Triphala: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

Introduction

Three medicinal herbs make up Triphala (in Sanskrit, “tri” means “three” and “phala” means “fruits”). It is an antioxidant-rich herbal preparation described as a Rasayana (rejuvenator) medicine by Ayurvedic practitioners. Combining the three fruits is said to be responsible for Triphala’s numerous health benefits¹. 

Triphala is made from the dried fruits of: 

• Terminalia chebula (black myrobalan) 
• Terminalia bellerica (bastard myrobalan)
• Phyllantus emblica (emblic myrobalan or Indian gooseberry)

Chemical Composition of Triphala

The spring-harvested fruits of Terminalia chebula are high in tannins such as gallic acid, ellagic acid, chebulic acid, chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, neochebulinic acid, corilagin, terchebin, punicalagin, terfavin, flavonoids (rutins, luteolin and quercetin), starches, amino acids (glutamic acid, aspartic acid, lysine, arginine and proline), β-sitosterol, succinic acid, fructose and fatty acids². 

The fruits of Terminalia bellerica consist of proteins and oils that include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid). Because of its high fatty acid content, this plant can impact cholesterol levels, increasing high-density lipoprotein levels (good cholesterol) while decreasing low-density lipoprotein levels (bad cholesterol), making it effective in treating coronary artery disease. 

Phyllanthus emblica (amla) fruits are high in ascorbic acid, i.e. vitamin C². The high density of tannins may contribute to the overall bitterness of amla. These fruits also include punicafolin and phyllanemblinin A, phyllemblin, and other polyphenols such as gallic acid, ellagic acid, flavonoids and kaempferol². 

Based on my experience, I have come across evidence suggesting that Amalaki, which is a component of Triphala, may possess properties to manage diseases of the sense organs and enhance memory. It is believed that the active compounds present in Amalaki exert beneficial effects on the central nervous system, potentially improving sensory function and memory.

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

Uses of Triphala

Triphala is described as a tridoshic Rasayana in Ayurveda, capable of balancing and rejuvenating the three doshas that regulate human life: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It is widely used in several disease conditions owing to its following properties^1,3:  

• Laxative  
• Anti-inflammatory 
• Antiviral  
• Blood purifying 
• Analgesic  
• Anti-arthritic  
• Hypoglycemic  
• Anti-ageing  
• Antibacterial  

Triphala is used to treat fatigue, oxidative stress, and infectious disorders like tuberculosis, pneumonia, AIDS and periodontal disease, among others. It’s also used for headaches, dyspepsia, ascites and leukorrhea³.  

In my experience, I have observed that Triphala, a herbal formulation, may have the ability to increase the number of red blood cells and improve haemoglobin content in the body, making it potentially beneficial for managing anaemia. The active compounds in Triphala are believed to stimulate the production of red blood cells, leading to an increase in haemoglobin levels and overall improvement in anaemic conditions.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Benefits of Triphala

1. Supports Infection Management 

• Triphala and its components have demonstrated potent antimicrobial properties against a variety of microorganisms.
• Triphala churna has proven action against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• Triphala churna and Triphala mashi have shown antibacterial properties against a variety of bacteria, like E. coli and S. aureus¹. 

2. Promotes Dental Health

• Triphala reduced levels of chemicals which are implicated in the destruction of tissue during periodontitis (inflammation of tissues surrounding teeth).
• Triphala mouthwash was tested clinically and found to be as effective as chlorhexidine in lowering plaque scores and inhibiting Lactobacillus bacteria microbial levels¹. More studies are needed to better understand these effects. 

3. Helps Manage Stress

• Triphala supplementation has been shown to alleviate stress.
• This should be studied further to under its role in stress management.

4. Supports Joint Health

• Triphala prevented monosodium urate crystal-induced arthritis in mice (gouty arthritis) by reducing various chemicals involved in the worsening of joint health. 
• It might have potential use in the treatment of gout in humans, however, more studies are needed for the same¹. 

