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Emblica Officinalis - Capros®
I saw that Scivation is going to feature Capros®, an extract of Emblica officinalis licensed by Natreon, in there new pre-workout, Quake 10.0. Having little to no experience with the ingredient, I wanted to do a bit of research and see what potential Emblica officinalis has. It looks promising to me! Most people are familiar with the BCAAs, L-citrulline, Tyrosine, PeakO2 and NO3-T arginine nitrate, however Capros® may be a bit less recognized in the bodybuilding community. I was unaware until a bit more research that Primaforce sells bulk Capros® already.
Emblica Officinalis, also known as Indian Gooseberry/Amla, is an Ayurveda herb that shows promise for its effect on blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. What I found interesting was its potential to act as a nootropic and enhance nitric oxide formation . Although the effects on cholesterol and triglycerides are welcome, the later effects are probably why this ingredient has found its way into Quake.
Effects
Blood Glucose/Cholesterol
It’s great when we have literature to support an ergogen in healthy subjects. Researchers have found that Amla fruit is able to reduce fasting blood sugar and 2-h post-prandial blood glucose levels. Along with these effects, the same study found significant improved HDL cholesterol and lowered LDL. [1]
Nootropic
Pre-workout users are often looking for a quick energy rush that can help them push through a grueling workout. A recent trend in the supplement industry has been the use of Nootropics alongside stimulants. Cognitive enhancement to aid in concentration that’s independent of caffeine. Does Emblica officinalis assist with cognitive function? Preliminary research on mice suggests it has the potential.
Mice were administered Scopolamine to induce amnesia. Emblica officinalis was administered in doses of 150, 300, 450 and 600 mg kg for seven days. The effects that Emblica officinalis had were phenomenal - amnesia induced by scopolamine was reversed and oxidative stress was reduced. Scopolamine also caused a rise in brain acetyl cholinesterase. Emblica officinalis at 300, 450 and 600mg/kg was able reverse the unwanted rise in acetyl cholinesterase. The researchers concluded the following:
“These results suggest that EO possesses memory enhancing, antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activity. It may be useful for the treatment of cognitive impairments induced by cholinergic dysfunction. Its potential in the management of dementia and Azheimer disease needs to be further explored.” [2]
More research has shown its potential to enhance memory. Mice were orally given 3 doses of Anwala churna (Emblica officinalis) at 50, 100 and 200mg/kg for fifteen days - They were also given amnesia inducing agents.
“Anwala churna (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a dose-dependent improvement in memory scores of young and aged mice… interestingly, brain cholinesterase activity and total cholesterol levels were reduced by Anwala churna administered orally for 15 days. Anwala churna may prove to be a useful remedy for the management of Alzheimer's disease on account of its multifarious beneficial effects such as, memory improving property, cholesterol lowering property and anticholinesterase activity.” [3]
Nitric Oxide
Interestingly enough, this compound may increase pumps during your workout. We’re aware of its cardiotonic effects, as noted above in the study that shows improved HDL cholesterol and lowered LDL. In a study looking at Emblica officinalis (as Capros®) impact on endothelial dysfunction (administered to type 2 diabetes patients at 250mg twice daily), nitric oxide levels were increased 43.13%! Granted, this research was done on diabetics, so take it with a grain of salt, however still good info. Scivation is using 500 – 1000mg depending on serving size, so it’s clear they’re not skimping! [4]
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21495900
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23033650
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17343883
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3735284/
