Data from the randomized, double-blind, controlled study with 59 people with metabolic syndrome indicated that 12 weeks of supplementation with 500 mg twice a day of the Amla extract led to 11% reduction in total cholesterol, 21% reductions in LDL-cholesterol, 19% reductions in triglycerides, and 7% increases in HDL cholesterol.
The amla extract was also associated with significant improvements in markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, with benefits also recorded for a lower dose (250 mg twice a day), according to findings published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
“We suggest that Phyllanthus emblica be used as an adjunct to conventional treatment (lifestyle modification and pharmacological intervention) in the management of MetS,” wrote the researchers. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition characterized by central obesity, hypertension, and disturbed glucose and insulin metabolism. The syndrome has been linked to increased risks of both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Capros
The study used a standardized aqueous amla extract commercialized by New Jersey-based Natreon, and branded as Capros for the food, beverage and dietary supplements market.
This marks the 12th clinical trial published by Natreon for its amla extract, said the company.
Commenting on the new study, Dr Sanni Raju, CEO of Natreon, stated: “This latest trial once again has shown the ability of Capros to improve vascular health, reduce oxidative stress, improve the lipid profile, especially by reducing the LDL and triglycerides. It also has shown to enhance immune response by reducing hsCRP and improve blood flow.
“Capros is a totally natural and vegan edible fruit aqueous extract and when combined with its recently issued US Patent (8,962,576) on composition and methods for improving endothelial function and cardiovascular health, Capros’ solubility, stability and taste, make it an ideal heart health product for capsule, powder and beverage formations.”
Study details
For the new study, the researchers randomly assigned men and women with an average age of 57 to one of three groups: One group received placebo, while the other two groups received the Capros supplements at a dose of either 250 mg twice daily or 500 mg twice daily.
At the end of the four-week intervention period, the researchers found that both dosages led to significant improvements in endothelial function (a marker of vascular health), markers of oxidative stress (including nitric oxide, glutathione, and malondialdehyde), and systemic inflammation biomarker (hsCRP decreased by almost 40% in the lower dose group and by almost 54% in the higher dose group), compared to baseline and placebo.
Significant improvements in cholesterol and triglyceride levels were also recorded, said the researchers.
“Both 250 mg twice daily and 500 mg twice daily doses had significantly better effect than the placebo; however, the 500 mg twice daily dose was significantly more efficacious than the 250 mg twice daily dose,” they wrote.
“Further studies in a larger population are warranted to address whether administration of Phyllanthus emblica may lead to a novel therapeutic alternative in improving the components of metabolic syndrome.”
Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
2019 19:97, doi: 10.1186/s12906-019-2509-5
“Evaluation of the effects of a standardized aqueous extract of Phyllanthus emblica fruits on endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and lipid profile in subjects with metabolic syndrome: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled clinical study”
Authors: P. Usharani, et al.