacyglycerides of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Results showed that after 12 weeks of supplementation, subjects taking the amla extract experienced significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, compared to placebo. There was also a 39% reduction in the atherogenic index of plasma, which is a key indicator of cardiac health.

“The toxic combination of high cholesterol, stress of modern life, and the wide availability of junk food are factors that are known to aggravate cardiovascular diseases,” explains Benny Anthony PhD, joint managing director for Arjuna, in a press release. “The sacred Indian gooseberry, or ‘amla’, has been used for centuries in many Ayurvedic formulations as a Rasayanic, something known for its all-around health benefits and outstanding safety. Today we are increasingly realizing its place as an all-powerful cardiac protector - even in stubborn cases of unhealthy lipid profiles. Arjuna offers the same nutraceutical in an improved, more bioactive, and highly concentrated form.”

References:

1. Upadya H et al. “A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, multicenter clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Emblica officinalis extract in patients with dyslipidemia.” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 19 (2019): 27