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Triphala: A comprehensive ayurvedic review

August 2013
International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy 4(4):612-617

DOI:10.7897/2277-4343.04433

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Authors:

Mita Kotecha

National Institute of Ayurveda

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Triphala is used in the traditional Indian system of medicine. The fruit of three together is called Triphala and vara, phalatrikam, sresthatamam are its synonyms. It is an antioxidant-rich herbal formulation and possesses diverse beneficial properties. It is a widely prescribed Ayurvedic drug and is used in the ailments of all dosas, stimulates digestive capacity, rasayana and vrisya etc. It is a polyherbal compound. It is necessary to corroborate the consistency of mixing or combining in attribute balance. As per Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) it is prepared by combining a 1:1:1 mixing of ground dry fruits, called as myrobalans. It shows immunomodulatory properties and helps in improving the body's defense system. In recent years there are several studies which suggest that Triphala possesses anti-mutagenic, radio protecting and antioxidant activity and beneficial in diseases conditions.

: Action of Triphala Described in Various Ayurvedic Texts

…

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Bali chouhan et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 4(4), Jul – Aug 2013

612

Review Article

www.ijrap.net

TRIPHALA: A COMPREHENSIVE AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Bali chouhan

Ramesh Chandra Kumawat

, Mita Kotecha

, A. Ramamurthy

, Sumit Nathani

M.D. Scholar, Department of Dravya Guna, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Asso. Professor, Department of Dravya Guna, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Lect. Department of Dravya Guna, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Received on: 19/0

5/13 Revised on: 13/06/13 Accepted on: 17/07/13

*Corresponding author

E-mail: dr.balichouhan@gmail.com

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.04433

Published by Moksha Publishing House. Website www.mokshaph.com

ABSTRACT

Triphala is used in the traditional Indian system of medicine. The fruit of three together is called Triphala and vara, phalatrikam, sresthatamam are its

synonyms. It is an antioxidant

-rich herbal formulation and possesses diverse beneficial properties. It is a widely prescribed Ayurvedic drug and is

used in the ailments of all dosas, stimulates digestive capacity, rasayana and vrisya etc. It is a polyherbal compound. It is necessary to corroborate the

consistency of mixing or combining in attribute balance. As per Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) it is prepared by combining a 1:1:1 mixing of

ground dry fruits, called as myrobalans. It shows immunomodulatory properties and helps in improving the body's defense system. In recent years

there are sev

eral studies which suggest that Triphala possesses anti-mutagenic, radio protecting and antioxidant activity and beneficial in diseases

conditions.

Keywords: Triphala, Ayurved, Polyherbal, Antioxidant, Immunomodulatory, Radio protective.

INTRODUCTION

Tri

phala is a drug widely used in many disorders due to

its various pharmacological activities. Triphala is

composed of the three myrobalans, Terminalia chebula

Retz. (Haritaki), Terminalia bellerica Roxb. (Bibhitaki)

and Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (Amalaki) and is one of

the most commonly used Ayurvedic preparations. The

formulation generally consists of equal proportions of

pericarps of this myrobalans.

Triphala has been described in the ancient Ayurvedic text

as a Tridoshic Rasayana, a therapeutic agent with

balancing and rejuvenating effects on the three humours

or constitutional elements in Ayurveda vata, pitta and

kapha.

Terminalia chebula Retz and Terminalia bellerica

Roxb have a warm energy, while Emblica officinalis

Gaertn. is cool in nature. Triphala, being a combination of

all three, is therefore balanced, making it useful as an

internal cleansing, detoxifying formula. It is regarded as

an important Rasayana and good purgative in Ayurvedic

medicine. Recipe for this traditional herbal supplement is

described in the traditional Indian texts, the Charaka and

Susruta Samhita.

The different properties and the characters of the various

ingredients of the drug are as mentioned below:

Haritaki

Latin name - Terminalia chebula Linn.

