Physical, Chemical and Enzymatic Changes in Amla (Emblica officinalis) Fruit during Growth and Maturation

BACKGROUND

Amla (Emblica officinalis) is one of the most prominent fruits in terms of nutritional and medicinal properties and is utilized for the preparation of many traditional processed foods and in Ayurvedic formulations.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the enzyme activity and physical and chemical quality parameters during the growth and development stages of amla fruit for the determination of proper harvesting time to get optimum nutrient contents of fruit.

METHODS

The amla fruits of the chakaiya variety were harvested at 135 to 270 days after fruit set (DAFS) in 2021 and 2022 to study the various physical, chemical and enzymatic changes during growth and maturation.

RESULTS

The geometrical and gravimetric attributes of the fruit, viz. diameter, height, weight, volume, surface area, sphericity, aspect ratio, and radius of curvature increased. However, density decreased with the growth and maturation of the fruit. Furthermore, the rolling resistance, yellowness index and firmness of the fruit increased during the entire harvesting period of 135 to 270 DAFS. Total soluble solids and titratable acidity of the fruits increased only up to 195 DAFS and after that, continuously decreased. In contrast, ascorbic acid concentration grew in the entire growth and development period. Tannic, phenolic compounds and naringin content of the fruit steadily dropped until the final stage of harvest. Pectin Methyl Esterase (PME) activity was detected very low, 0.009 unit/ml at 135 DAFS, but as the fruit grew and matured, activity increased to 0.307 unit/ml at 270 DAFS. Polygalactouronase (PG) activity was not detected until 210 DAFS and, thereforesignificantly increased with maturity.

CONCLUSION

Considering the optimal value of all studied physical, chemical and enzymatic attributes of the fruit during the entire harvesting period of 135 to 270 DAFS, the optimal harvesting time of the fruit was 210 DAFS.

Clinical effects of Emblica officinalis fruit consumption on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Emblica officinalis (EO) fruit consumption has been found to have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease (CVD) physiological risk factors in preliminary clinical intervention trials; however, questions remain regarding the overall effectiveness of EO on CVD risk. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to: 1) systematically describe the clinical research examining EO; and 2) quantitatively assess the effects of EO on CVD physiological risk factors.

METHODS

The Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar electronic platforms were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until April 7, 2021. Studies were included if they involved adults (age ≥ 18 years) ingesting a form of EO fruit; included blood lipids, blood pressure, and/or inflammatory biomarkers as outcomes; had clearly defined intervention and control treatments with pre- and post-intervention data; were peer-reviewed; and were written in English. Studies were excluded if they compared EO with another risk reduction intervention without a usual care control group. RCTs were assessed for methodological quality using the Cochrane risk-of-bias version 2 (ROB2) tool, qualitatively described, and quantitatively evaluated using random and fixed effect meta-analysis models.

RESULTS

A total of nine RCTs (n = 535 participants) were included for review. Included studies followed parallel-group (n = 6) and crossover (n = 3) designs, with EO dosage ranging from 500 mg/day to 1500 mg/day, and treatment duration ranging from 14 to 84 days. Meta-analyses revealed EO to have a significant composite effect at lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; Mean difference (MD) = -15.08 mg/dL [95% Confidence interval (CI) = -25.43 to -4.73], I² = 77%, prediction interval = -48.29 to 18.13), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C; MD = -5.43 mg/dL [95% CI = -8.37 to -2.49], I² = 44%), triglycerides (TG; MD = -22.35 mg/dL [95% CI = -39.71 to -4.99], I² = 62%, prediction interval = -73.47 to 28.77), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP; MD = -1.70 mg/L [95% CI = -2.06 to -1.33], I² = 0%) compared with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to statistical and clinical heterogeneity in the limited number of clinical trials to date, the promising effects of EO on physiologic CVD risk factors in this review should be interpreted with caution. Further research is needed to determine if EO offers an efficacious option for primary or secondary prevention of CVD as either monotherapy or adjunct to evidence-based dietary patterns and/or standard pharmacotherapy.

The impact of Emblica Officinalis (Amla) on lipid profile, glucose, and C-reactive protein: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Emblica Officinalis (Amla) is a plant often utilized in traditional medicine due to its purported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic properties. However, current evidence regarding its potential for preventing and treating metabolic abnormalities associated with chronic diseases remains unclear.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of Amla supplementation on lipid profile, glucose, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in adults. We completed a systematic search (current as of December 2022) of all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the database including ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Any effect's mean difference (MD) was calculated using a random-effects model. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated also calculated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Five RTCs were included in the meta-analysis. Following Amla supplementation, pooled results showed a significant reduction in CRP (p = 0.002), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.001), and serum triglyceride (TG) (p < 0.001) concentrations as well as an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (p < 0.001). The baseline concentration of biochemical indicators was used for subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSION

Amla supplementation shows promise for improving metabolic parameters in adults. In general, the populations included in the analysis were generally 40-58 years with an average BMI of 25.5 and a length of intervention ranging from 3 to 12 weeks. Thus additional investigations are warranted to confirm and expand the findings presented herein.

