Trikatu Churna: Uses, Benefits and Side effects by Dr. Rajeev Singh

Introduction:

Originating in the Vedic period, Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medicine system that relies on the principle that “life is an interplay of five elements-water, air, fire, space and earth.” Owing to Ayurveda, the knowledge of nature has been passed down from generation to generation. There are numerous ways to incorporate the science of Ayurveda into your life for healing; one such way is by using churnas, a mixture of herbs and natural ingredients. Trikatu churna is an age-old remedy used for some excellent health benefits. It is a mixture/powder (churna) of three (tri) most essential herbs (katu), namely adrak (ginger or Zingiber officinale), kali mirch (Black pepper or piper nigrum) and pippali (long pepper or Piper longum). In this article, we will learn more about Trikatu churna, its health benefits, side effects, precautions, etc.¹ 

Did you know?

• Trikatu Churna is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve digestion and treat digestive disorders. source: nccih.nih.gov
• Trikatu Churna has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• Studies suggest that Trikatu Churna may help in weight management by increasing metabolism and reducing body fat. source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• Trikatu Churna may help in reducing symptoms of respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• Research suggests that Trikatu Churna may have a positive impact on blood sugar levels and help manage diabetes. source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• Trikatu Churna has been found to have antimicrobial properties and may help in fighting against certain infections. source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutritional Value of Trikatu Churna:

As already mentioned, Trikatu churna is a combination of Zingiber officinale, piper nigrum and piper longum. All three herbs are rich in different nutrients and phytochemicals with medicinal value. The nutritional chart of Trikatu churna is given below: 

1. Zingiber Officinale (Ginger)

• Carbohydrates: 1.3 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Fibres: 0.3 g
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Potassium: 24 mg
• Calcium: 2.1 mg
• Iron: 0.4 mg

2. Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper)

• Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
• Fibres: 0.6 g
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Potassium: 31 mg
• Calcium: 10 mg
• Iron: 0.2 mg

3. Piper Longum (Long Pepper)

• Carbohydrates: –
• Proteins: –
• Volatile oils: –

Trikatu churna is rich in phytochemicals having a high medicinal value. The phytochemicals present in Trikatu churna include phytosterol, beta-sitosterol, acetic acid, amides, piperlongumine, genistein, E-beta carotene, etc.^2–5 

Properties of Trikatu Churna:

Trikatu churna shows numerous scientifically proven properties; some of which are mentioned below: ⁵ 

• It may have properties to reduce blood glucose. 
• It has properties to reduce elevated lipid levels. 
• It may have the potential to halt the abnormal multiplication of cells. 
• It may have protective properties for the liver.  
• It may have the property to reduce inflammation. 
• It may have the potential to reduce vomiting. 
• It may have antibacterial properties. 
• It may have the potential to decrease elevated thyroid hormones. 

Potential Uses of Trikatu Churna for Overall Health:

Some of the potential benefits of Trikatu churna are described below. 

1. Potential Use of Trikatu Churna in Type II Diabetes

Type II Diabetes is characterized by increased blood glucose due to reduced production or resistance to insulin (a hormone that regulates blood glucose). Ayurvedic formulations like churnas have been gaining the limelight for managing diabetes. Chabbra et al. conducted a study in 2022 that showed the presence of phytochemicals like genistein, piperlongumine, beta-sitosterol, beta-carotene, etc., in Trikatu churna. These phytochemicals regulate insulin resistance pathways and may help reduce blood glucose. Additionally, genistein may help improve insulin synthesis. This indicates that Trikatu churna may help manage Type II diabetes. However, to claim these results in humans, we need more studies. It is further advised not to self-medicate and consult your physician for proper management of diabetes.⁵ 

2. Potential Uses of Trikatu Churna in Liver Function

The liver is a large organ on the abdomen’s right side. It is mainly responsible for filtering waste from the body, including bilirubin, producing bile which helps to digest food and storing sugar in the body, which can later be used as an energy source. Different liver enzymes perform all these functions; any liver disease will be characterized by an abnormal value of these liver enzymes. Sharma et al. conducted a review that stated that Trikatu churna might exert a protective effect on the liver by improving liver enzymes and function. This may indicate that the Trikatu churna may protect the liver and help in conditions like alcoholic liver disease. However, more studies on humans are needed to support these claims. Additionally, it is advised not to rely on this churna as a remedy, and kindly consult your physician for the proper management of any liver disease.¹ 

2. Potential Uses of Trikatu Churna on Lipid Profile

A lipid profile is a complete cholesterol test that measures total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), etc. Valsala et al., 2013 conducted an animal study to assess the effect of Trikatu churna on lipid profile. The consumption of this churna showed a declining trend in total cholesterol and triglycerides and helped increase high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol levels. Thus, Trikatu churna may positively impact the lipid profile. However, we need more human studies to claim these results accurately. Also, it is advised not to consider this churna as an alternative to modern medicine; you should always consult your doctor for proper management of an abnormal lipid profile.⁶ 

3.Potential Uses of Trikatu Churna in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term inflammatory disease affecting the joints. It is manifested by inflammation and pain in the joints. Literature studies show that Trikatu churna may manage inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Vachana et al. conducted a study in 2014 which stated that Trikatu churna might help reduce inflammation due to the presence of phytochemicals like gingerol, piperine, etc. This indicates that Trikatu churna may potentially benefit rheumatoid arthritis and provide symptomatic relief. However, we need more studies to confirm these results with greater reliability. Additionally, you should not consider this churna as a remedy for managing rheumatoid arthritis; it is always advised to consult a physician for proper management.⁷ 

