Amla
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) is a dietary supplement with 10 published peer-reviewed studies involving 870 participants, researched for Cardiovascular & Cholesterol, Blood Sugar Regulation, Antioxidant & Immune Function and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Cardiovascular & Cholesterol
ModerateBlood Sugar Regulation
ModerateAntioxidant & Immune Function
StrongHair & Skin Health
StrongResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Cardiovascular & Cholesterol
To evaluate standardised amla extract on lipid profile in hypercholesterolaemic adults
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate standardised amla extract on lipid profile in hypercholesterolaemic adults
Dose
500 mg/day amla extract
Participants
98 adults with dyslipidaemia
Duration
12 weeks
Results
LDL reduced by 17.3% (p<0.001), total cholesterol by 12.1%, ApoB by 11.5%. HDL increased by 9.7%.
How They Measured It
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, ApoB
To compare amla vs simvastatin for lipid reduction in adults with dyslipidaemia
Study Type
Randomised, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To compare amla vs simvastatin for lipid reduction in adults with dyslipidaemia
Dose
1000 mg/day amla fruit powder
Participants
60 patients with mild-moderate hypercholesterolaemia
Duration
6 months
Results
Both amla and simvastatin significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL. Amla also reduced triglycerides by 25% without affecting liver enzymes.
How They Measured It
Fasting lipid panel, liver enzymes
To evaluate amla effects on cardiovascular risk factors
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate amla effects on cardiovascular risk factors
Dose
500-3000 mg/day
Participants
Meta-analysis of 9 RCTs
Duration
4-24 weeks
Results
Significant reductions in total cholesterol (MD -18.3 mg/dL), LDL (MD -12.1 mg/dL), and triglycerides. HDL increased. Consistent across studies.
How They Measured It
Lipid profile, CRP, blood pressure across 9 RCTs
Blood Sugar Regulation
To evaluate amla fruit extract on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate amla fruit extract on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes
Dose
1000 mg/day amla extract
Participants
80 type 2 diabetes patients
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in fasting glucose (-16%) and HbA1c (-0.6%) vs placebo. HOMA-IR improved by 18%. Postprandial glucose also reduced significantly.
How They Measured It
Fasting glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, insulin
To assess amla powder on glycaemic parameters in pre-diabetic adults
Study Type
Randomised, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess amla powder on glycaemic parameters in pre-diabetic adults
Dose
2000 mg/day amla powder
Participants
55 pre-diabetic adults
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Fasting glucose reduced by 11% and 2-hr glucose by 14% vs placebo. Progression to diabetes prevented in more amla participants.
How They Measured It
FPG, 2hr post-load glucose, insulin resistance
Antioxidant & Immune Function
To evaluate amla supplementation on antioxidant status and immune markers
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate amla supplementation on antioxidant status and immune markers
Dose
500 mg/day amla extract
Participants
45 healthy adults
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant increase in antioxidant capacity (TEAC +34%), SOD activity, and NK cell activity. T-lymphocyte proliferation improved by 27%.
How They Measured It
TEAC, SOD, catalase, lymphocyte proliferation, NK cell activity
To assess amla anti-inflammatory effects in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Study Type
Randomised, controlled trial
Purpose
To assess amla anti-inflammatory effects in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Dose
3000 mg/day amla powder
Participants
50 rheumatoid arthritis patients
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in ESR, CRP, and DAS28 scores vs control. Joint tenderness and swelling scores improved significantly.
How They Measured It
ESR, CRP, DAS28, RF titre
To evaluate amla extract on NAFLD and liver function
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate amla extract on NAFLD and liver function
Dose
500 mg/day amla extract
Participants
66 patients with NAFLD
Duration
6 months
Results
Significant reductions in ALT (24%), AST (18%), and liver fat score vs placebo. Liver stiffness reduced in 40% vs 15% placebo.
How They Measured It
ALT, AST, liver fat by ultrasound, fibroscan
Hair & Skin Health
To evaluate amla on hair growth and quality in alopecia
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate amla on hair growth and quality in alopecia
Dose
Topical amla oil + 500 mg oral amla extract
Participants
45 patients with mild alopecia
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significant increase in hair density (p=0.01) and shaft diameter. Telogen/anagen ratio improved. Patient-reported hair loss reduced significantly.
How They Measured It
Hair density count, hair diameter, telogen ratio
To assess amla extract effects on skin aging markers
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess amla extract effects on skin aging markers
Dose
600 mg/day amla extract
Participants
47 women aged 35-65
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significant improvements in skin elasticity (+14%), hydration, and reduction in wrinkle depth. Collagen synthesis markers increased.
How They Measured It
Cutometry, VISIA skin analysis, collagen density, skin elasticity
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Amla research
There are currently 10 peer-reviewed studies on Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), involving 870 total participants. Research covers Antioxidant status, Cholesterol management, Blood sugar control and 2 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (9 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Amla has been researched for: Antioxidant status, Cholesterol management, Blood sugar control, Immune function, Hair health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 9 out of 10 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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