Family - Combretaceae

Classical name - Haritaki

Sanskrit synonyms - Haritaki, Pathya, Abhaya, Avyatha,

Vayastha, Haimavati, Shiva

Hindi name

- Harre, Harad

English name - Chebulic Myrobalan

Swaroopa (Habit) - A moderate sized / large deciduous

tree

Habitat - Found in MP, W. Bengal, Karnataka and

Maharashtra

in India, Burma and Ceylon

Types - Seven types namely Vijaya, Rohini, Putana,

Amrita, Abhaya, Jivanti and Chetaki

Ayurvedic Pharmacodynamics

Rasa - Pancharasa (Kashaya predominance, Lava rahita)

Guna - Laghu, Ruksha

Virya - Ushna

Vipaka - Madhura

Prabhava - Tridoshahara

Dosha karma - Mainly kapha pitta samaka.

Parts used

- Fruits

Chemical Composition

Fruit contains tannin up to 30 %, chebulic acid and gallic

acid and some purgative constituents of the nature of

Anthraquino

ne.

Therapeutic Uses

The fruit is the prominent herbal drug, commonly and

widely used in Indian system of Medicine and is a

frequent addition in a large number of formulations. It is

useful in asthma, sore throat, thirst, vomiting, eye disease,

heart and

bladder diseases, strangury, urinary discharges,

ascites, biliousness, inflammation, bleeding piles,

typhoid, constipation, anemia, elephantiasis and delirium.

The ripe fruit are purgative, tonic, carminative and

strengthens the brain, eyes and gums. The unripe fruit is

astringent and useful in dysentery and diarrhoea.

Vibhitaki

Latin name - Terminalia bellerica Roxb.

Family - Combretaceae

Classical name - Vibhitaka

Bali chouhan et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 4(4), Jul – Aug 2013

613

Sanskrit synonyms - Aksha, Kaliphala, Bhutavasa,

Kalidruma,

Karnaphala

Hindi name - Bahera, Baherha

English name - Belleric Myrobalan

Swaroopa (Habit) - A large deciduous tree

Habitat - Throughout the deciduous forests of India and

Burma

Pharmacodynamics

Rasa - Kashaya

Guna - Laghu, Ruksha

Virya - Ushna

Vipaka

- Madhura

Prabhava - Tridoshagna

Dosha karma - Kapha hara

Parts used - Fruit

Chemical Composition

Fruit contains 17

% tannin and gallo-tannic acid

(colouring matter) and resin. Seeds contain greenish

yellow oil.

Therapeutic Uses

The bark is beneficial in asthma and leucoderma. The

fru

it is digestible, laxative and antihelminthic and is

employed for bronchitis, sore throat, biliousness,

inflammation and in diseases of eye, nose, heart and

urinary bladder. The oil is a good application for the hair.

On the fresh cuts and wounds, the fine powder is dusted

to arrest bleeding as an astringent and styptics agent. The

fruit of the

Beleric myrobalan forms an ingredient of an

important group of three myrobalans (viz. embelic,

beleric and chebulic myrobalans) popularly known as

Triphala.

Amalaki

Latin name

- Emblica officinalis Gartn.

Family - Euphorbiaceae

Classical name - Amalaki, Dhatri

Hindi name - Awala, Amla, Aonla

Sanskrit synonyns - Amalaki, Dhatri, Vyastha

English name - Indian gooseberry

Swaroopa (Habit) - A medium sized tree

Habitat - Found throughout India; often planted in

gardens and cultivated also in small and large scale

Ayurvedic Pharmacodynamics

Rasa - Pancharasa (Amla predominance and

Lavanarahita)

Guna - Laghu, Ruksha, Sita

Virya - Sita

Vipaka - Madhura

Prabhava - Rasayan

osha karma - Tridoshhara, Pittasamaka (mainly)

Parts used - Fruits

Chemical Composition

Fruit is a well known rich source of Vitamin C. Seeds

contains fixed oil, phosphatides and an essential oil.

Fruits, barks and leaves are rich in tannins.

Therapeutic Uses

Fruits are the most useful part of the plant and are used

medicinally in various diseases adopting different forms.

Fruits are used for supplementing Vitamin C and other

contents also. It is one of the most popular, common and

highly reputed drugs of indigenous system of medicine. It

is used in anemia, hyperacidity, peptic ulcer, dyspepsia,

anorexia, diarrhoea, dysentery, hemorrhage, eye

inflammations, irritability of bladder, leucorrhoea,

spermatorrhoea, epitaxis’, menorrhagia, jaundice, weak

memory condition, nervine debility, oedema and liver

condition. The juice of fresh fruit is given as tonic,

refrigerant and antiscorbutic, diuretic, laxative and anti-

bilious remedy.

