Phyllanthus embilica (Indian gooseberry) extract can reduce inflammation biomarkers, improve lipid profiles for those with metabolic syndrome

Indian gooseberries (Phyllanthus emblica) possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help support healthy metabolism. Researchers from Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in India evaluated their ability to reduce endothelial dysfunction and prevent the onset of metabolic syndrome.

They published their findings in the scientific journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

• Endothelial dysfunction contributed to the appearance and development of atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and other diseases. The pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for treating this disorder all have adverse effects on human health, so researchers looked for natural substitutes and supplements.
• Participants received either a placebo, 250 milligrams, or 500 milligrams of Indian gooseberry extract twice each day. They underwent monitoring for changes in their endothelial function, including shifts in oxidative stress and systemic inflammation.
• Following eight and 12 weeks of treatment, the extract-treated groups showed significantly better endothelial function than the placebo group and their starting levels. By the 12th week of treatment, both treated groups displayed considerable changes in oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. They also experienced significant changes in other factors associated with metabolic syndrome.
• All 59 participants finished the study. No one quit due to adverse reactions, which suggested that gooseberry extract was safe and well-tolerated by the human body.
• Both dosages of gooseberry extract considerably strengthened endothelial function, reduced oxidative stress, inhibited systemic inflammation, and improved the lipid profile. The 500-milligram dose achieved the best effect when taken twice daily.

The full study can be browsed here.

Antioxidant-rich Indian gooseberry extract might serve as an effective way to supplement conventional methods of treating patients with metabolic syndrome.

Journal Reference:

Merugu, P., Nutalapati, C., Usharani, P. 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. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 6 May 2019. DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2509-5.