Aqueous Extract of Emblica officinalis Linn (Indian gooseberry) in Combination with Iodine is More Efficacious than Iodine Alone in Mitigating Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Curative Radiotherapy: Retrospective Observations

Mucositis is a very painful unavoidable and common side effect in head and neck cancer patients undergoing curative radiotherapy and can affect the planned treatment. In this study, attempt is made at understanding the efficacy of Emblica officinalis Linn (amla) when combined with providone iodine in mitigating radiation-induced mucositis, weight loss and tumor control. This was a retrospective chart based study and was carried out by extracting the data from the files of patients with cancer of head and neck who used amla in combination with iodine or iodine alone during the course of the curative radiotherapy (> 60 Gy). The data was entered in to Microsoft excel and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 17 software. The results indicate that when compared with iodine alone, the group where iodine and amla gargling were used was very effective in delaying mucositis, reduced incidence of intolerable mucositis (P = 0.027), quantitative grade of weight loss (P = 0.016), incidence of severe weight loss (P = 0.03) without affecting tumor response. The results suggest that when compared with iodine alone, amla when combined with iodine was more effective in mitigating radiation mucositis and by not interfering with the tumor cell kill. As far as the authors are aware of this is the first study that shows the usefulness of combining iodine with Amla in mitigating radiation-induced mucositis.

Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) Fruit Powder as a Supplement to Improve Preweaning Dairy Calves' Health: Effect on Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Response, and Gut Bacterial Diversity

Disease is the main reason for the use of antimicrobials in calf rearing, and antibiotics are commonly used to treat calves, including for unknown diseases. This leads to antimicrobial resistance, which is a challenge to the livestock industry and public health. Plant products containing high levels of phytochemicals may improve the immunity and resistance of calves against infections, thereby reducing the use of antimicrobials. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) fruit powder (PE) supplementation on antioxidant capacity and immune response of preweaning dairy calves. One hundred, 2-day-old, male Holstein calves were randomly assigned into five treatment groups receiving 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 g/d PE supplementation. Antioxidant and immune indices and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed from serum samples, whereas 16S rRNA was analyzed from rumen fluid and fecal samples. PE supplementation, at 5 g/d, protected calves against oxidative stress and improved antioxidant enzymes and immune and anti-inflammatory responses, showing its immunity-enhancing and protective roles against infections. However, the antioxidant capacity and immune response decreased with increasing PE levels, illustrating the adverse effects of PE supplementation at higher doses. The analysis of ruminal and fecal bacterial community abundance detected higher proportions of Firmicutes at an early age, and a higher Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio at weaning, in calves supplemented with 5 g/d PE. This contributed to the development of the immune system in early life, and improved immune and anti-inflammatory responses at a later age. The overall results suggest that PE could be supplemented at 5 g/d for preweaning dairy calves to protect against oxidative stress and infections while maintaining normal gut microbial hemostasis.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Property of Amla on Bond Strength and Color Stability of Power Bleached Teeth: An In vitro Study

INTRODUCTION

Objective: To assess the antioxidant property of 10% amla extract in reversing the compromised bond strength and to assess the antioxidant property of 10% amla extract and Elsenz on the color stability of power bleached teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninty extracted single-rooted maxillary anterior were collected and divided as follows: The labial surfaces of 30 samples were subjected to power bleaching after which the samples were divided into three groups- Group I (control), Group II (antioxidant amla), and Group III (Elsenz) with n = 10 in each which were then stained with a coffee solution for 10 mins. The color difference was recorded with a colorimeter at baseline, after bleaching, after 7, and after 15 days of staining. sixty specimens were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10) as following: Group I (immediate bonding); Group II (bleaching + immediate bonding); Group III (bleaching + antioxidant and immediate bonding); Group IV (bleaching + 1 week storage + antioxidant + bonding); Group V (bleaching + 2 week storage + antioxidant + bonding); Group VI (bleaching + 2 week storage + bonding). All the specimens were tested for shear bond strength in universal testing machine. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Scheffe's post hoc test.

