Triphala; Ayurvedic combination for digestion
Triphala, a combination of three fruits. Widely used in traditional Ayurvedic Medicine for over 5000 years. According to Ayurvedic Medicine Triphala is considered as one of the staple and versatile formulation, the synergetic effect of tirphala helps in healing many health conditions.
What is triphala ?
A traditional Ayurvedic formula made from dried powers of three fruits, the name triphala derived from two Sanskrit words, the word “tri” means three, “phala” means fruits.
Medicinally and pharmacologically the combination of chebulinic acid, ellgic acid and gallic acid, which are potent antioxidants as it also consists of flavonoids and polyphenols, which can have potent antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The Ayurvedic postulated indications are endless, however overall benefits of taking triphala are endless.
What is modern research saying?
Some of the benefits using Triphala that are published in scientific journals
- Promoting healthy Digestion as per the Ayurvedic Medicine
- Cold Stress Management
- Eye health
- Anti – Aging
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-cancer Properties
- Preventing DNA damage
- Dental health and Gum health
Triphala Side effects
It is very unlikely that triphala can cause side effects as per the Ayurvedic Medicines, if consumed as advised by Ayurvedic practitioners.
Some of the rare side effects reported as
- As it acts as a natural laxative, hence may cause some gastric symptoms such as
- Stomach Upset
- Cramps
- Gas
- Loose bowels
If the symptoms persist, please contact your health care provider.
It’s better to be avoided in pregnancy and lactation.
Dose:
There are no standard guidelines on dosages, however as per the Ayurvedic classical medicine
Powder: take 3-6 grams with warm water once or twice a day – for digestive issues
Capsules: take one capsule two or three times a day or as prescribed by healthcare practitioners.
This article is intended for educating purpose only, for any healthcare advise please contact your healthcare practitioner.
Written by
Dr Satheesh Kumar MD, MPH, MHP
References
Ponnusankar S, Pandit S, Babu R, Bandyopadhyay A, Mukherjee PK. Cytochrome P450 inhibitory potential of Triphala—a Rasayana from Ayurveda. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;133(1):120-125. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2010.09.022
Kalaiselvan S, Rasool M. The anti-inflammatory effect of triphala in arthritic-induced rats. Pharm Biol. 2015;53:51-60. doi:10.3109/13880209.2014.910237
Peterson CT, Denniston K, Chopra D. Therapeutic uses of Triphala in Ayurvedic medicine. J of Alternative and Comp Med. 2017;23(8):607-614. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0083
Pradeep AR, Suke DK, Martande SS, Singh SP, Nagpal K, Naik SB. Triphala, a new herbal mouthwash for the treatment of gingivitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Periodontol. 2016;87:1352-1359. doi:10.1902/jop.2016.130406
Kamali SH, Khalaj AR, Hasani-Ranjbar S, et al. Efficacy of ‘Itrifal Saghir’, a combination of three medicinal plants in the treatment of obesity: a randomized controlled trip. Daru. 2012;2:411-420. doi:10.1186/2008-2231-20-33
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Dhanalakshmi S, Devi RS, Srikumar R, et al. Protective effect of Triphala on cold stress-induced behavioral and biochemical abnormalities in rats. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2007;127:1863-1867. doi:10.1248/yakushi.127.1863
Patel DK, Kumar R, Laloo D, Hemalatha S. Diabetes mellitus: an overview of its pharmacological aspects and reported medicinal plants having antidiabetic activity. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2012;2:411-420. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60067-7
Saravanan S, Srikumar R, Manikandan S, et al. Hypolipidemic effect of triphala in experimentally induced hypercholesterolemic rats. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2007; 127:385-38. doi:10.1248/yakushi.127.385
Sandhya T, Lathikaa KM, Pandeya BN, et al. Protection against radiation oxidative damage in mice by Triphala. Mutat Res. 2006;609:17-25. doi:10.1016/j.mrgentox.2006.05.006
Kaur S, Michael H, Arora S, et al. The in vitro cytotoxic and apoptotic activity of Triphala – an Indian herbal drug. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2005;97:15-20. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2004.09.050
Phetkate P, Kummalue T, U-Pratya Y, Kietinun S. Significant increase in cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells by triphala: a clinical phase 1 study. Evid Based Complement Altern Med. 2012;2012:239856. doi:10.1155/2012/239856
Kalaiselvan S, Rasool M. The anti-inflammatory effect of triphala in arthritic-induced rats. Pharm Biol. 2015;53:51-60. doi:10.3109/13880209.2014.910237
Varma SR, Sivaprakasam TO, Mishra A, et al. Protective effects of triphala on dermal fibroblasts and human keratinocytes. PLoS One. 2016;11:e0145921. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0145921
Kirk J, Dunker K. Dietary counseling: the ingredient for successfully addressing the use of herbal supplements and probiotics in chronic kidney disease. Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease. 2014;21(4):377-384. doi:10.1053/j.ackd.2014.05.001
Ponnusankar S, Pandit S, Babu R, Bandyopadhyay A, Mukherjee PK. Cytochrome P450 inhibitory potential of Triphala—a Rasayana from Ayurveda. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;133(1):120-125. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2010.09.022