The 2026 trial found that oral *Phyllanthus emblica* plus *Tinospora cordifolia* did not clear acne significantly better than placebo. The combination, called LNSA, may deserve further study, but it is not established as a replacement for proven acne treatments. The study tested 300, 400, or 500 mg of LNSA daily for 12 weeks in 88 adults with mild-to-moderate post-adolescent acne. The dose groups improved on some measures, but the differences from placebo were not statistically significant.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- What did the trial actually test?
- What does the result mean for adults with persistent acne?
- How does LNSA compare with standard options?
- Who should be cautious about applying the findings?
What did the trial actually test?
LNSA contained a traditional decoction made from dried *P. emblica* fruit and fresh *T. cordifolia* stem. The product was manufactured by Link Natural Products, and the trial was company-funded, according to the Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry.
Participants received placebo or one of three daily doses: 300, 400, or 500 mg. The trial measured acne lesions, quality of life, and laboratory safety markers over 12 weeks. The herbal groups showed dose-related reductions in acne lesions. However, none of the comparisons with placebo reached statistical significance. That means the study did not establish that LNSA itself caused better acne clearance.
What does the result mean for adults with persistent acne?
The result is promising enough to justify more research, but it is not strong evidence for switching from established treatment. An improvement within the herbal groups can reflect several factors, including natural acne fluctuation, participant expectations, or placebo effects. All three LNSA groups reported statistically significant quality-of-life improvement.
That finding matters to people whose acne affects confidence or daily life, but it does not prove that LNSA improves quality of life more than placebo. The trial was placebo-controlled, not a direct comparison with benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, antibiotics, or isotretinoin. Its authors called for larger studies before using LNSA as a standalone or add-on acne treatment, as reported in the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine trial report.
How does LNSA compare with standard options?
Adults with persistent acne should compare LNSA with treatments that already have guideline support. The American Academy of dermatology strongly recommends benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, and oral doxycycline.
It reserves isotretinoin for severe, scarring, psychologically burdensome, or treatment-resistant acne in its 2024 acne guideline. A practical comparison looks like this: If acne remains persistent, a clinician can help identify whether the pattern suggests hormonal drivers, scarring risk, or a need for prescription treatment. Those factors were not broadly represented in the LNSA study.
- LNSA: limited evidence, no significant advantage over placebo in this trial, and no head-to-head comparison with standard medicines.
- Established treatments: included in current dermatology guidance, with selection depending on acne severity and individual circumstances.
- Isotretinoin: generally considered when acne is severe, scarring, highly burdensome, or resistant to other treatment.
Who should be cautious about applying the findings?
The study excluded pregnant or nursing people, people with hormonal acne drivers or chronic illness, and people recently using acne drugs, antibiotics, hormonal therapy, retinoids, or herbal supplements. Its findings therefore apply most closely to adults with mild-to-moderate acne who fit those narrow conditions. The short-term safety results were reassuring: blood, liver, and kidney tests stayed within reference ranges, and the study reported no serious or treatment-related adverse events. That does not establish long-term safety for everyone. In particular, *T.
cordifolia* has a broader safety concern. NIH/NIDDK LiverTox identifies it as a well-established cause of clinically apparent liver injury, including severe and fatal reported cases, especially among people with pre-existing liver disease. Anyone considering LNSA should share the exact product and all other supplements or medicines with a healthcare professional. The normal liver tests in this small, 12-week trial should not be treated as proof that every *T. cordifolia* product is safe.
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