Last updated: 16/10/2022

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Are you struggling with gastrointestinal problems or do you want better skin? Then the superfood amla might be for you. The superfood is said to have healing effects on many diseases, skin and even hair problems. We show you whether this is really true and what exactly you can use it for.

In our big Amla powder test 2023 you will learn everything you need to know about Amla powder – from its effects to its correct use and dosage. We provide you with all this important information in a bundle and with scientific evidence.




Key Facts

  • The fruits of the tropical myrobalan tree are called amla and are better known as Indian gooseberries. Wherever they originally come from.
  • Some of the influences are lowering high blood pressure, cholesterol levels and strengthening the immune system.
  • To enjoy the berry and its numerous healing effects, it is mainly offered as amla powder on the dietary supplement market.

The Best Amla Powder: Our Picks

Buying and evaluation criteria for Amla powder

There are some aspects you should consider when buying your Amla powder. What these are and what you should look for in these criteria are presented in this section:

Due to the large number of manufacturers and products, most people find it difficult to buy an Amla powder.

Therefore, we give you these 4 criteria to make your decision as easy as possible. With these criteria you can quickly and easily choose the right product for you and compare it with other supplements. You will not only save a lot of time, but also money that would be lost if you make a wrong purchase.

Dosage

Amla powder is one of the food supplements on the market and is offered by many manufacturers both in pure form and with additives. The concentration of amla in such products therefore varies greatly.

For this reason, you should inform yourself beforehand about the recommended dosage, which varies according to body weight and need. In order for the active ingredient to develop optimally, an appropriate dosage should be used. Some manufacturers usually print this dosage recommendation in the package insert or directly on the package.

If necessary, you can contact the manufacturer for information on the recommended daily dose. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, such as tablespoons or teaspoons. This will help you avoid incorrect dosage recommendations.

Package size

Amla powder products are usually offered in small to medium sized packages, as the dosage is small and sufficient for the effect of the amla. Here you can expect 50 gram to 300 gram pack sizes. Of course, there are also smaller trial sizes and large stock packs. The shelf life of the powder is also a decisive factor when buying.

Due to its dosage form, amla can be stored for several months or even years if you keep it dry and protected from light. We recommend that you take small pack sizes so that you can estimate your own needs and familiarise yourself with the product.

Ingredients

As a dietary supplement, amla powder is meant to serve several purposes and functions, so many manufacturers add extra ingredients to their products. In combination with the amla, the substances are supposed to provide the body with all the essential nutrients it needs. The addition of other substances is meant to give you a complete nutritional supplement found in one product. These ingredients usually include:

  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Trace elements (zinc, magnesium)
  • Antioxidants

The addition of such ingredients is not always a good sign, as it depends on the quality of the additives and whether your body really needs these substances. Often the substances are added without proven efficacy in order to make the products more expensive. Therefore, your main focus should be on the list of ingredients.

Certification

Many manufacturers advertise their products as organic, fair or vegan. As a consumer, it is of course difficult for you to check and understand these promises yourself. To give you this control, there are some recognised test seals and certifications for food. When buying Amla powder, you should look out for these 4 certifications:

  • German Organic Seal
  • European Union Organic Seal
  • Soil Association
  • Fairtrade seal

To ensure that high organic quality standards are met, the products undergo strict tests. A seal of approval assures you that these standards are met and can help you to find the right product.

Guide: Frequently asked questions about amla powder answered in detail

The following sections are dedicated to the topic of Amla powder. You will find information about its effects, application and scientific evidence. We have selected the most important questions about Amla powder and summarised them in as much detail as possible.

What is amla powder and how does it work?

The fruit of the myrobalan tree is called amla. They are berry fruits that originally come from India. Externally, the fruits look like green gooseberries, which is why they are also known as Indian gooseberries.

Due to their sour taste, the fruits are processed into powder for easy ingestion, the so-called amla powder. This powder contains all the important ingredients for which the Indian berry is highly valued:

  • Vitamin C(2)
  • Antioxidants(2, 12)
  • Iron(2)
  • Calcium(2)

Besides vitamins and minerals, the Amla powder contains beta-carotene, proteins and dietary fibre. The latter is said to help with stomach complaints(7). This variety of components has earned the fruit its reputation as a superfood. For this reason, it can be used in many different ways.

