Embilicanins

PhytochemicalTanninBest with a meal

What is it

Embilicanins are tannin-like polyphenols identified in the fruit of Phyllanthus emblica (amla, Indian gooseberry). Two main forms, emblicanin A and B, are characterized as low-molecular-weight hydrolyzable tannins.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Oxidative stress markers

Limited Evidence

Small human and animal studies of amla extracts standardized to embilicanins suggest reductions in oxidative stress markers, but trials are limited in size and duration.

How it works

Embilicanins act primarily as antioxidants in laboratory assays, scavenging free radicals and chelating reactive metals. Animal and small human studies of amla extracts standardized to embilicanins have explored effects on lipid markers and oxidative stress, but mechanisms specific to embilicanins in humans are not fully mapped.

Dosage

No standardized dose for isolated embilicanins. Amla extracts are typically supplied at 250-500 mg per day, often standardized to a percentage of total tannins or embilicanins.

When and how to take it

No formal timing guidance. Amla extracts are commonly taken with meals to ease gastrointestinal tolerability.

1 commercial form

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Standardized amla extract

Most common format; specified by percent embilicanins on the label.

Polyphenol absorption is generally low; metabolites are detectable in plasma

Safety

Amla and its tannin fractions are generally well tolerated. High doses may cause loose stools or mild gastrointestinal upset due to tannin content.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited data. Discontinue before surgery because of possible effects on bleeding.

Interactions

Amla may modestly affect blood glucose and lipid markers; coordination with diabetes or cholesterol medications is reasonable. No specific interactions are documented for isolated embilicanins.

Food sources

Amla (Indian gooseberry) fruit

Amount
variable
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

What are embilicanins?⌄

Polyphenolic tannins isolated from amla (Phyllanthus emblica). They drive much of the antioxidant activity attributed to amla.

Are embilicanin extracts safe?⌄

Amla extracts standardized to embilicanins are generally well tolerated short-term; long-term safety data are limited.

References

Embilicanins on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Embilicanins (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.