4. Potential Uses of Trikatu Churna in Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders are increasing globally and affecting people of all age groups. Christine et al. conducted a review in 2019 that stated that Trikatu churna might help improve digestion and gut flora and have a prebiotic effect. Additionally, it may have an anti-carminative effect (reduce flatulence) due to phytoconstituents like beta carotene, acetic acid, piperine, etc. Therefore, Trikatu churna may have the potential to manage digestive disorders and improve gut health. To claim these results in humans, we need more studies. It is further advised not to consider this churna as an alternative to modern medicine; kindly consider your doctor for proper management of any digestive disorder.⁸ 

Other Potential Uses of Trikatu Churna

• Traditionally, trikatu churna has been used for vomiting.⁵ 
• It may help manage cough and asthma.⁵ 
• Trikatu churna may help in managing sinusitis and chronic rhinitis.⁵ 
• It may help in weight loss and help management of obesity.⁵ 
• In Ayurveda, it is believed that Trikatu may help manage agni (digestive fire) and may help in the removal of aama (toxins) from the body.⁹ 
• Trikatu is known to balance aggravated Vata dosha (which is known to cause most of the pains in the body).⁹ 

Though there are studies that show the benefits of Trikatu churna in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of Trikatu churna on human health.  

Trikatu churna is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-dyslipidaemic, and immune-modulatory characteristics and it might suppress certain pro-inflammatory cytokines. Based on some studies, Trikatu churna might be beneficial for managing COVID-19 cases.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

How to Use Trikatu Churna?

• A few pinches, or the amount prescribed by your ayurvedic physician should be taken and added to boiling water. Allow it to boil for a few minutes, and then drink it when lukewarm.¹ 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.  

Side Effects of Trikatu Churna:

Chanda et al. conducted an animal study that found Trikatu churna to be safe; however, there are no studies conducted on humans to assess the side effects of Trikatu churna. You should avoid excessive consumption of this churna as it may cause your blood glucose and lipid levels to drop too low. 

However, if you experience any adverse reactions to Trikatu churna, it is advised to discontinue its intake and immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms.^5,6,8 

Trikatu churna might be beneficial for managing various health issues like colds, coughs, nasal congestion, etc. Due to the presence of various phytochemicals, it might possess anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and analgesic properties and might be useful as a go-to remedy in common health conditions.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Precautions to Take with Trikatu Churna:

Consuming Trikatu churna is okay if taken in moderate amounts. However, caution is warranted if you belong to special groups, as under:

• The safety of consumption of Trikatu churna by special groups like pregnant and lactating women, children and the elderly are not studied in detail. Therefore, necessary precautions must be taken. It is advised to consult a physician if you belong to these special groups and are planning to consume this churna. 

Interactions with Other Drugs:

• Trikatu churna may interact with your diabetic medicines and cause blood glucose to drop too low. Avoid taking both of them together.⁵ 
• There may be an interaction between Trikatu churna and your lipid-lowering medicines, this may cause lipid levels to fall too low. It is advised to avoid this combination.⁶ 
• Trikatu churna may interact with rifampicin (antibiotic) and cause a reduction in its blood levels, thereby decreasing the efficacy of rifampicin.¹¹ 

However, you must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic physician about the possible interaction of Trikatu churna with other drugs and follow the prescription thoroughly, as they will know your health condition and other medications you are taking. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

References:

1. Sharma, Ruchi et al. “Deciphering the impact and mechanism of Trikatu, a spices-based formulation on alcoholic liver disease employing network pharmacology analysis and in vivo validation.” Frontiers in nutrition vol. 9 1063118. 16 Nov. 2022, doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.1063118. available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36466417/ 
2. Spices, ground, ginger nutrition facts and analysis. Available at: https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Spices%2C_ground%2C_ginger_nutritional_value.html?size=1+tsp+%3D+1.8+g (Accessed: January 27, 2023).  
3. Khandhar, Amit & Patel, Samir & Patel, Archita & Zaveri, Maitreyi & Lecturer, Sr. (2010). Chemistry and pharmacology of Piper Longum L. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research. Volume 5. 67-76. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257299404_Chemistry_and_pharmacology_of_Piper_Longum_L 
4. Chhabra et al. Understanding the mechanism of Trikatu in type 2 diabetes mellitus and lipid-related metabolic disorders: A network pharmacology approach. bioRxiv 2022.06.22.496819. available at: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.22.496819v1.full 
5. Valsala and S Sivakumar. “Effect of an indigenous herbal compound preparation ‘Trikatu’ on the lipid profiles of atherogenic diet and standard diet fed Rattus norvegicus.” Phytotherapy research : PTR vol. 18,12 (2004): 976-81. doi:10.1002/ptr.1586. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15742354/ 
6. Christine T et al. “Prebiotic Potential of Culinary Spices Used to Support Digestion and Bioabsorption.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM vol. 2019 8973704. 2 Jun. 2019, doi:10.1155/2019/8973704. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6590564/ 
7. Chanda et al. “Safety evaluation of Trikatu, a generic Ayurvedic medicine in Charles Foster rats.” The Journal of toxicological sciences vol. 34,1 (2009): 99-108. doi:10.2131/jts.34.99. available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19182439/ 
8. Dhiman, Kamini. “Ayurvedic intervention in the management of uterine fibroids: A Case series.” Ayu vol. 35,3 (2014): 303-8. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.153750. available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4649577/ 
9. Karan, R S et al. “Effect of trikatu, an Ayurvedic prescription, on the pharmacokinetic profile of rifampicin in rabbits.” Journal of ethnopharmacology vol. 64,3 (1999): 259-64. doi:10.1016/s0378-8741(98)00127-5. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10363842/ 

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