Classification

The ancient authors classified the drugs in different gana,

varga and skanda etc. The drugs have been classified on

the basis of their morphological characters, properties and

pharmacodynamic as well as therapeutic values. (Table 2)

Types of Triphala

Nighantu has mentioned three types of Triphala-

Swalpa Tri

phala

Draksha, kharjura, parushaka; these three fruits together is

called Swalpa Triphala

Madhura Triphala

Draksha, kharjura, kasmarya; these three fruits together is

called swadu Triphala.

It is beneficial to vision, appetizer,

promotes desire for food, and useful in alleviating

irregular fever.

Sugandhi Triphala

Jatiphalam, ela, lavangam; these three constitute is called

Sugandhi Triphala. It is astringent, sweet in vipaka and

useful in breaking constipation due to kapha and vata

doshas.

Rasa Panchaka

Ayurvedic Properties (Table 3)

Rasa

- Kasaya

Guna - Ruksha, Sara

Virya - Anusna

Vipaka - Madhura

Doshaghnata - Tridoshasamaka

Karma - Chaksusys, Dipana, Vrishya, Prameha, Kustha,

Vishamajwarnashaka, Medohara

6,7

Pharmacological Activities

Triphala classified as an important medicine of the

Rasayana group and is believed to promote health,

immunity and longevity and frequently used to treat

chronic ulcer and it is an antioxidant rich herbal

formulation. The aqueous extract of Triphala is reported

as antigastric ulcer and anti-peptic activity, good radio-

Bali chouhan et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 4(4), Jul – Aug 2013

614

protective agent against gamma radiation and cytotoxic to

human breast cancer cell line.

The extracts of Triphala

reported to exhibited antimutagenic activity, reduce

damage due to oxidative stress, possess sustained anti-

diabetic activity and free radical scavengers, cytotoxic

and apoptotic agent against breast cancer cells and

prostate cancer and possess antibacterial activity. The

powder of Triphala reported as promising anti-

inflammatory and anti arth

ritic drug and as potent and

novel therapeutic agents for scavenging of nitric oxide, as

a cardio tonic drug which is also prescribed for symptoms

of inflammation, heat, infection, obesity, anaemia,

fatigue, Candida, poor digestion, assimilation,

tuberculosis, pneumonia and AIDS.

Therapeutic Uses

It is used as laxative in chronic constipation, colon

cleansing, digestion problems and poor food assimilation,

cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, to reduce

serum cholesterol, poor liver function, large intestine

inflammation, ulcerative colitis.

It is good rejuvenator,

tonic, hair tonic and good for digestion, purgative, cure all

diseases of eyes, heal ulcer, remove diseases of skin, fat,

diabetes, blood and fever. Ratio of Triphala (1:2:4) -

Several methods are given to prepare Triphala, some use

equal proportions (1:1:1) and some authors prepare

Triphala by mixing one parts of One Haritaki, two parts

of Bibhitaki and four parts of Amalaki.

Chemical Constituents

Triphala has been reported to be a rich source of Vitamin

C, ellagic acid, gallic acid, chebulinic acid, bellericanin,

sitosterol, ascorbic acid and flavonoids

8-9

Spectroscopic techniques including mass spectroscopy,

nuclear magnetic resonance and Infrared spectroscopy

showed gallic acid as the major component.

Triphala

also contains about 20 % tannins of both condensed and

hydrolysable type. Other constituents identified in the

fruit include lipids, sitosterol, saponins, cardiac glycoside

and various carbohydrates.

Traditional Uses of Triphala

In Ayurvedic practice, Triphala is used for gastric

disorders such as digestion problems, poor food

assimilation, c

leansing of colon, constipation and tonifier

of the gastrointestinal tract and colon. It is also

recommended to be used for cardiovascular disorders,

high blood pressure, serum cholesterol reduction,

ophthalmic problems, liver dysfunction, inflammation and

complications of the large intestine.

-13

It is also used as a

blood purifier, to improve the mental fac

ulties and is

reported to posses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti

arthritic, hypoglycemic and anti-aging properties (Table

4).