RESULTS

Significantly higher staining was observed in Group II (amla) and least with Elsenz pasteThe highest mean shear bond strength was found in Group I followed by Group V.

CONCLUSION

Elsenz showed the least staining followed by artificial saliva. 10% Amla extract neither was effective in preventing staining of power bleached enamel nor in restoring the poor bond strength of power bleached enamel.

Comparative evaluation of Emblica officinalis as an etchant and an MMP inhibitor with orthophosphoric acid and chlorhexidine on the microshear bond strength of composite resin: an ex vivo study

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry or amla) as an acid etchant and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, and to compare its effect on the microshear bond strength of composite resin with orthophosphoric acid (OPA) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) as an acid etchant and MMP inhibitor, respectively.

Materials and Methods

The etching effect and MMP-inhibiting action of amla on dentin samples were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and gelatin zymography, respectively. Dentinal slabs (3 mm thick) from 80 extracted human molars were divided into 10 and 20 samples to form 2 control groups and 3 experimental groups. Groups 1, 2, and 4 were etched with OPA and groups 3 and 5 with amla juice. An MMP inhibitor was then applied: CHX for group 2 and amla extract for groups 4 and 5. Groups 1 and 3 received no MMP inhibitor. All specimens received a standardized bonding protocol and composite resin build-up, and were subjected to microshear bond strength testing. The force at which the fracture occurred was recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results

Amla juice had a similar etching effect as a self-etch adhesive in SEM and 100% amla extract was found to inhibit MMP-9 by gelatin zymography. The microshear bond strength values of amla were lower than those obtained for OPA and CHX, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Amla has a promising role as an acid etchant and MMP inhibitor, but further studies are necessary to substantiate its efficacy.

Advances in biotechnology of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. syn. Phyllanthus emblica L.: a nutraceuticals-rich fruit tree with multifaceted ethnomedicinal uses

Emblica officinalis Gaertn. syn. Phyllanthus emblica L., universally known as ‘Amla’ or ‘Aonla’ or ‘Indian gooseberry’, is a popular fruit tree belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae and order Geraniales. It is said to be the very first tree that originated on earth, as claimed by age-old Indian mythology. Almost all parts of the tree i.e., root, bark, leaf, flower, fruit and seed are utilized in Ayurvedic and Unani medicinal formulations to improve the overall digestive process, decrease fever, act as a blood purifier, relieve asthma and cough, improve heart health, etc. This tree contains major secondary metabolites like emblicanin-A and emblicanin-B, and also is an affluent source of vitamin-C. Additionally, some other secondary metabolites like tannins, gallic acid, pyrogallol, and pectin are also present in significant amounts. Conventional propagation has been improved via suitable interventions of agrotechnology both in production and protection areas. However, the rate of propagation remains slower; therefore, attempts have been made for biotechnological advancements on E. officinalis. The present review makes an attempt to highlight the botanical description, geographical distribution, ethnopharmacological importance, conventional propagation and protection of this medicinal tree, describing the in vitro-based plant organ and tissue culture methods like direct and indirect organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis along with interventions of molecular marker-based biotechnology and nanotechnology. Further, the prospect of the yet-to-be-explored biotechnological methods for secondary metabolite enhancement like cell suspension, protoplast culture, genetic transformation, etc. and their potential for enhanced emblicanin production have also been discussed in this appraisal.

Polyphenolic compounds of amla prevent oxidative stress and fibrosis in the kidney and heart of 2K1C rats

Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) is a natural source of antioxidants and possesses valuable medicinal properties. However, the protective effect of amla in the kidney of two-kidneys-one-clip (2K1C) rats has not been explained sufficiently. This study was performed to evaluate the renoprotective effect of amla fruit powder (2.5% W/W) supplementation in kidneys of 2K1C rats. 2K1C rats increased the remnant kidney wet weight and also increased plasma creatinine and uric acid concentration compared to the control. Amla supplementation ameliorates elevated creatinine and uric acid concentration in plasma of 2K1C rats. Various oxidative stress indicators such as malondialdehyde, nitric oxide (NO), and advanced protein oxidation product (APOP) were also increased in plasma, heart, and kidney tissues in 2K1C rats that were also significantly brought down to normal level by amla supplementation. Moreover, the inflammatory cells entry and fibrosis in the 2K1C rat's tissues were prevented by amla supplementation. These research results suggest that amla may restore plasma antioxidant capacities and prevents oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in 2K1C rats. Taken these results as a base, clinical supplementation of dried amla powder in diet or juice to the CKD patients would be beneficial.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Herbal Extracts Added to Root Canal Sealers of Different Bases: An In Vitro Study

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of root canal sealers of different bases when mixed with herbal extracts.