Effect on the immune system

Compared to lemons or oranges, this exotic fruit has a very high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is known to strengthen the body’s defences and thus the immune system. The body feels strengthened and is more resistant to infections(2, 8).

In some studies, this effect has been attributed to the vitamin C and the antioxidants(2, 12). Both components in Amla powder have been shown to increase the body’s overall risk of disease.

Effects on gastrointestinal complaints

Amla has been used for many decades in Asia to relieve gastrointestinal complaints. This effect has already been proven by numerous studies and is due to the anti-inflammatory substances in the fruit(6, 7). The many dietary fibres also promote digestion and prevent constipation(7).

Effect as a body care product

The numerous vitamins and antioxidants not only support the immune system, but can also noticeably improve the appearance of the skin and hair. In doing so, they ensure healthy and full hair by strengthening the hair follicles(4, 11). The plant substance beta carotene gives the hair its shine and suppleness(4, 5).

Minerals such as calcium and iron give the skin the important nutrients for an even and healthy complexion(11). For use on the skin, the powder can simply be applied as a mask. This allows the Amla powder to deliver the substances directly to the intended area of the body. For hair care, a conditioner is suitable. You mix it yourself and leave it to work for some time.

When and for whom is the use of Amla powder useful?

Amla powder can be taken by anyone who has a need for vitamin C and minerals. Due to the skin and hair care effect, it is even suitable for anyone who wants to improve their body image. Amla powder can also help with stomach complaints and inflammations. These applications have been sufficiently researched and proven. Nevertheless, there are other areas of application in which amla powder can help:

  • Diabetes(3, 9)
  • Cholesterol reduction(10)
  • High blood pressure(3)
  • Cancer(1)

There is no clear scientific evidence for these areas of application yet. Nevertheless, indirect influences can be recognised and give confidence for further Amla studies.

What are the side effects of taking and using Amla powder?

Despite the long and broad research of the Indian gooseberry, no harmful side effects have been documented so far(6). Nevertheless, one should observe prescribed consumption and application recommendations when taking Amla powder.

Food supplements, including Amla powder, should only be taken in moderation and not in combination with medicines, as a complete exclusion of side effects cannot be guaranteed. Especially in combination with medicines, side effects or ineffectiveness may occur.

What does Amla powder cost?

In our research we have found that the prices for Amla powder can vary depending on quality, manufacturer and ingredients. To give you a better idea of the price differences, we have created a table that shows the price per 1 kilogram:

Type Price range
Pure Amla powder approx. 30 to 60 euros per 1 kilogramme
Amla powder with additives approx. 40 to 90 euros per 1 kilogram

One of the most expensive products is amla powder, which is enriched with additional ingredients such as vitamins or minerals.

These nutrients are supposed to provide the body with additional nourishment and enhance the effectiveness of the amla. As a rule, a pure Amla powder should be completely sufficient to unfold its full effect. So if you don’t want to spend so much money, we advise you to use the pure powder products.

What types of Amla powder are there?

In order to make the fruits of the amla tree available and ingestible for everyone, there are different types of dosage forms on the market. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. As a rule, amla powder serves as the starting product of the different types. In our article, we distinguish between 3 different types of Amla powder. We have compiled these in a table and will discuss them in more detail below:

Type Description
Amla powder The amla fruits are processed into fine and solid particles and can be mixed with other ingredients for further consumption. The powder belongs to the classical form of ingestion and serves as a means of production of other dosage forms.
Amla powder in capsules In this case, the amla powder is sealed in capsule shells. The casing provides additional protection for the active ingredient and makes it last longer. Individual capsules are easy to dose and facilitate transport.
Amla powder as tablets tablets also belong to the solid dosage forms. Here, the Amla powder is pressed into shape with pressure and usually covered with a protective layer. They offer similar advantages as the capsules and can even be dissolved in liquids.

