The effects of add-on therapy of Phyllanthus Emblica (Amla) on laboratory confirmed COVID-19 Cases: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

Study answer

What this study found

Amla did not significantly improve the primary virologic endpoint, with final RT-PCR negativity in 60% of the intervention arm versus 36.7% of controls (P=0.07). However, it was associated with a shorter length of stay (4.44 days vs 7.18 days; P<0.001), improved oxygen saturation (92.70±2.67 to 97.30±1.05; P<0.001), and better inflammatory/clinical profiles, including CRP negativity in 76.7% versus 40% in controls. No adverse effects were reported in either group. Overall, the findings suggest a clinically favorable adjunct effect despite no clear effect on RT-PCR conversion or lung…

Study & population

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in hospitalized adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and pulmonary involvement in Ahvaz, Iran.

Intervention

Adults in the active arm received oral Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) as add-on therapy to routine COVID-19 care for 10 days, described as either a 2 g sachet powder given every 12 hours or 100 cc Amla tea daily.

Key limitation

The study was small, single-country, and short duration (10 days), which limits generalizability and precision.

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Original abstract