Phyllanthus emblica L. · herb
Evidence tier: limited
Amla, also called the Indian gooseberry, is the fruit of Phyllanthus emblica, a small tree native to India. It has a long history in Ayurveda and in Indian cooking, and is taken as a powder, a juice or in capsules.
Antioxidant chemistry (MSK). It reduces platelet clumping in people (PMID 24291054), and small trials show modest lipid changes (PMID 39678212).
Limited. Small human trials exist and point the same way, but reviewers rate them low certainty. A meta analysis of 4 randomised trials (227 people) found total cholesterol about 21 mg/dL lower, LDL lower and HDL about 5 mg/dL higher, with no significant change in triglycerides; heterogeneity was high and certainty low, and mild indigestion was the side effect noted (PMID 39678212). The most consistent human signal is on platelets: in 10 people with type 2 diabetes, 500 mg of extract, once or twice daily for 10 days, reduced platelet aggregation and lengthened bleeding and clotting time, including when combined with clopidogrel and aspirin (PMID 24291054). That is a benefit in one light and the main safety caution in another.
Human trials used 500 mg of extract once or twice daily (PMID 24291054); lipid trials ran about 12 weeks (PMID 39678212). No official therapeutic dose.
Talk to your doctor before taking amla extract with blood thinning or antiplatelet medicines (clopidogrel, aspirin, warfarin), and tell your surgeon or dentist before a procedure [PMID 24291054; MSK]. Talk to your oncology team if you are having chemotherapy or radiation [MSK].
Pregnancy: caution
Breastfeeding: caution
Active compounds: vitamin C (ascorbic acid), tannins (emblicanin A, emblicanin B, punigluconin), polyphenols, flavonoids
Remedies using Amla · Browse by body system · Check it against what you take
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.