Amla powder

As a food supplement, the powder is one of the most common types. The powder gives a natural impression. The reason for this is that, unlike the other forms, amla is less processed in its manufacture. It goes through only a few processes and is already ingestible. In addition, the Amla powder offers many advantages. These include the easy dosage and the simple combination with other ingredients.

Advantages
  • Individually dosable
  • Large selection of additional ingredients
  • Other application possibilities, such as face mask, etc.
Disadvantages
  • Ingestion/application with liquid only
  • Other ingredients may adulterate Amla taste

The versatility of Amla powder is probably one of the most important advantages. For body care, the powder can be used to make excellent masks for the skin or rinses for the hair. In this way, the substance acts more effectively on the affected areas and the desired effects can thus be achieved more quickly.

Amla powder in capsules

The solid dosage forms are ideal for taking on the go. These include capsules. They are not only protected by the shell, but also have a longer shelf life than the powder.

Advantages
  • Tasteless
  • Easy to carry
  • Easy to take
  • Longer shelf life
Disadvantages
  • Sheaths have no Amla flavour
  • Pre-made dosages
  • Limited choice of ingredients

Because the capsules are sealed, you have to be satisfied with the dosage given by the manufacturer. As a rule, the capsules are not only filled with pure Amla powder. It can happen that additional ingredients are mixed with the Amla. For people who find it difficult to swallow medicines, we advise powder or dissolvable tablets.

Amla powder as tablets

In a further manufacturing process, tablets are produced from Amla powder. These tablets basically consist of the pressed Amla powder and may be covered by a thin protective layer for longer protection.

Advantages
  • Easy to take
  • Can be dosed individually
  • Can be dissolved in liquid
Disadvantages
  • Can only be taken with liquid

The pre-set dosage allows manufacturers to sell the tablets in large stock packs. If you have a large requirement and want to divide up your daily doses, then tablets are just the thing for you.

How should Amla powder be dosed?

The dosage and consumption recommendations of Amla powder depend on the type of dosage form. For tablets and capsules, a daily dose of 1 to 2 tablets is generally recommended. The recommendations for all preparations are usually given in the package insert or directly on the package. With amla powder, the usual daily dose ranges from 250 milligrams to 5 grams.

It all depends on how much Amla you can tolerate and whether you need it. We could not find any concrete scientific dosage recommendations. Nevertheless, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and not exceed them.

What alternatives are there to amla powder?

There are other natural products that have a high vitamin content and can have similar effects on our health. If it doesn’t have to be Amla powder, we can show you some alternatives that can hold their own with the superfood:
Alternative Explanation
Acerola The fruit of the arcelora is said to be the fruit with the highest vitamin C content. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and supports the immune system. It is also said to boost the body’s metabolism and even help against cancer(13).
Moringa The moringa plant can compete with amla due to its enormous amount of minerals. The protein-rich plant is even used as a food substitute in African as it has all the vital nutrients. It is also confirmed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects(14).
Matcha Known as matcha tea, the plant has substances that also help prevent inflammation and stomach complaints. In addition, it has a positive effect on the heart and is said to promote concentration(15, 16).
In addition to these natural alternatives, there are also chemical food supplements. These are usually cheaper than the natural products, but they usually have some side effects and are not entirely harmless to the body.
Image source: kampwit / 123rf

References (16)

1. Zhao T, Sun Q, Marques M, Witcher M. Anticancer Properties of Phyllanthus emblica (Indian Gooseberry). Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2015;2015:950890. doi: 10.1155/2015/950890. Epub 2015 Jun 9. PMID: 26180601; PMCID: PMC4477227.
Source

2. Krishnaveni M, Mirunalini S. Therapeutic potential of Phyllanthus emblica (amla): the ayurvedic wonder. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2010;21(1):93-105. doi: 10.1515/jbcpp.2010.21.1.93. PMID: 20506691.
Source

3. Balusamy SR, Veerappan K, Ranjan A, Kim YJ, Chellappan DK, Dua K, Lee J, Perumalsamy H. Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract attenuates lipid metabolism in 3T3-L1 adipocytes via activating apoptosis mediated cell death. Phytomedicine. 2020 Jan;66:153129. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153129. Epub 2019 Oct 31. PMID: 31794911.
Source

