Herbal remedies have been used for centuries and are known for their incredible healing properties. Among them, Triphala stands out as one of the most revered and recognized polyherbal medicines. In this article, we will explore the numerous health benefits that Triphala has to offer.

What is Triphala?

Triphala is a polyherbal medicine made from the dried fruits of three plant species: Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry or amla), Terminalia bellerica (baheda), and Terminalia chebula (black- or chebulic myrobalan). These plants are native to the Indian subcontinent and have been used in traditional Indian medicine for over 1000 years. Triphala is a combination of these three fruits, mixed in equal proportions. It has been described in ancient Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita (1).

Health Benefits of Triphala

Triphala offers a wide range of health benefits, supported by scientific studies. Let's grab a peek at some of them:

  1. Gastrointestinal Health: Triphala has been found to be effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders. It helps reduce constipation, abdominal pain, hyperacidity, and flatulence, while improving stool frequency, yield, and consistency (2).
  2. Stress Reduction: Triphala has adaptogenic properties, meaning it helps the body cope with stress. It has been shown to reduce anxiety levels and promote a sense of calmness. It also reverses stress-induced behavioral and biochemical changes, such as increased lipid peroxidation and corticosterone levels (3).
  3. Weight Management and Diabetes: Triphala has antiobesogenic and antidiabetic potential. It aids in weight management by reducing body fat, body weight, and energy intake. Additionally, it inhibits starch digestion and absorption, leading to decreased blood glucose levels (4).
  4. Cardiovascular Health: Studies have demonstrated that Triphala can improve cardiovascular health by reducing total cholesterol and levels of harmful fats, such as low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and free fatty acids (5).
  5. Antimicrobial Effects: Triphala possesses antimicrobial properties and has shown effectiveness against fungi and bacteria (6).
  6. Eye Health: Triphala is a rich source of vitamin C and flavonoids, which help maintain healthy eyes (1).
  7. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Triphala has anti-inflammatory properties that can assist in managing conditions like arthritis (joint pain and swelling) (7). 
  8. Anti-aging Effects: Triphala has been found to have anti-aging effects, such as increasing collagen and elastin, boosting cellular antioxidants, and reducing hyperpigmentation (8).
  9. Dental Health: The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of Triphala help prevent the formation of plaque on teeth, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease (9).

In conclusion: Triphala is a potent polyherbal medicine with numerous health benefits. However, it is important to note that further research and clinical trials are needed to validate its therapeutic potential fully. If you are considering incorporating Triphala into your routine, it is essential to consult a doctor, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.

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References:

1) Peterson, C.T., Denniston, K. and Chopra, D., 2017. Therapeutic uses of triphala in ayurvedic medicine. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(8), pp.607-614.

2) Pulok K, Mukherjee SR, Bhattacharyya S, et al.. Clinical study of ‘Triphala’—A well known phytomedicine from India. Iran J Pharmacol Ther 2005;5:51–54

3) 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

4) Kamali SH, et al.. Efficacy of ‘Itrifal Saghir’, a combination of three medicinal plants in the treatment of obesity; A randomized controlled trial. Daru 2012;20:33.

5)  Saravanan S, Srikumar R, Manikandan S, et al.. Hypolipidemic effect of triphala in experimentally induced hypercholesteremic rats. Yakugaku Zasshi 2007;127:385–388

6) Srikumar R, et al.. Evaluation of the growth inhibitory activities of Triphala against common bacterial isolates from HIV infected patients. Phytother Res 2007;21:476–480

7) Kalaiselvan S, Rasool M. Triphala exhibits anti-arthritic effect by ameliorating bone and cartilage degradation in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. Immunol Invest 2015;44:411–426

8) Varma SR, et al.. Protective effects of triphala on dermal fibroblasts and human keratinocytes. PLoS One 2016;11:e0145921. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]9) Srinagesh J, Krishnappa P, Somanna SN. Antibacterial efficacy of triphala against oral streptococci: An in vivo study. Indian J Dent Res 2012;23:696.