5. Aids Digestion

• Castor oil-induced diarrhoea was prevented by extracts of Triphala churna powder and Triphala mashi.
• The extracts had a strong antidiarrhoeal effect, as demonstrated by increased first defecation time, cumulative faecal weight, intestinal transit time, improved stool volume, stool frequency, stool consistency, decreased mucus level in stool, and flatulence¹. 
• More studies are needed to understand the exact indication of Triphala in managing diarrhoea.

6. Supports Liver Function

• In mice, Triphala was found to be beneficial against acetaminophen-induced liver damage but with less efficacy than silymarin.
• Triphala lowered the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and lipid peroxides while also restoring the levels of many antioxidant enzymes and reducing liver damage, as seen by lower liver enzyme values¹.
• People with liver disease should consult a doctor before consuming Triphala or any other Ayurvedic or herbal supplement.

7. May Help Manage Diabetes

• Animal studies have demonstrated that giving the same amount of Triphala and its separate ingredients to normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats lowered serum glucose levels.
• Thus, with more research, Triphala might be useful in treating diabetes in humans¹. 

8. May Support Weight Management

• After the treatment of mice with Triphala in an anti-obesity study, their body weight was observed to be lower when compared to control animals.
• Gallic acid is a phenolic molecule found in Triphala that was chosen as the bioactive marker because of its anti-obesity activity³. 

9. Promotes Heart Health

• Triphala has been found to have a lipid-lowering impact on rats, with significant reductions in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and free fatty acid, indicating hypocholesteremic condition.
• These properties make it cardio-protective.  

10. Supports Skin Healing

• The topical application of Triphala extract aided wound healing in rats infected with a variety of bacteria, according to a study⁶.
• Experiments revealed that the Triphala ointment reduced bacterial count and promoted wound closure by increasing collagen, hexosamine, and uronic acid levels¹. 

11. Radioprotective Properties 

• Triphala has been proven in preclinical trials to have radioprotective properties when taken orally.
• The most effective action of Triphala was seen when given before irradiation, lowering DNA damage in both white blood cells and spleen cells, the normalising activity of certain enzymes like xanthine oxidase and super oxidase dismutase found in the intestine.
• This indicates that the observed effects were mediated through the inhibition of oxidative damage in the cells and organs¹. 

12. Boosts Immunity

• Triphala has been shown to have potent immunomodulatory properties in a variety of animal models.
• Flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, and phenolic substances are thought to have immunomodulatory properties.
• Triphala treatment increased antioxidant activity and lowered corticosterone levels in animals exposed to noise stress, according to research⁷. 

13. Rich in Antioxidants

• According to research⁹, taking Triphala boosts the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which may have resulted in a considerable reduction in stomach cancers in mice.
• When rats were given Triphala and were subjected to noise stress, similar results were reported.
• Such findings point to Triphala’s ability to act as an antioxidant and to protect against a variety of stressors and illnesses¹. 

14. Supports Eye Health

• Triphala was found to be beneficial in preventing and reducing selenite-induced cataract formation, according to a study⁸.
• In animal trials, Triphala restored antioxidant enzyme levels, resulting in a reduction in nuclear cataracts. As per Ayurveda, Triphala can also help reduce the risk of blindness and near-sightedness in some cases¹. 

15. Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

• Triphala caused an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species, which may be beneficial in supporting cancer treatment in some cases³. 
• Triphala or any herbal supplements should not be given to cancer patients who are under treatment unless advised by a doctor. There are chances of severe drug interactions in patients receiving cancer treatment; hence self medication, even with herbal or ayurvedic medicines, should be avoided.

16. Anti-Ageing Benefits 

• On human skin cells, Triphala extract has shown strong antiaging effect.
• It stimulates collagen-1 and elastin-synthesizing genes and antioxidant genes responsible for cellular antioxidants in human skin cells.
• Due to the presence of protective phytochemicals, it may also suppress melanin synthesis and hyperpigmentation⁴. 

Over the years, I have observed that Triphala, a herbal formulation, might have growth inhibitory activities against certain bacterial strains commonly found in HIV-infected patients. Studies have indicated that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Triphala, as well as its individual plant components, have shown potential antibacterial effects against these bacterial isolates.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

How to Use Triphala

1. Triphala Churna (Powder): 

Haritaki, bibitaki, and amlaki are powdered to make Triphala churna (powder). As per research, it is advisable to take it with ghee, honey, or milk¹. 

