Q: <strong>Q: How does Amla compare with clopidogrel and ecosprin, two common antiplatelet drugs?</strong>

A: A study by ( Fatima et al., 2014 ) compared Amla extract with clopidogrel (Plavix) and ecosprin (aspirin), and also tested their combinations. They found that Amla extract, clopidogrel, ecosprin, and their combinations all reduced platelet aggregation significantly compared to baseline. They also found that Amla extract showed more antiplatelet activity when given multiple doses than when given a single dose. Amla extract can also enhance the effects of clopidogrel and ecosprin when used in combination.

Question 1

Q: What is Amla and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

A: Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a fruit that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is one of the world’s most powerful antioxidants, which means it can protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also has many other health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and sugar levels, fighting cancer cells, and protecting the brain.

Question 2

Q: What is the origin and history of Amla?

Accepted Answer

A: Amla has a mythical reputation in India due to a belief that it originated from drops of Amrit, the nectar of immortality. According to ancient Indian mythology, amla was the first tree created in the universe. The Indian gooseberry tree is also supposed to have been used to achieve enlightenment by Phussa Buddha, the first Buddha of antiquity.

Question 3

Q: What are the main components of Amla and how do they work?

Accepted Answer

A: Amla contains many polyphenols, which are plant chemicals that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Amla also has a high amount of vitamin C, which is essential for the immune system and the skin. The combination of polyphenols and vitamin C gives it a strong antioxidant activity, which means it can protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals. It can also boost the body’s own antioxidant defense system, which helps prevent diseases and aging.

Question 4

Q: How potent is Amla as an antioxidant?

Accepted Answer

A: Amla has an ORAC score of 261,530, which measures its antioxidant capacity. This score is very high compared to other fruits and spices. For example, cloves have an ORAC score of 290,283, while blueberries have an ORAC score of 6,552. This means that amla is very effective in neutralizing free radicals.

Question 5

Q: What are the health benefits of Amla?

Accepted Answer

A: Amla has a lot of potential for health promotion and disease prevention. It has a rich composition of natural compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, anticancer, digestive, and neuroprotective effects. It can lower blood cholesterol and sugar levels, which can prevent or treat heart disease and diabetes. It can also fight against cancer cells, by inducing cell death or stopping their growth. It can also protect the digestive tract from ulcers and infections, by enhancing mucus secretion and the gut microbiota. It can also protect the brain from neurodegeneration and cognitive decline, by improving blood flow and nerve function.

Question 6

Q: How does Amla prevent or reduce oxidative stress?

Accepted Answer

A: Amla can prevent or reduce oxidative stress by different mechanisms. It can do it directly by scavenging free radicals, but also it is able to enhance the body’s own antioxidant defenses by upregulating the production of internal antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR). These enzymes can break down ROS and prevent cellular damage. Amla can also modulate the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress response, such as Nrf2, HO-1, and SIRT1. These genes can regulate the antioxidant response and protect the cells from oxidative stress.

Question 7

Q: How does Amla chelate metal ions?

Accepted Answer

A: Amla contains hydrolyzable tannins, such as emblicanin A and B, pedunculagin, and punigluconin, that have strong metal-binding capacity and can reduce the availability of transition metal ions, such as iron, copper, and zinc, for ROS generation. These metal ions are present in the environment and can catalyze the formation of ROS, such as hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion. By chelating these metal ions, amla can prevent or reduce ROS formation and oxidative stress.

Question 8

Q: What are the anti-inflammatory effects of amla?

Accepted Answer

A: Amla is a fruit that has anti-inflammatory effects that can help to reduce inflammation and tissue damage. Amla has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, which are proteins that can cause inflammation and immune system dysfunction when they are too high.

Question 9

Q: What is the natural way to improve platelet function with Indian gooseberry extract?

