Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Aurvedic Aspects | Biochemical Information
Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Nutrient Content | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Emblica officinalis (Amalaki/Indian gooseberry)
- Terminalia bellerica (Bibhitaki/Belleric myrobalan)
- Terminalia chebula (Haritaki/Black myrobalan)
Common Names
- Triphala
- Three Fruits
- Triphala Rasayana
Parts Usually Used
The dried fruits of the three component plants
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Triphala is a polyherbal formulation consisting of three medicinal plants native to the Indian subcontinent. The formula combines equal portions of dried and powdered fruits from Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry), Terminalia bellerica (Bibhitaki), and Terminalia chebula (Haritaki). These three plants belong to different botanical families – Emblica officinalis from the Euphorbiaceae family, while both Terminalia species belong to the Combretaceae family.
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Where Found
The three component plants of Triphala are native to India and the Indian subcontinent. They grow naturally in various regions of India and have been cultivated for medicinal purposes for over 1000 years.
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Medicinal Properties
Triphala has been shown to contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, antibacterial, antimutagenic, adaptogenic, hypoglycemic, antineoplastic, chemoprotective, radioprotective, laxative, carminative, expectorant, antispasmodic, bronchodilator, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, wound healing, analgesic, antipyretic, and antiaging properties.
Studies have demonstrated that Triphala can effectively help with gastrointestinal disorders, constipation, dental health, weight management, blood sugar regulation, cholesterol reduction, stress management, inflammation, eye health, skin healing, and immune system support. It has shown particular promise in protecting against radiation damage, oxidative stress, and supporting overall digestive health.
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Ayurvedic Aspects
In Ayurveda, Triphala is classified as a “Tridoshic Rasayana,” meaning it is appropriate for all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and suitable for patients of all constitutions and ages. The name “Triphala” literally means “three fruits” in Sanskrit (tri = three, phala = fruits).
Ayurvedic Classifications:
- Rasayana – Rejuvenative tonic that promotes longevity
- Shukrala – Reproductive tonic
- Digestive – Enhances digestion and absorption
- Mild laxative at normal doses
- Bowel tonic at low doses
- Purgative at high doses
- Carminative – Relieves gas and bloating
- Expectorant and bronchodilator
Ayurvedic Pharmacology (Dravya Guna):
- Rasa (Taste): Sweet, sour, pungent, bitter, and astringent (contains all tastes except salty)
- Virya (Potency): Neutral
- Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Sweet
- Prabhav (Special action): Balancing for all doshas and constitutions
- Gunas (Qualities): Amalaki is heavy and dry; Haritaki and Bibhitaki are light and dry
According to ancient texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, Triphala has been used in traditional medicine for over 1000 years. The physician Charak stated that taking Triphala Rasayana (with honey and ghee) daily has the potential to help a person live for one hundred years devoid of old age and diseases. Sushrut indicated that the formula is useful for treating ulcers and wounds.
As both Ayurveda and modern medicine recognize that health and disease begin in the gut, Triphala represents an essential foundational formula as it promotes efficient digestion, absorption, elimination, and rejuvenation.
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Biochemical Information
The major bioactive constituents of Triphala include:
- Tannins: gallic acid, ellagic acid, chebulinic acid, chebulic acid
- Polyphenols: quercetin, luteolin, methyl gallate
- Flavonoids and antioxidant compounds
- Saponins and anthraquinones
- Amino acids and fatty acids
- Various carbohydrates
- Emblicanin A and emblicanin B
- Vitamin C (particularly high in Amalaki)
- Essential minerals: copper, iron, magnesium, potassium
Uses
Triphala is used traditionally and in modern applications for treating various conditions including:
- Constipation and digestive disorders
- Gastric ulcers and hyperacidity
- Inflammatory bowel disease and colitis
- Dental caries, plaque, and gingivitis
- Weight management and obesity
- Type 2 diabetes and blood sugar regulation
- High cholesterol and cardiovascular health
- Stress, anxiety, and mood disorders
- Arthritis and inflammatory conditions
- Eye health and cataract prevention
- Skin healing and wound care
- Cancer prevention and treatment support
- Immune system enhancement
- Radiation protection
- Fever and infections
- Anemia and blood disorders
- Liver protection and detoxification
- As a general tonic and anti-aging remedy
Modern research has validated many traditional uses, showing Triphala to be effective as a mouthwash (comparable to chlorhexidine), for weight loss, blood sugar control, and as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
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Formulas or Dosages
Common dosages for Triphala include:
- General use: 300-1000 mg per dose (typically 900-1000 mg total)
- Weight loss study: Small daily doses showed effectiveness over 12 weeks
- Diabetes management: 5 g of Triphala powder for 45 days significantly lowered blood glucose
- Mouthwash: 6-10% Triphala solution used twice daily
- Traditional preparation: Triphala Rasayana with honey and ghee
Nutrient Content
In one teaspoon (2.8 grams) of Triphala powder, there is:
- 10 calories
- 0 grams protein
- 0 grams fat
- 3 grams carbohydrates
- 1 gram fiber
- 0 grams sugar
Triphala is particularly rich in vitamin C (especially from Amalaki), antioxidants including phenols, tannins, and curcuminoids, and essential minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
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How Sold
Triphala is available in various commercial forms including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquid extracts. It may also be combined with guggulu (tree gum resin) for additional therapeutic effects. Some products undergo third-party testing for purity and heavy metal contamination.
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Warning
Triphala can have laxative effects, causing diarrhea or stomach upset, especially at higher dosages or when taken on an empty stomach. People should not exceed recommended dosages and should discontinue use if experiencing digestive upset.
Triphala may interact with certain medications, particularly those metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. It may also interfere with blood-thinning medications like Warfarin and could cause blood pressure to drop too low in people taking antihypertensive medications.
As with all dietary supplements, Triphala is not regulated by the FDA like pharmaceutical drugs. Some Ayurvedic supplements may contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, or arsenic in dangerous amounts. It is important to purchase products that have undergone third-party testing for purity and safety.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with healthcare providers before using Triphala, as safety data for these populations is limited. Anyone with ongoing health conditions or taking medications should discuss Triphala use with their physician before starting supplementation.
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Resource Links
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Triphala
Medical News Today – What are the health benefits of triphala?
WebMD – Triphala: Is It Good For You?
National Library of Medicine – Therapeutic Uses of Triphala in Ayurvedic Medicine