Pharmacology and Clinical Studies

Reported Activities of Triphala as 1:1:1 Ratio

Antihyperlipidemic effect of Triphala

Rats which were fed with a diet consisting of 4 %

Cholesterol, 1 % cholic acid and egg yolk for forty eight

days resulted in a significant increase in the total

cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and FFA making them

hypercholesteremic. But administration of Triphala at 1

g/kg body weight daily for forty eight days caused

significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and

FFA.

Free Radical scavenger

Triphala has been found to be an excellent scavenger of

hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals, peroxy

radicals

, Hydroxyl radicals,

and nitric oxide radicals.

Naik et al. estimated the total free-radical scavenging

ability of Triphala by employing non-biological and

stable free radicals like 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy

(DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-

sulphonic ac

id (ABTS) antioxidant and radio protecting

ability of Triphala arise from the polyphenols, which

reduce oxidative stress by converting the reactive oxygen

free radicals to non-reactive products.

In another study

Naik et al. revealed that all three constituents of Triphala

are active. E. officinalis shows greater efficiency in LPO

and plasmid DNA assay, while

T. chebula has greater

radical scavenging activity. Thus their mixture, Triphala,

is expected to be more efficient due to the combined

activity of the individual components.

Immunomodulatory effect

Study by Srikumar

et al. have shown that administration

of Triphala enhanced the phagocytosis, phagocytic index,

antioxidant activities and decreased corticosterone levels

in animals exposed to noise stress.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects activity

Rasool

et al. evaluated the anti arthritic effect of Triphala.

The physical and biochemical changes observed in

arthritic animals were altered significantly to near normal

conditions after oral administration of Triphala (1

g/kg/bw). In another study Rasool studied the efficacy of

Triphala on monosodium urate crystal-induced

inflammation in mice where significant inhibition in paw

volume, levels of lysosomal enzymes, LPO and

inflammatory mediator tumour necrosis factor-

α was

found.

Analgesic, antipyretic and ulcerogenic activities

The analgesic, antipyretic and ulcerogenic activities of

Triphala (500/1000 mg/kg bw) were compared with the

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Indomethacin (10

mg/kg bw) on the experimental models in mice and it was

found that Triphala at both the dose levels produced

excellent analgesic and antipyretic effect, without any

gastric damage.

Anticancer Activity

The use of Triphala in diet has been shown to

significantly reduce the benzo (a) pyrene induced stomach

papillomagenesis in mice. It was observed that the

concomitant use of multiple agents seemed to have a high

degree of chemoprevention potential.

The cytotoxic

effects of aqueous extract of Triphala have also been

investigated on human breast cancer cell line (MCF/7)

and a transplantable mouse thymic lymphoma (barcl/95)

which suggests that Triphala possesses the ability to

Bali chouhan et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 4(4), Jul – Aug 2013

615

induce cytotoxicity in tumor cells but spares the normal

cells.

Exposure of the human pancreatic cancerous cells,

Capan-2 cells to Triphala for 24 hours caused a

significant decrease in cell survival and induced

apoptosis. Triphala failed to induce apoptosis in normal

human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells.

Antibacterial activity

Srikumar

et al. confirmed the antibacterial activities of

aqueous and ethanol extracts of Triphala and its

individual components against Pseudomonas aeruginosa,

Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri,

Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella

paratyphi-B, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and

Salmonella typhi

isolated from human immunodeficiency

virus (HIV) infected patients.

Antidiabetic activity

The oral administration of Triphala extract in dose of 100

mg/kg bw reduced the blood sugar level in normal and in

alloxan (120 mg/kg) diabetic rats significantly within 4

hours and continued daily administration of the

drug

produced a sustained anti-diabetic effect.

Wound healing activity

Triphala extract ointment (10 % w/w) was assessed for in

vivo wound healing on infected rat model by rate of

healing, bacterial count, biochemical analysis, and

expression of matrix metalloproteinases. Topical

application of Triphala ointment on infected wound not

only reduces the risk of infection but also improved the

healing.

Clinical study of Triphala

Pulok

et al. aimed to investigate Triphala clinically,

which are being used for a long time for its effect on

bowel movement and well being. The study evaluated the

therapeutic efficacy of Triphala on constipated bowel

habit and well being. No toxicity or adverse drug

reactions were observed in the patients.