Accepted Answer

A: Indian gooseberry extract, also known as Amla, has around 60 percent of the potency of blood-thinning effect as aspirin or Plavix. It can reduce oxidative stress, which can impair platelet function and make them more sticky. Amla can prevent platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Question 10

Q: How does Amla compare with clopidogrel and ecosprin, two common antiplatelet drugs?

Accepted Answer

A: A study by (Fatima et al., 2014) compared Amla extract with clopidogrel (Plavix) and ecosprin (aspirin), and also tested their combinations. They found that Amla extract, clopidogrel, ecosprin, and their combinations all reduced platelet aggregation significantly compared to baseline. They also found that Amla extract showed more antiplatelet activity when given multiple doses than when given a single dose. Amla extract can also enhance the effects of clopidogrel and ecosprin when used in combination.

Question 11

Q: How does Amla affect H. pylori?

Accepted Answer

A: A study by (Mehrotra et al., 2011) found that the extract of amla pulp had anti-H. pylori activity against different strains of H. pylori that were resistant to different antibiotics. The extract also retained its antioxidant properties even after being exposed to high temperatures and acidic conditions. This suggests that amla could protect the stomach lining from oxidative damage and inflammation caused by H. pylori.

Question 12

Q: How can I take Amla for gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Accepted Answer

A: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and regurgitation. A study by (Karkon et al., 2018) found that patients who took two 500 mg Amla tablets twice a day, after meals, for 4 weeks had reduced the severity and frequency of regurgitation and heartburn. This means that amla could improve the symptoms of GERD by neutralizing the acid, strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter, and healing the esophageal mucosa.

Question 13

Q: What are the benefits of taking Amla for NAFLD?

Accepted Answer

A: Amla can reduce fat accumulation and fibrosis in the liver cells. Gallic acid, one of the main components of amla, can improve fat metabolism and oxidative stress in rats fed with a high-fat diet. It can also help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, protect the liver from damage, and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Question 14

Q: What are the benefits of taking Amla for cancer prevention and treatment?

Accepted Answer

A: Researchers have found that Amla can induce apoptosis, which is a process of programmed cell death that eliminates damaged or abnormal cells from the body. By triggering apoptosis, Amla can help eliminate cancer cells and prevent them from spreading to other tissues. It can also inhibit tumor promotion and invasion, which are stages of cancer development where cells become more aggressive and break through the boundaries of their original tissue, and invade other organs. It can also protect normal cells from damage by enhancing their antioxidant capacity.

Question 15

Q: How does Amla protect your heart from bad cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

A: Amla has been shown to lower the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in the blood while increasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein A1. E. officinalis also has anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic effects that can prevent the formation of blood clots and improve blood circulation in the vessels.

Question 16

Q: What are the results of clinical studies on Amla and cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

A: According to a study by (Akhtar et al., 2011), adding amla to the diet of patients with type 2 diabetes made a significant improvement in their cholesterol levels. The study found that the equivalent of one gooseberry a day cut bad cholesterol and triglycerides in half in three weeks.

Question 17

Q: How does Amla compare to diabetic drugs?

Accepted Answer

A: Amla juice has been shown to outperform the leading diabetic drug glyburide sold as Diabeta in controlling blood sugar levels. One-quarter of a teaspoon of amla is as potent at fighting type 2 diabetes as millions of dollars worth of research pharmaceutical patented medicine. Moreover, amla juice does not have the side effects of Diabeta, such as liver failure or poisoning of bone marrow.

Question 18

Q: How does Amla compare to simvastatin, a common cholesterol-lowering drug?

Accepted Answer

A: A study by (Gopa et al., 2012) compared the effects of amla and simvastatin on people with type II hyperlipidemia, a condition where the blood has too much cholesterol and other fats. The study found that both amla and simvastatin were effective in lowering the levels of total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and VLDL in the blood, while increasing the levels of HDL. However, amla had a slightly better effect than simvastatin on both lowering LDL and raising HDL levels. It also had a more pronounced effect than simvastatin on reducing blood pressure, especially systolic blood pressure.

Question 19

Q: How does Amla affect Streptococcus mutans?

