Another Alternative - Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

[Harry Hirsute]

If your doctor insists that you do something about your cholesterol (and you agree with your doctor) ... you might want to consider a natural alternative.

Extract of Amla (Indian Gooseberry) Reduces Systemic Inflammation and Improves Dyslipidemia

"A Pilot Clinical Study to Evaluate the Effect of Emblica Officinalis Extract (Amlamax™) on Markers of Systemic Inflammation and Dyslipidemia," Antony B, Benny M, Kaimal TNB, Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 2008; 23(4): 378-381. (Address: Dr. Benny Antony, Director Technical, Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd, P.B. No. 126, Bank Road, Alwaye, Kerala, 683101, India. E-mail: mail@arjunanatural.com ).

In a study involving 51 subjects (male and female, between the ages of 26 and 72 years) with total cholesterol levels between 190 and 310 mg/dL and CRP levels between 1.5 and 5 mg/L, supplementation with a purified, standardized, dried extract of amla (emblica officinalis, commonly known as Indian gooseberry), known as Amlamax™, was found to significantly reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease arising from inflammation and dyslipidemia.

One group of subjects received 500 mg of the extract at bedtime along with a glass of water, and the other group received 1000 mg of the extract at bedtime, along with a glass of water, for a period of 6 months.

Significant reductions in serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and significant increases in HDL cholesterol were found. Furthermore, CRP (C-reactive protein) levels dropped by 40%, and blood glucose metabolism improved (reductions in blood glucose levels) as well.

These results suggest that a dried extract of amla, such as that used in this study, may have a significant role to play in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additional research is warranted.