Materials and methods

An evaluation of three sealers (Endomethasone, AH plus, Apexit plus) mixed with three herbal extracts [Emblica officinalis (Amla), Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) and Salvadora persica (Miswak)] was done against nine strains of bacteria at various time intervals using the agar diffusion test. Moreover, measurement of the mean zones of inhibition was done.

Results

The largest zones of bacterial growth inhibition were observed with Endomethasone mixed with Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) followed in the descending order by AH plus mixed with Salvadora persica (Miswak) and Apexit plus mixed with Salvadora persica (Miswak) respectively. The differences between zones of inhibition among different groups were found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion

Zinc-oxide-eugenol-based sealer (Endomethasone) mixed with herbal extracts produced the largest inhibitory zones followed in the descending order by resin-based sealer (AH plus) and calcium-hydroxide-based sealer (Apexit plus), respectively.

Clinical significance

Herbal plants such as [Emblica officinalis (Amla), Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) and Salvadora persica (Miswak)] are rich sources of bioactive compounds that possess antimicrobial properties. Mixing their extracts with endodontic sealers can produce additive antimicrobial effect against microbes found in inflamed pulp.

How to cite this article

Devi MT, Saha S, Tripathi AM, et al. Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Herbal Extracts Added to Root Canal Sealers of Different Bases: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(5):398–404.

Nutraceutical effects of Emblica officinalis in age-related macular degeneration

Emblica officinalis Gaetrn (i.e., Phyllanthus emblica/ Indian gooseberry/ Amla) (EO) has been used extensively as a nutraceutical in several diseases since it is known to boost immunity and offers numerous health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. The goal of our study was to test the hypothesis that EO will rescue human AMD RPE transmitochondrial cells from mitochondria-induced cellular damage. AMD RPE transmitochondrial cell lines were created by fusion of mitochondria DNA-deficient APRE-19 (Rho0) cells with platelets isolated from AMD patients, and therefore had identical nuclei but differed in mitochondrial DNA content. These AMD RPE cells were treated with EO extract followed by characterization of effects of EO using cellular and molecular assays. Herein, EO significantly improved live cell number and mitochondrial membrane potential, reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress, down-regulated VEGF, and up-regulated PGC-1α. In conclusion, EO improved cellular and mitochondrial health, thereby playing a key cytoprotective role in AMD in vitro. Further studies are required to examine the mechanisms that mediate the cytoprotective effects of EO.

Anti-diabetic Effect of Emblica-officinalis (Amla) Against Arsenic Induced Metabolic Disorder in Mice

Chronic exposure to arsenic through drinking water and occupational exposure has been found to be associated with the diabetic symptoms. Earlier, we reported that arsenic induced enhanced oxidative stress, inflammation, dislipidemia and hepatotoxicity in mice have been protected by treatment with Emblica officinalis (amla). The present study has therefore been focused to investigate the efficacy of amla in mitigation of arsenic induced hyperglycemia in mice. Arsenic exposure (3 mg/kg b.w./day for 30 days) in mice altered glucose homeostasis and significantly decreases hepatic glucose regulatory enzyme, glucokinase (43%), glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (38%), malic enzyme (60%) and significantly increases the level of glucose-6 phosphates (65%), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (43%), lactate, (59%) Na⁺ (6.8%) Cl^- (10.4%), anion gap (13.9%) and pancreatic (IL-1β, TNF-α) inflammation markers (52%, 53%) as compared to controls. Arsenic exposure also significantly decreased serum insulin (44%) and c-peptide protein (38%) in mice as compared to controls. Co-administration of arsenic and amla (500 mg/kg b.w./day for 30 days) balanced blood sugar level, hepatic glucose regulatory enzyme (glucokinase, glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme (68%, 37%, 45%) and significantly decreases glucose-6 phosphatase (25%), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (22%), blood ion concentration and also lactate, Na⁺, Cl^- and anion gap (20%, 4.6%, 6.7%, 5.2%), pancreatic (IL-1β, TNF-α) inflammation marker (21%, 24%) and significantly increased the serum insulin (57%) and c-peptide protein (31%) as compared to those treated with arsenic alone. Results of the present study suggests that the hypoglycemic and antioxidant property of amla could be responsible for its protective efficacy in arsenic induced hyperglycemia.