Table 1: Synonyms of Triphala in Samhitas and Nighantus

Synonyms

Ch. S

Su. S

As. S

Sh. S

M. N

Kai. N

B. N

Raj. N

Pri. Ni

Phalottama

Phalshresta

Phaltrik

Phaltraya

Triphala

Triphali

Vara

Sreshta

Table 2: Classification

Sam

hita and Nighantu

Varga

Charaka Samhita

Virechanopag Mahakasaya, Jwarhar Mahakasaya,

Kasaya Skandha

Sushruta Samhita

Muskadi Gana, Parushkadi Gana, Mustadi Gana,

Tripala Gana, Amalakyadi Gana, Kasaya Skandh

Astanga Hridya

Virecana Gana ,Parushkadi Gana,Muskakadi Gana,Mustadi

Gana,

Astanga Sangraha

Virecanopayogi Dravyas,Jwarahara Mahakasaya,

Parushkadi Gana, Muskakadi Gana, Mustadi Gana.

Dhanvantari Nighantu

Guduchyadi Gana, Mishrakadi Varga

Sodhala Nighantu

Guduchyadi Gana

Kaidev Nighantu

Aushdhi Varga

Madanpal Nighantu

Abhyadi Varga

Raj Nighantu

Mishrakadi Varga, Audhabhida Gana

BhavPrakash Nighantu

Haritkyadi Nighantu

Priya Nighantu

Haritkyadi Nighantu

Nighantu Adarsh

Haritkyadi Nighantu

Dravyaguna Vigyan

Rasayana Varga and Chednadi Varga

Table 3: Rasa Panchaka

Dravya

Haritaki

Vibhitaki

Amalaki

Triphala

Rasa

Panchrasa(Kasaya)

Katu

Panchrasa(Amla)

Kasaya

Guna

Laghu,Ruksha

Laghu,Ruksha, Sita

Ruksha,Sara

Virya

Ushna

Sita

Anusna

Vipaka

Madhura

Prabhav

Rasayana

Chedana

Rasayana

Dosha-Karma

Vata

Kapha

Pitta

Tridosha

Karma

Anulomana,

Caksusya,Dipana,

Hridaya,Medhya,

Sarvadosha-Prasamana

Caksusya,

Kesya,

Bhedaka.

Krminasana,

Kasahara

Vrisya, Caksusya

Caksusya,

Dipana,

Varna

ropana,

Rucikara,

Medohara

Bali chouhan et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 4(4), Jul – Aug 2013

616

Table 4: Action of Triphala Described in Various Ayurvedic Texts

S.N

REFERENCES

Properties / action

Ch. S.

Su. S

A. H

Bh. P. S

H. S

Sar. S

Kai. Ni

Rasayana

Kaphapittaghna

Deepan

Ropan

Mehaghana

Vishamjwarnashan

Netrarogaghna

Medohara

Kusthagna

10.

Kledahaphasranashna m

11.

Vranashodhana

12.

Varnadayini

13.

Kanduhara

14.

Yonigulmashaman

Rasayana

Classical Preparation of Triphala

Triphala is widely used in making Ayurvedic medicines.

Triphala is part of some of the most prestigious classical

Ayurvedic preparation. Some of these are:-

· Triphala Guggulu

· Triphaladi Ghrita

· Chandraprabha vati

· Arogyavardhani vati

Triphala kwath

CONCLUSION

All the studies effects may be due to the proportionate

increase in the levels of T. bellerica Linn., T. chebula

Retz. and E. officinalis Gaertn. in the Triphala. Both T.

bellerica

and E. officinalis are well-established rasayana

(rejuvenator) drugs with powerful antioxidant and free

radical scavenging effect. The Triphala 1:2:4 formulations

contain a higher proportion of such antioxidants which

would be responsible for its significant effect on

hyperlipidemia against Triphala 1:1:1 formulation.

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Cite this article as:

Bali ch

ouhan, Ramesh Chandra Kumawat, Mita Kotecha, A.