4. Kumar N, Rungseevijitprapa W, Narkkhong NA, Suttajit M, Chaiyasut C. 5α-reductase inhibition and hair growth promotion of some Thai plants traditionally used for hair treatment. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Feb 15;139(3):765-71. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.12.010. Epub 2011 Dec 13. PMID: 22178180.
Source

5. Akhtar MS, Jabbar MA. Effect of topical application of oils of amla, coconut, sarson and samsol on growth of rabbit's hair and sheep wool. J Pak Med Assoc. 1981 Nov;31(11):246-9. PMID: 6802994.
Source

6. Baliga MS, Dsouza JJ. Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn), a wonder berry in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2011 May;20(3):225-39. doi: 10.1097/CEJ.0b013e32834473f4. PMID: 21317655.
Source

7. Al-Rehaily AJ, Al-Howiriny TA, Al-Sohaibani MO, Rafatullah S. Gastroprotective effects of 'Amla' Emblica officinalis on in vivo test models in rats. Phytomedicine. 2002 Sep;9(6):515-22. doi: 10.1078/09447110260573146. PMID: 12403160.
Source

8. Naeimi M, Gorji N, Memariani Z, Moeini R, Kamalinejad M, Kolangi F. Gastroprotective herbs for headache management in Persian medicine: A comprehensive review. J Integr Med. 2020 Jan;18(1):1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.joim.2019.11.004. Epub 2019 Nov 23. PMID: 31813768.
Source

9. Akhtar MS, Ramzan A, Ali A, Ahmad M. Effect of Amla fruit (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) on blood glucose and lipid profile of normal subjects and type 2 diabetic patients. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2011 Sep;62(6):609-16. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2011.560565. Epub 2011 Apr 18. PMID: 21495900.
Source

10. Jacob A, Pandey M, Kapoor S, Saroja R. Effect of the Indian gooseberry (amla) on serum cholesterol levels in men aged 35-55 years. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1988 Nov;42(11):939-44. PMID: 3250870.
Source

11. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Dec 27;19(1):70. doi: 10.3390/ijms19010070. PMID: 29280987; PMCID: PMC5796020.
Source

12. Chen TS, Liou SY, Chang YL. Supplementation of Emblica officinalis (Amla) extract reduces oxidative stress in uremic patients. Am J Chin Med. 2009;37(1):19-25. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X09006680. PMID: 19222108.
Source

13. Prakash A, Baskaran R. Acerola, an untapped functional superfruit: a review on latest frontiers. J Food Sci Technol. 2018 Sep;55(9):3373-3384. doi: 10.1007/s13197-018-3309-5. Epub 2018 Jul 11. PMID: 30150795; PMCID: PMC6098779.
Source

14. Abdull Razis AF, Ibrahim MD, Kntayya SB. Health benefits of Moringa oleifera. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2014;15(20):8571-6. doi: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.20.8571. PMID: 25374169.
Source

15. Willems MET, Şahin MA, Cook MD. Matcha Green Tea Drinks Enhance Fat Oxidation During Brisk Walking in Females. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2018 Sep 1;28(5):536-541. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0237. Epub 2018 Jun 19. PMID: 29345213.
Source

16. Unno K, Furushima D, Hamamoto S, Iguchi K, Yamada H, Morita A, Horie H, Nakamura Y. Stress-Reducing Function of Matcha Green Tea in Animal Experiments and Clinical Trials. Nutrients. 2018 Oct 10;10(10):1468. doi: 10.3390/nu10101468. PMID: 30308973; PMCID: PMC6213777.
Source