Sensitization of Carboplatinum- and Taxol-Resistant High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Cells Carrying p53, BRCA1/2 Mutations by Emblica officinalis (Amla) via Multiple Targets

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC), the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, is highly resistant to current treatment strategies. High-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer (HGSOC) cells with increased somatic mutations and genomic instability and the resulting heterogeneous mutant phenotypes are highly resistant to therapy. Plant-derived natural products, including Amla (Emblica officinalis) extract (AE), have demonstrated potent anti-neoplastic properties. Recently we demonstrated that AE inhibits cell growth and the expression of angiogenic factors in OVCAR3 and SKOV3 OC cells in vitro as well as in xenografts in vivo. The goal of this study was to determine the anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects of AE on carboplatinum- and taxol-resistant HGSOC cells carrying p53, BRCA1/2 mutations.

Methods: Anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects of AE on recently characterized carboplatinum- and taxol-resistant HGSOC cells (TOV3041G, OV866(2), OV4453 and, OV4485) was determined using the MTT, migration, invasion and spheroid assays in vitro. To understand the mechanism of AE-induced changes in angiogenesis-related hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and insulin growth factor receptor 1 (IGF1R), and EMT-associated SNAIL1 and E-cadherin proteins were studied using immunostaining and Western blotting. In vivo effects of AE were determined using mouse xenograft tumor model of OC developed by subcutaneous injection of OV4485 cells that carry mutant p53 and BRCA1, most aggressive and resistant among HGSOC cell lines used in this study. Tumor growth was measured using morphometry. Immunostaining and Western blotting were used to determine changes in Ki67 (proliferation marker), CD31 (angiogenesis marker) as well as changes in HIF-1α, IGF1R, SNAIL1 and E-cadherin proteins.

Results: AE significantly attenuated migration and invasiveness properties of all tested HGSOC cell phenotypes (P≤0.001), significantly reduced the expression of HIF-1α, IGF1R, and SNAIL1 and increased the expression of E-cadherin in all tested HGSOC cell lines (P=<0.05). Oral administration of AE for 4 weeks caused a significant regression of mouse xenograft tumor (>60%) that derived from OV4855 cells and decreased the expression of endothelial cell antigen-CD31, HIF-1α, IGF1R and SNAIL1 and increased the expression of E-cadherin in tumor tissues.

Conclusions: AE sensitizes platinum- and taxol-resistant heterogenous HGSOC cells carrying mutations in p53, BRCA1/2 genes, and attenuates their malignant characteristics through targeting key signaling mechanisms of angiogenesis and metastasis. AE is a potential adjunct therapeutic agent for treating resistant, mutant, heterogenous OC.

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

BACKGROUND

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) has been observed in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and contributes to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The primary management of MetS involves lifestyle modifications and treatment of its individual components with drugs all of which have side effects. Thus, it would be of advantageous if natural products would be used as adjuncts or substitutes for conventional drugs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of standardized aqueous extract of fruits of Phyllanthus emblica (P. emblica) 250 mg and 500 mg twice daily on ED, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and lipid profile in subjects with MetS.

METHODS

In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study endothelial function was measured by calculating reflection index (RI) using digital plethysmograph. Oxidative stress biomarkers used were nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Systemic inflammation was measured by determining high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and dyslipidemia by lipid profile. ANOVA, paired and unpaired t-test were used. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Out of 65 screened subjects all 59 enrolled completed the study. P. emblica aqueous extract (PEE), 250 mg and 500 mg twice daily dosing, showed significant reduction in mean RI, measure of endothelial function, at 8 and 12 weeks (p <  0.001) compared to baseline and placebo. Significant mean % change was seen in oxidative stress biomarkers, NO (+ 41.89%, + 50.7%), GSH (+ 24.31%, + 53.22%) and MDA (- 21.02%, - 31.44%), and systemic inflammation biomarker, hsCRP (- 39.68%, - 53.77%) (p <  0.001) at 12 weeks with 250 mg and 500 mg twice daily dosage respectively. Significant mean % change was also seen at 12 weeks with TC (- 7.71%, - 11.11%), HDL-C (+ 7.33% + 22.16%, p <  0.05), LDL-C (- 11.39%, - 21.8%) and TG (- 9.81%, - 19.22%) respectively with 250 mg and 500 mg twice daily (p <  0.001). PEE 500 mg twice daily was significantly more efficacious than the 250 mg twice daily and placebo. No participant discontinued the study because of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

P.emblica aqueous extract significantly improved endothelial function, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and lipid profile at both dosages tested, but especially at 500 mg twice daily. Thus, this product may be used as an adjunct to conventional therapy (lifestyle modification and pharmacological intervention) in the management of metabolic syndrome.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered with Clinical Trials Registry - India (CTRI) with the registration number of CTRI/2017/09/009606 . The study was registered retrospectively on 4th September 2017.

