Amla (also popularly known as Indian gooseberry and officially known as both Emblica officinalis and Phyllanthus emblica) has been a staple of Ayurvedic practice for over 2,000 years. It has been known to speed wound healing, strengthen bones, and improve vision. In clinical research, amla improved ratios of HDL cholesterol, lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol, and reduced C-reactive protein levels.

In this review, researchers examined amla studies that show it moderates or improves conditions related to risk of Alzheimer’s, including blood sugar imbalances, oxidative damage, and inflammation. Addressing these concerns may do much to at least slow progression of the disease and buy time and quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer’s and their families. And according to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 6.5 million Americans have this condition, so any advances in fighting the disease could benefit a great many people.

When looking at amla supplements, it is important to consider quality and standardization. A clinically studied form of amla, with a fruit extract in a 25:1 ratio and standardized to contain at least 35 percent polyphenol content, may be helpful. It has been successful for treating cholesterol levels, and, like many botanicals, has the potential to tackle a multitude of health concerns without causing complications or side effects.

Abstract:

Teimouri E, Rainey-Smith SR, Bharadwaj P, Verdile G, Martins RN. Amla Therapy as a Potential Modulator of Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Factors and Physiological Change. J Alzheimers Dis. 2020;74(3):713-733. doi: 10.3233/JAD-191033. PMID: 32083581.

There is currently no effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia. It has been proposed, however, that a modest delay in onset can significantly reduce the number of cases. Thus, prevention and intervention strategies are currently the focus of much research. In the search for compounds that potentially confer benefit, the Amla fruit and its extracts have drawn attention. Amla preparations have been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine systems such as Ayurveda, with various parts of the plant used to treat a variety of diseases. Here we review many animal-based studies, and some clinical trials, which have shown that Amla, and its extracts, exert many positive effects on dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy, that contribute to AD risk. Collectively, this evidence suggests that Amla may be of value as part of an effective disease-delaying treatment for AD.