Accepted Answer

A: The study by (Hasan et al., 2012) found that both the water and alcohol extracts of amla reduced the adherence of Streptococcus mutans to the tooth by 50% at certain concentrations. They also reduced the biofilm formation by 50% at lower concentrations. Moreover, they decreased the glucan synthesis and the stickiness of the bacterium. The gene expression analysis showed that the extracts suppressed the genes that are important for biofilm formation. The microscopic images confirmed that the extracts disrupted the biofilm structure compared to the control.

Question 20

Q: How can I use amla to prevent tooth decay?

Accepted Answer

A: One way to use amla to prevent tooth decay is to make your own mouthwash with amla extract and other natural ingredients. According to (Balappanavar et al., 2013), green tea has a more powerful effect on suppressing Streptococcus mutans than chlorhexidine, a common ingredient in commercial mouthwashes that can cause DNA damage. Therefore, you can combine green tea with amla extract and add some clove essential oil and wild oregano essential oil for extra antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. To make the mouthwash, you will need:

1 cup of water

3 teaspoons of green tea leaves

2 teaspoons of dried amla fruits or 1 teaspoon of powder

10 drops of clove essential oil

10 drops of wild oregano essential oil

To prepare the mouthwash, follow these steps:

Boil the water in a saucepan and add the green tea leaves and the amla fruits or powder.

Simmer for 10 minutes and then strain the liquid into a glass jar.

After the water cools, add the essential oils and shake well to mix.

Store the mouthwash in a cool and dark place.

Use the mouthwash twice a day after brushing your teeth. Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds and then spit it out or swallow if you don't mind the taste.

Question 21

Q: Why is Amla good for lowering blood sugar levels?

Accepted Answer

A: Amla has many health benefits, but one of the most impressive ones is its ability to lower blood sugar levels better than some of the leading diabetes drugs. This is because it has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect your cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are two major factors in diabetes. It also contains compounds that can inhibit the enzymes that break down carbohydrates into glucose, thus reducing the amount of sugar that enters your bloodstream.

Question 22

Q: How does Amla compare with glyburide, a common diabetes drug?

Accepted Answer

A: In a study (Akhtar et al., 2011), people with diabetes who were either given glyburide or a small amount of dried powdered amla (less than two berries a day worth) showed that amla not only lowered their blood sugar levels better than glyburide, but it also lowered their bad cholesterol, raised their good cholesterol, and slashed their triglycerides in half. And it did all that with just a fraction of a teaspoon of powder a day.

Question 23

Q: How does Amla work to lower blood sugar levels?

Accepted Answer

A: Amla works by inhibiting the activity of the enzymes that digest sugar, namely amylase and glucosidase. These enzymes are found in saliva and intestines, and they convert starchy or sugary food into glucose, which then enters your bloodstream and raises your blood sugar levels. However, if you eat amla along with your food, the phytochemicals in it (such as ellagic acid and ascorbic acid) can bind to these enzymes and reduce their activity. This means that less glucose will be produced from the food you eat, and your blood sugar levels will not spike as much.

Question 24

Q: Is there any scientific evidence to support Amla’s effect on blood sugar levels?

Accepted Answer

A: Yes, there is scientific evidence to support Amla’s effect on blood sugar levels. Apart from the study mentioned above (Akhtar et al., 2011), there is another laboratory study (Nampoothiri et al., 2011) that tested the activity of amylase and glucosidase in the presence of different concentrations of ellagic acid and ascorbic acid extracted from amla. They found that both phytochemicals reduced the activity of both enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. This means that the higher the concentration of the phytochemicals, the lower the activity of the enzymes. The researchers concluded that amla’s phytochemicals can act as natural inhibitors of sugar digestion, and suggested that it could be used as a dietary supplement to manage diabetes.

Amla: Proven Benefits, Nutrition And Clinical Significance

Chlorella Benefits: Plant-Based B12, Iron, Zinc & Detox

Spirulina Benefits: Phycocyanin Rich Superfood