A systematic review on the cardiovascular pharmacology of Emblica officinalis Gaertn

Introduction: The Emblica officinalis (EO) fruit has traditionally been considered as a cardioactive medication and has demonstrated remarkable cardiovascular effects in the pharmacological literature. The present study systematically reviews EO’s potential for prevention and therapy of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Methods: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Proquest, Ebsco, Google, Google Scholar, Ovid, and Cochrane databases were searched from 1966 to 2017 for the English and non-English literature using the terms including the cognates of EO including amla, Emblic myrobalan, Emblica officinalis, Emblica pectinata , Indian gooseberry, and Phyllanthus emblica together with antioxidant, arrhythmia, cardioprotective, cardiotoxicity, heart disease, heart failure, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, myocardial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. The inclusion criteria were in vitro, animal, and clinical cardiovascular pharmacological studies conducted on EO and full-text accessibility. The exclusion criterion was studies in which a combination of EO and at least one other plant was investigated. The reference lists of the retrieved articles were also searched manually for additional eligible articles. The methodological quality of clinical trials was assessed by the Jadad scale, and animal studies were evaluated by the ARRIVE checklist.

Results: Nineteen articles concerning the cardiovascular pharmacological effects of EO were included in this review. The plant has shown antiatherogenic, anticoagulant, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, antiplatelet, and vasodilatory effects as well as lipid deposition inhibitory properties. Moreover, it prevents from doxorubicin and isoproterenol cardiotoxicity and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, and improves vascular endothelial function in animal studies. Some high-quality clinical studies report the vasodilatory and myocardial antioxidant properties as well as anti-platelet aggregation effects of this plant.

Conclusion: EO influences various cardiovascular risk-factors. However, there is not sufficient evidence to confirm the plant efficacy in preventing and treating CVD.

Intransience of functional components and distinctive properties of amla (Indian gooseberry) ice cream during short-term storage

Inclusion of processed amla have been found to enhance the functional properties and nutritional value of ice cream by augmenting the fiber content, total phenols, tannins, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity. The present investigation assessed the changes in these constituents, color values (L, a* and b*), melting rate, sensory scores and microbiological quality of ice cream containing amla shreds, pulp, preserve, candy and powder during 60 days' storage at - 18 to - 20 °C. The total solids increased slightly whereas the antioxidant activity, total phenols, ascorbic acid and tannins decreased on storage. The L values declined whereas a* and b* values amplified, the rate of change being highest in candy containing sample followed by preserve. The first drip time of all the samples increased whereas melting rate decreased. The overall acceptability scores declined non significantly. Standard plate count of all the ice cream samples decreased significantly whereas yeast and molds were not detected throughout the storage. The psychrophiles were not spotted up to 30 days, thereafter, a small increase was observed.

RAPD markers for screening shoot gall maker (Betousa stylophora Swinhoe) tolerant genotypes of amla (Phyllanthus emblica L.)

Phyllanthus emblica Linn. is the most important medicinally useful tree crop in Asian Subcontinent and is severely infested by Betousa stylophora Swinhoe, known as shoot gall maker (SGM). This pest tunnels the shoots of seedlings and actively growing branches of trees and develops gall, leading to stunted growth, unusual branching and death of actively growing shoots. Our study revealed that trees possessing smooth bark were free from the attack of this pest than those with rough bark surface. Unfortunately, this character is not detectable either at seedling stage or during early growth of trees in the orchard. RAPD genetic fingerprinting of trees possessing smooth and rough bark revealed distinguishable and highly reproducible DNA banding pattern between the two genotypes. Of the 20 RAPD primers tested, five of them produced distinguishable RAPD bands between rough and smooth barked genotypes of P. emblica. Trees with smooth bark produced five unique RAPD bands with molecular weight ranging from 350 bp to 1500 bp and those with rough bark produced six RAPD bands (350 bp–650 bp) to utilize these DNA bands as potential DNA marker for screening tolerant genotypes of this crop against SGM. The utility of this finding in genetic improvement of this tree crop against SGM is discussed.

Quality attributes, phytochemical profile and storage stability studies of functional ready to serve (RTS) drink made from blend of Aloe vera, sweet lime, amla and ginger

Aloe vera based RTS formulation was prepared in this study which provides the health benefits of this wonder plant and was also appealing in terms of sensory qualities. In the present study four formulations of A. vera RTS drink with ginger, sweet lime and amla (V1, V2, V3 and V4 were developed). The developed products were subjected to physico-chemical, organoleptic and microbial analysis. The formulation V3 was found to be the most preferred variant with respect to the sensory quality. Further the blends were found to be a good source of vitamin C and other nutritional parameters. The storage stability studies carried out on the formulations showed that the physico-chemical and the sensory qualities of the RTS blends were acceptable after 60 days of storage. Microbial analysis of the RTS blends during the storage period revealed that it was free from any microbial spoilage.