Ramamurthy, Sumit Nathani. Triphala: A comprehensive Ayurvedic

review. Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 2013;4(4):612-617 http://dx.

doi.org/10.7897/2277-4343.04433

EFFECT OF PROPORTION COMPOSITION VARIATION ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF TRIPHALA

Article

Jan 2018

Background: Triphala is exclusively used in more than 200 drug formulations in Indian system of Medicine. The formulation process of polyherbal drugs changes the physiochemical properties of the whole drug which need to be studied and understood. Objective: The present work aims to perform the organoleptic features (color, odor, taste), and physicochemical parameters such as pH, loss on drying, ash values viz., total ash, acid insoluble ash, water-soluble ash, extractive values viz., alcohol soluble extractive and water-soluble extractive tests and were determined under variable ratio concept. Materials and Methods: The standard methods as per traditional text were followed and the physicochemical changes were also investigated. Study of individual fruit as well "under variable ratio" concept (Amla: Bahera: Harad (1:1:1), (2:1:1), (1:2:1), and (1:1:2)) of three fruits were performed. Statistical analysis was performed at significant level p ≤ 0.05. Results: The observed range of various tests were as: pH (2.5-5.9), loss on drying (4.48-13.71), total ash (2.92-10.80), acid insoluble ash (0.53-4.92), extractive values viz., alcohol soluble extractive (39.02-73.03) and water-soluble extractive (12.60-54.42). The physicochemical analysis results of four proportions were statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Conclusion: Current study has revealed the variation of physicochemical parameters with ratio variation. Hence this study would be very much helpful for the identification and standardization of Triphala churna to differentiate from other powdered sources. Most importantly, ratio variation of Triphala had shown physicochemical parameters variation which is big tool for quality control in future.

A REVIEW ON TRIPHALA: AN ULTIMATE PANACEA WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE HEALTHCARE RESEARCH [WJAHR]

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2023

Triphala (Sanskrit; tri = three and phala = fruits) Triphala, a well-recognized and highly efficacious polyherbal Ayurvedic medicine consisting of dried fruits of three plant species (also known as the three myrobalans) Emblica officinalis (Amalaki), Terminalia bellerica (Bibhitaki), and Terminalia chebula(Haritaki), these are taken in equal proportion (1:1:1) and are native to the Indian subcontinent. It is classified as a tridoshic rasayana in Ayurvedic medicine are believed to promote health, immunity, longevity and rejuvenation. According to Ayurveda, they strengthen all tissues of the body, prevent aging, promote intellect, and prevent disease. The main aim of thisarticle is to review the complete knowledge about all the three species of triphala and to provide the current literature on the therapeutic uses and efficacy of Triphala. Herbal remedies are among the most ancient medicines used in traditional systems of healthcare such as Ayurveda. In addition, there are numerous therapeutic uses of triphala apart from laxative action, research has found the formula to be potentially effective for several clinical uses such as Wound healing activity, Anti-diabetic activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Anti-bacterial activity, Anti-hyperlipidemic activity, Anti- mutagenesis activity, Anti-cancer activity, Anti-oxidant activity, Anticataract activity, cardiovascular activity, Anti-aging activity, Anti-obesogenic activity, gastrointestinal activity, Immunomodulatory activity, Analgesic, antipyretic and ulcerogenic activities, and anti-arthritic activity. Polyphenols in Triphala modulate the human gut microbiome and thereby promote the growth of beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while inhibiting the growth of undesirable gut microbes. KEYWORDS: Triphala, ayurvedic medicine, pharmacological activity, medicinal uses and three myrobalans of Triphala.

Curative Effects of Triphala Extract against Swim Stress-Induced Gastric Ulcers via Reduced Ulcer Index, Strengthened Gastric Mucosa and Improved Redox State in Rats

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2023
Indian J Pharmaceut Sci

Triphala: Its pharmacological values and new perspectives

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2022

Medicinal plants, with tremendous elementary and therapeutic importance, are the gift to humanity. Triphala is widely used in the traditional Indian system of medicine. It's an antioxidant-rich polyherbal formulation and possesses diverse beneficial properties. It's necessary to corroborate the consistency of blending or combining in attribute balance. As per Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) it's prepared by combining a 1:1:1 mixing of ground dry fruits, called as myrobalans. It shows immune modulatory properties and helps in improving the body's weaponry. Recent studies suggest that triphala possesses anti-mutagenic, radio protecting and antioxidant activity and beneficial in diseases conditions. However, serious efforts are required in systemic research to spot, isolate and evaluate the chemical constituents for nutritional and therapeutic potentials.

