Effect of (Amla) Extract Versus Exercise on Lipid Levels in Participants With Abnormal Lipid Levels: An Open-Label Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND

Dyslipidemia, marked by abnormal lipid levels, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Effective management of these lipid abnormalities is essential for reducing cardiovascular risk. , known as amla in Ayurveda, is traditionally considered the best fruit due to its numerous health benefits.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of amla extract on participants with abnormal lipid levels and compare with the effect of physical activity in reducing atherogenic factors.

METHODS

Forty-five inactive participants having abnormal lipid levels were selected and instructed to initiate lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and aerobic exercise for 14 days. Thirty-nine participants who met the study criteria even after exercise were allocated a 500 mg capsule of amla extract (Tri-Low®) twice daily for 90 days. The effect of amla extract on lipid parameters, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), apolipoprotein (Apo) B/Apo A ratio, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, coenzyme Q10, and hydroxy methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase levels was studied and compared with the effect of physical activity or exercise on these parameters. Laboratory parameters, global tolerability, and treatment-emergent adverse events were evaluated for the assessment of safety profile of amla extract.

RESULTS

Amla extract over a period of 90 days significantly reduced triglyceride ( = 0.007), total cholesterol ( < 0.001), LDL ( = 0.006), VLDL ( = 0.014), and AIP ( < 0.001) but reported no significant effect on HDL ( = 0.967) and fasting blood sugar ( = 1.00). Varying the intensity of exercise from low to moderate and high had no significant effect on triglyceride ( = 0.516), total cholesterol ( = 0.676), LDL ( = 0.511), VLDL ( = 0.454), or AIP ( = 0.472). However, LDL exhibited a significant reduction with amla extract, combined with exercise ( < 0.001). Apolipoprotein B/Apo A1 ratio exhibited a trend toward significance ( = 0.061). Weight and reductions were statistically significant with amla extract and exercise, after 45 days ( < 0.001) and 90 days ( = 0.002). Hydroxy methylglutaryl coenzyme A, Apo B, and coenzyme Q10 exhibited no significant changes. Overall, it was evident that the significant changes in lipid parameters are attributable to amla extract rather than physical activity alone. All other factors are not affected by exercise intensity, and the significant changes observed are purely due to the effect of amla extract.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise alone is often insufficient for optimal cardiovascular health. The supplementation of amla extract (Tri-Low®) from this study reported significant potential in improving lipid profiles and other atherogenic factors, thereby providing a comprehensive strategy for cardiovascular health management.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trial Registry - India (CTRI/2017/02/007829).