Antioxidant, anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activities of Phyllanthus emblica, Manilkara zapota and silymarin: an in vitro comparative study for anti-aging applications

Context Phyllanthus emblica L. (Euphorbiaceae) (amla), Manilkara zapota L.P. Royen (Sapotaceae) (sapota) and silymarin are reported to contain antioxidant effects. However, information on other biological activities relating to the anti-aging properties is limited. Objective To compare in vitro antioxidants, anti-collagenase (MMP-1 and MMP-2) and anti-elastase properties as well as the phenolic and flavonoid contents of amla, sapota and silymarin as potential anti-aging ingredients. Materials and methods The ethanol amla and sapota fruit extracts were prepared by three cycles of maceration with 24 h duration each. The total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents were determined. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assays. The effects of MMP-1, MMP-2 and elastase inhibitions were determined by using the EnzChek® assay kits (Molecular-Probes, Eugene, OR). Results Amla exhibited the highest in TPC (362.43 ± 11.2 mg GAE/g) while silymarin showed the highest in TFC (21.04 ± 0.67 mg QE/g). Results of antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS methods showed that amla possessed the most potent capacity with IC50 values of 1.70 ± 0.07 and 4.45 ± 0.10 μg/mL, respectively. Highest inhibitions against MMP-1, MMP-2 and elastase were detected for sapota with IC50 values of 89.61 ± 0.96, 86.47 ± 3.04 and 35.73 ± 0.61 μg/mL, respectively. Discussion and conclusion Test extracts offered anti-aging properties in different mechanisms. Amla showed the highest phenolic content and antioxidant property with moderate anti-collagenase. Silymarin exhibited measurable flavonoid content with anti-elastase effect. Sapota showed the highest collagenase and elastase inhibitions with moderate antioxidant effect. Thus, extracts might be added as a mixture to gain the overall anti-aging effects.

Protective effect of Emblica-officinalis in arsenic induced biochemical alteration and inflammation in mice

Exposure to arsenic in individuals has been found to be associated with immune related problems. In earlier studies, we have demonstrated that amla protects against arsenic induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in thymus and spleen of mice. In continuation to that the present study has therefore been focused to investigate the protective efficacy of amla in arsenic induced inflammation and immunotoxicity in mice. The results showed that arsenic treatment significantly increased serum urea levels (69 %), glucose levels (48 %) and triglyceride levels (66 %) as compared to controls. Mice exposed to arsenic exhibited significant increased in TNF-α (4.3-fold), serum Interleukin-1 beta (threefold), Interleukin-6 (3.8-fold) as compared to controls. Arsenic exposure increased the relative frequency of CD8+ (Tc) cells sub-population (18.9 %) and decreased CD4+ (Th) cells (2.6 %). Arsenic exposure also significantly decreased T (CD3) and B (CD19) cells (21.1 %) as compared to controls. Simultaneously treatment with arsenic and amla significantly inhibited serum urea levels (47 %), glucose levels (50 %) and triglyceride levels (14 %). It also significantly decreased the TNF-α (1.1-fold), levels of IL-1β (1.6-fold), levels of Interleukin-6 (1.3-fold) in serum as compared to those treated with arsenic alone. Simultaneously treatment with arsenic and amla restored the alterations in CD8+ and CD4+ cells and also recovered the damages in B and T sub cells population. Results of the present study clearly indicate that arsenic induced immunotoxicity linked with inflammation has been significantly protected through simultaneous treatment with arsenic and amla that was due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of amla.

Enhancing the functional properties and nutritional quality of ice cream with processed amla (Indian gooseberry)

Amla (Indian gooseberry) and its processed products are rich source of vitamin C, phenols, dietary fibre and antioxidants. In contrast, ice cream is a poor source of these phytochemicals and antioxidants; therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to enhance the functional properties and nutritional quality of ice cream with the incorporation of processed amla. Ice cream was prepared using amla shreds, pulp, preserve and candy at 5 to 20 % and powder at 0.5 to 2.0 % levels in ice cream mix prior to freezing. Inclusion of amla products at augmented levels resulted in significant changes in physico-chemical properties and phytochemical content of ice cream. The total solids decreased on addition of shreds and pulp and increased with preserve, candy and powder in ice cream at increasing levels. The functional constituents i.e. fibre, total phenols, tannins, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity increased with greater level of inclusion. Incorporation of processed amla raised the melting resistance of ice cream and decreased the overrun. The samples with 5 % shreds and pulp, 10 % preserve and candy and 0.5 % powder were found to have highest overall acceptability scores. Inclusion of amla in all the forms i.e. shreds, pulp, preserve, candy and powder enhanced the functional properties and nutritional value of ice cream.