A Comprehensive Review on Tailoring an Herbal Approach for Treatment of Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2022

The review gives a brief about poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and the symptoms related to the disease. Around 2.2 to 26% of cases of PCOS are present globally. The disorder generally occurs in the reproductive age group of women. The review has a mention of few herbs which can be used to correct the diseased condition. The various herbs have a positive effect on the diseased condition and can be used to cure symptoms like hypothyroidism, hyperplasia, obesity, diabetes, Menorrhagia, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular problems, hyperlipidemia, hirsutism, infertility, irregular menstrual cycle, etc. The herbs included in the review include Bauhinia variegata useful in hormone imbalance, Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula, and Commiphora wightii are used to regulate the hormones, Cinnamon cassia acts as an anti-oxidant, Tribulus terrestris improves reproductive dysfunction, Hypericum perforatum regulates depression, Commiphora myrrha prevents menorrhagia, Nigella sativa controls cholesterol, Saraca asoca has estrogenic action, Asparagus racemosus promotes folliculogenesis, Tinospora cordifolia regulates menstrual flow, Ocimum sanctum as an anti-oxidant. The plants taken had a positive effect on women with PCOS without causing any side effects. The natural herbs used for the treatment of PCOS did not have any side effects and treated the diseased condition naturally. This review aims to understand the natural plants available for the treatment of the disease naturally. The herbs can be used individually or can be used in combination. Keywords: Poly cystic ovarian syndrome, Herbal medicine, Herbs, Natural plants

Herbal Effervescent Powder For Gastritis Using Shankabhasma, Yashadbhasma, Triphala And Others.

Article

Jun 2023

Gastritis is the inflammation of the mucosa of stomach. Histologically,It can be divided into two distinct categories: non-atropic and atropic. There are numerous etiological forms of gastritis, with each etiology being associated with distinct clinical symptoms and pathological characteristics. Atropic gastritis (mostly caused by long-term Helicobacter pylori infections) is a considerable risk factor causing gastric cancer (intestinal type). Many a times, Allopathic gastric medications are prescribed in combination with antibiotics. Duo to a lot of adverse effects. Anti gastric herbal medicines are a better choice. Effervescent Anti-gastric Herbal powder is a type of bulk powder containing herbal ingredients along with citric acid and sodium bicarbonate which reduces gastritis in a better way, due to its even distribution and comparatively higher bioavailability. Hence, an attempt is made to formulate a polyherbal effervescent powder for gastritisusing Shankabhasma, Yasadbhasama, Triphala, Ginger, Moringa, Pudina, Turmeric, Khajoor, Pipali, Ajamooda, Black pepper, Black salt, Sodium bicarbonate, Citric acid, and Tartaric acid. The main ingredient, Shankabhasma is a great acid neutralizer that helps in lowering hyperacid secretions in the stomach and aids in balancing acid production.Further, the formulated polyherbaleffervescent powder for gastritis, is evaluated for its organoleptic, physical andphytochemicalparameters. On evaluation, the prepared polyherbal effervescent Powder for Gastritis was found to be satisfactory.

Alzheimer's disease: Molecular aspects and treatment opportunities using herbal drugs

Article

May 2023
AGEING RES REV

Alzheimer's disease (AD), also called senile dementia, is the most common neurological disorder. Around 50 million people, mostly of advanced age, are suffering from dementia worldwide and this is expected to reach 100-130 million between 2040 and 2050. AD is characterized by impaired glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission, which is associated with clinical and pathological symptoms. AD is characterized clinically by loss of cognition and memory impairment and pathologically by senile plaques formed by Amyloid β deposits or neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) consisting of aggregated tau proteins. Amyloid β deposits are responsible for glutamatergic dysfunction that develops NMDA dependent Ca2+ influx into postsynaptic neurons generating slow excitotoxicity process leading to oxidative stress and finally impaired cognition and neuronal loss. Amyloid decreases acetylcholine release, synthesis and neuronal transport. The decreased levels of neurotransmitter acetylcholine, neuronal loss, tau aggregation, amyloid β plaques, increased oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, bio-metal dyshomeostasis, autophagy, cell cycle dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction are the factors responsible for the pathogenesis of AD. Acetylcholinesterase, NMDA, Glutamate, BACE1, 5HT6, and RAGE (Receptors for Advanced Glycation End products) are receptors targeted in treatment of AD. The FDA approved acetylcholinesterase inhibitors Donepezil, Galantamine and Rivastigmine and N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist Memantine provide symptomatic relief. Different therapies such as amyloid β therapies, tau-based therapies, neurotransmitter-based therapies, autophagy-based therapies, multi-target therapeutic strategies, and gene therapy modify the natural course of the disease. Herbal and food intake is also important as preventive strategy and recently focus has also been placed on herbal drugs for treatment. This review focuses on the molecular aspects, pathogenesis and recent studies that signifies the potential of medicinal plants and their extracts or chemical constituents for the treatment of degenerative symptoms related to AD.

