Overview

Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) is a tree native to India and the Middle East. It's been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

Indian gooseberry seems to work by reducing total cholesterol levels, including the fatty acids called triglycerides, without affecting levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol.

People commonly use Indian gooseberry for abnormal cholesterol levels and persistent heartburn. It's also used for diarrhea, osteoarthritis, and cancer, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Abnormal levels of cholesterol or blood fats (dyslipidemia). Taking a specific Indian gooseberry whole fruit extract (Tri-low, Arjuna Natural Ltd.) for 12 weeks decreases low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol and fats called triglycerides.
  • Persistent heartburn. Taking Indian gooseberry fruit extract for 4 weeks helps reduce how often heartburn occurs and how severe it is.
There is interest in using Indian gooseberry for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Indian gooseberry is commonly consumed in food. It is possibly safe when used as medicine at doses of up to 1,000 mg daily for up to 6 months, 1,500 mg daily for up to 2 months, and 2,000 mg daily for up to 1 month. It is unclear if these doses are safe to take for longer periods of time.

When applied to the skin: Topical products containing Indian gooseberry at strengths up to 3% are possibly safe to apply to the skin for up to 60 days.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Indian gooseberry is commonly consumed in food. It is possibly safe when used as medicine at doses of up to 1,000 mg daily for up to 6 months, 1,500 mg daily for up to 2 months, and 2,000 mg daily for up to 1 month. It is unclear if these doses are safe to take for longer periods of time.

When applied to the skin: Topical products containing Indian gooseberry at strengths up to 3% are possibly safe to apply to the skin for up to 60 days.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Indian gooseberry is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Bleeding disorders: Indian gooseberry might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in some people. If you have a bleeding disorder, use Indian gooseberry with caution.

Surgery: Indian gooseberry might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking Indian gooseberry at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with INDIAN GOOSEBERRY

    Indian gooseberry might slow blood clotting. Taking Indian gooseberry along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with INDIAN GOOSEBERRY

    Indian gooseberry might lower blood sugar levels. Taking Indian gooseberry along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Aspirin interacts with INDIAN GOOSEBERRY

    Aspirin can slow blood clotting. Indian gooseberry might also slow blood clotting. Taking Indian gooseberry along with aspirin might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

  • Clopidogrel (Plavix) interacts with INDIAN GOOSEBERRY

    Clopidogrel can slow blood clotting. Indian gooseberry might also slow blood clotting. Taking Indian gooseberry along with clopidogrel might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

Indian gooseberry fruit extract has most often been used by adults in doses of 500-1000 mg by mouth daily for 4-12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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