Efficacy of crude extract of Emblica officinalis (amla) in arsenic-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in splenocytes of mice

Introduction:

Arsenic, an environmental contaminant naturally occurred in groundwater and has been found to be associated with immune-related health problems in humans.

Objective:

In view of increasing risk of arsenic exposure due to occupational and non-occupational settings, the present study has been focused to investigate the protective efficacy of amla against arsenic-induced spleenomegaly in mice.

Results:

Arsenic exposures (3 mg/kg body weight p.o for 30 days) in mice caused an increase production of ROS (76%), lipid peroxidation (84%) and decrease in the levels of superoxide dismutase (53%) and catalase (54%) in spleen as compared to controls. Arsenic exposure to mice also caused a significant increase in caspases-3 activity (2.8 fold) and decreases cell viability (44%), mitochondrial membrane potential (47%) linked with apoptosis assessed by the cell cycle analysis (subG1-28.72%) and annexin V/PI binding in spleen as compared to controls. Simultaneous treatment of arsenic and amla (500 mg/kg body weight p.o for 30 days) in mice decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation (33%), ROS production (24%), activity of caspase-3 (1.4 fold), apoptosis (subG₁ 12.72%) and increased cell viability (63%), levels superoxide dismutase (80%), catalase (77%) and mitochondrial membrane potential (66%) as compared to mice treated with arsenic alone.

Conclusions:

Results of the present study indicate that the effect of arsenic is mainly due to the depletion of glutathione in liver associated with enhanced oxidative stress that has been found to be protected following simultaneous treatment of arsenic and amla.

A comparative clinical study of hypolipidemic efficacy of Amla (Emblica officinalis) with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme-A reductase inhibitor simvastatin

Objectives:

To evaluate the efficacy of Amla in patients with type II hyperlipidemia and compare its hypolipidemic effects with those of simvastatin.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty type II hyperlipidemic patients of both sexes with plasma total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein level more than 240 mg% and 130 mg%, respectively, were selected for the trial. Out of total 60 selected patients, 40 were treated with Amla capsule (500 mg) daily for 42 days and 20 patients were given simvastatin capsule (20 mg) daily for 42 days. After the day of enrolment, all patients were followed up twice during the 42-day period. Blood samples were analyzed for various biochemical parameters and the values of Total Cholesterol (TC), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), and Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) were measured before and after completion of the treatment with Amla and simvastatin. Cardiovascular parameters were recorded before and after completion of treatment.

Results:

Treatment with Amla produced significant reduction of TC (P<0.0001), LDL (P<0.0001), triglyceride (TG) and VLDL (P<0.0002), and a significant increase in HDL levels (P<0.0002). Similarly, treatment with simvastatin produced significant reduction of TC (P<0.0001), LDL (P<0.0009), TG and VLDL (P<0.017), and a significant increase in HDL levels (P<0.0001). Both treatments produced significant reduction in blood pressure; however, this beneficial effect was more marked in patients receiving Amla.

Conclusion:

In view of the above findings, it is suggested that Amla produced significant hypolipidemic effect along with a reduction in blood pressure. Addition of Amla to the currently available hypolipidemic therapy would offer significant protection against atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, with reduction in the dose and adverse effects of the hypolipidemic agents.

Ayurvedic medicine and anaesthesia

The use of herbal medicines has increased dramatically over the past few years. The United States alone noted a 380% increase in the consumption of these products. Although the common practice of taking over-the-counter herbal soups, herbal teas and other such prepacked preparations was not associated with adverse events at large, still, some herbs are known to cause problems, especially when large doses are taken. The American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) has taken a conservative stance and recommended that it is prudent to stop these products at least 2–3 weeks prior to anaesthesia and surgery. This advice may be difficult to implement as most preoperative evaluations occur only a few days prior to surgery. Some of the Ayurvedic preparations have shown to improve the patient outcome when taken during the perioperative period. Hence, the conservative stance by ASA may not always benefit the patient. More scientific studies are needed to have more targeted recommendations. This article puts forward the facts that need to be addressed by researchers in the future.