2. Triphala Kwatha (Decoction):

It is made by combining the powder with water and boiling it. The decoction is then filtered through a clean cloth, and the filtrate can be used to treat skin conditions like erysipelas, eruptions, scrotal enlargement, colic pain, worm infestation, and urinary diseases. It is applied directly to open wounds and eyes, as well as gargled during pharyngitis¹. 

3. Triphala Taila (Oil):

It is made by boiling Triphala powder with oil. It is used as a gargle, snuff, an enema, and orally to treat obesity and itching¹.

4. Triphala Masi (Ash):

It’s made by heating Triphala powder for a long time at a low temperature in a controlled setting. Mashi/Masi is an intermediate product containing organic and inorganic ingredients. The mashi is black and has a high carbon and oxide content. Triphala Mashi, when mixed with honey, can be used to treat soft chancres and wounds¹.

5. Triphala Gritha (in ghee or clarified butter):

It is made by cooking the paste of Triphala, trikatu (a herbal compound of Indian Long Pepper (Piper longum), Black Pepper (Piper nigrum), and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in ghee and milk, as well as grapes (Vitis vinifera), Yestamadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Kutki (Picrorhiza korroa), and cardamom (Elettaria cardamom). It is frequently used to treat eye conditions like conjunctivitis, blindness, and cataracts. Triphala gritha is also used to treat jaundice, leucorrhoea, tumours, greying, and hair loss¹. 

Precautions to Take with Triphala

Terminalia chebula: It should not be used if you have an acute cough, diarrhoea, or early-stage dysentery⁵. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Baliga MS, Meera S, Mathai B, Rai MP, Pawar V, Palatty PL. Scientific validation of the ethnomedicinal properties of the Ayurvedic drug Triphala: a review. Chin J Inter Med. 2012; 18(12): 946-954. https://sci-hub.st/10.1007/s11655-012-1299-x
2. Tarasiuk A, Mosińska P, Fichna J. Triphala: current applications and new perspectives on the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Chin Med. 2018; 13(1): 39. https://sci-hub.st/10.1186/s13020-018-0197-6
3. Kumar NS, Nair AS, Nair AM, Murali M. Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of triphala-A literature review. J Pharmacog Phytochem. 2016; 5(3): 23. https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2016/vol5issue3/PartA/5-2-33-672.pdf
4. Peterson CT, Denniston K, Chopra D. Therapeutic uses of triphala in ayurvedic medicine. The J Altern Complement Med. 2017; 23(8): 607-614. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5567597/pdf/acm.2017.0083.pdf

5. Duke JA. Handbook of medicinal herbs. CRC press; 2002 Jun 27; Page No: 181. https://www.enpab.it/images/2018/James_A._Duke_-_Handbook_of_Medicinal_Herbs.pdf
6. Kumar MS, Kirubanandan S, Sripriya R, Sehgal PK. Triphala promotes healing of infected full-thickness dermal wound. J Surg Res. 2008 Jan;144(1):94-101. doi:10.1016/j.jss.2007.02.049. PMID: 17662304. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17662304/
7. Peterson CT, Denniston K, Chopra D. Therapeutic uses of Triphala in Ayurvedic medicine. J Altern Complement Med. 2017 Aug;23(8):607-614. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0083. PMID: 28696777; PMCID: PMC5567597. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5567597/
8. Gupta SK, Kalaiselvan V, Srivastava S, Agrawal SS, Saxena R. Evaluation of anticataract potential of Triphala in selenite-induced cataract: In vitro and in vivo studies. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2010 Oct;1(4):280-6. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.74425. PMID: 21731375; PMCID: PMC3117320. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3117320/
9. Prasad S, Srivastava SK. Oxidative stress and cancer: Chemopreventive and therapeutic role of Triphala. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Jan 13;9(1):72. doi:10.3390/antiox9010072. PMID: 31941067; PMCID: PMC7022920. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7022920/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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