scientific Study
Zhao T, Sun Q, Marques M, Witcher M. Anticancer Properties of Phyllanthus emblica (Indian Gooseberry). Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2015;2015:950890. doi: 10.1155/2015/950890. Epub 2015 Jun 9. PMID: 26180601; PMCID: PMC4477227.
Go to source
scientific essay
Krishnaveni M, Mirunalini S. Therapeutic potential of Phyllanthus emblica (amla): the ayurvedic wonder. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2010;21(1):93-105. doi: 10.1515/jbcpp.2010.21.1.93. PMID: 20506691.
Go to source
scientific Study
Balusamy SR, Veerappan K, Ranjan A, Kim YJ, Chellappan DK, Dua K, Lee J, Perumalsamy H. Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract attenuates lipid metabolism in 3T3-L1 adipocytes via activating apoptosis mediated cell death. Phytomedicine. 2020 Jan;66:153129. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153129. Epub 2019 Oct 31. PMID: 31794911.
Go to source
scientific Study
Kumar N, Rungseevijitprapa W, Narkkhong NA, Suttajit M, Chaiyasut C. 5α-reductase inhibition and hair growth promotion of some Thai plants traditionally used for hair treatment. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Feb 15;139(3):765-71. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.12.010. Epub 2011 Dec 13. PMID: 22178180.
Go to source
scientific Study
Akhtar MS, Jabbar MA. Effect of topical application of oils of amla, coconut, sarson and samsol on growth of rabbit's hair and sheep wool. J Pak Med Assoc. 1981 Nov;31(11):246-9. PMID: 6802994.
Go to source
scientific essay
Baliga MS, Dsouza JJ. Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn), a wonder berry in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2011 May;20(3):225-39. doi: 10.1097/CEJ.0b013e32834473f4. PMID: 21317655.
Go to source
scientific Study
Al-Rehaily AJ, Al-Howiriny TA, Al-Sohaibani MO, Rafatullah S. Gastroprotective effects of 'Amla' Emblica officinalis on in vivo test models in rats. Phytomedicine. 2002 Sep;9(6):515-22. doi: 10.1078/09447110260573146. PMID: 12403160.
Go to source
scientific essay
Naeimi M, Gorji N, Memariani Z, Moeini R, Kamalinejad M, Kolangi F. Gastroprotective herbs for headache management in Persian medicine: A comprehensive review. J Integr Med. 2020 Jan;18(1):1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.joim.2019.11.004. Epub 2019 Nov 23. PMID: 31813768.
Go to source
scientific Study
Akhtar MS, Ramzan A, Ali A, Ahmad M. Effect of Amla fruit (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) on blood glucose and lipid profile of normal subjects and type 2 diabetic patients. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2011 Sep;62(6):609-16. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2011.560565. Epub 2011 Apr 18. PMID: 21495900.
Go to source
scientific Study
Jacob A, Pandey M, Kapoor S, Saroja R. Effect of the Indian gooseberry (amla) on serum cholesterol levels in men aged 35-55 years. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1988 Nov;42(11):939-44. PMID: 3250870.
Go to source
scientific essay
Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Dec 27;19(1):70. doi: 10.3390/ijms19010070. PMID: 29280987; PMCID: PMC5796020.
Go to source
scientific Study
Chen TS, Liou SY, Chang YL. Supplementation of Emblica officinalis (Amla) extract reduces oxidative stress in uremic patients. Am J Chin Med. 2009;37(1):19-25. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X09006680. PMID: 19222108.
Go to source
scientific essay
Prakash A, Baskaran R. Acerola, an untapped functional superfruit: a review on latest frontiers. J Food Sci Technol. 2018 Sep;55(9):3373-3384. doi: 10.1007/s13197-018-3309-5. Epub 2018 Jul 11. PMID: 30150795; PMCID: PMC6098779.
Go to source
scientific essay
Abdull Razis AF, Ibrahim MD, Kntayya SB. Health benefits of Moringa oleifera. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2014;15(20):8571-6. doi: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.20.8571. PMID: 25374169.
Go to source
scientific Study
Willems MET, Şahin MA, Cook MD. Matcha Green Tea Drinks Enhance Fat Oxidation During Brisk Walking in Females. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2018 Sep 1;28(5):536-541. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0237. Epub 2018 Jun 19. PMID: 29345213.
Go to source
scientific Study
Unno K, Furushima D, Hamamoto S, Iguchi K, Yamada H, Morita A, Horie H, Nakamura Y. Stress-Reducing Function of Matcha Green Tea in Animal Experiments and Clinical Trials. Nutrients. 2018 Oct 10;10(10):1468. doi: 10.3390/nu10101468. PMID: 30308973; PMCID: PMC6213777.
Go to source
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