8 Role oF Medicinal Herbs in Treatment of Gynecological Problems in Women

Chapter

Full-text available

May 2023

Ayurvedic herbs have proved to be an effective, safe, and long-lasting cure for managing menstrual and fertility-related disorders in women worldwide. They purify blood, maintain hormonal balance, and improve fertility by promoting timely ovulation. The main focus of the present book chapter is to document information about the uses of medicinal plants that deal with problems related to women reproductive health. In this chapter, 42 plant species were considered beneficial as traditional medicines to treat various sexual complications in women. Documentation of traditional knowledge about ayurvedic herbs in the modern world is crucial for humankind because they are easily affordable and have few side effects.

A STUDY ON ANTIDIABETIC POTENTIAL OF AYURVEDIC FORMULATION TRIPHLA

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2022

Fruits of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, Embelica officinalis and their combination name ‘Triphala’ (equal proportion of above three plant fruits powder) are being used extensively in Indian system of medicine. Triphala, which is rich in gallic acid, vitamin C and flavonoid content, is a highly effective antioxidant and able to reduce oxidative stress in various pathological conditions. Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by an elevated blood glucose level with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. In order to elucidate the antidiabetic effects of Triphala, we investigated the effects of 8 weeks treatment of Triphala on glycemic status, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients were treated with Triphala therapy (5gm/day). Following eight weeks of treatment, Triphala significantly improved fasting blood glucose. This suggested that Triphala has the potential in improving glycemic status and can be used effectively in the treatment of diabetes.

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Health Practitioners and Indigenous People in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh for the Treatment of Dysentery

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2022

Dysentery is frequently associated with high morbidity and mortality and is found in young children and mainly affects those in developing nations. Rural people across the world trust on herbal remedies and homeopathic medicines for their primary health care on account of their easy accessibility, efficacy and exceptionally cost ampleness in relation to modern drugs. The purpose of the present study was to compile knowledge of traditional healers and indigenous people in Chittagong hill tracts, Bangladesh, including Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachari for the treatment of dysentery. The ethnomedicinal data was gathered from January 2019 to January 2020 through open and focused group discussions and individual meetings utilizing semi-structured questionnaire. An aggregate of 75 people were interviewed, including traditional health practitioners. Frequency and percentage were utilized to sum up the data. Relative frequency of citation (RFC) was determined and inclination positioning activities were led to appraise the significance of the revealed medicinal plants. An aggregate of 90 medicinal plants from 52 families and 79 genera were recorded during the survey. Leaves were discovered to be the most largely used plant part (35%) followed by root (19%) and herbs (40%) were the essential wellspring of medicinal plants, followed by trees (20%). The major mode of preparation is juice (68%) follo wed by pa ste (11 %) a nd cook ed form (7 %). Centella asiatica scored the highest RFC value (0.773). The survey addresses the preliminary information of certain medicinal plants having anti-dysenteric property. However, further phytochemical investigation, validation and clinical trial sought to be conducted, with need given to those that scored the most elevated RFC values prior to utilizing these plants as an option in contrast to modern medicine.

Clinical Study of 'Triphala' – A Well Known Phytomedicine from India

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2006

Triphala' is an age old commonly used Ayurvedic powdered preparation in Indian systems of medicine. This well known formulation is made by combining Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belarica and Emblica officinalis, in equal proportions based on the observation of Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). The formulation is prescribed in the first line treatment of many aliments and is used as laxative, detoxifying agent and rejuvenator. To establish its clinical validity the present work was undertaken to evaluate its therapeutic potentials and adverse effects. The Triphala formulation was standardized by HPTLC (High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography), using Gallic acid as a marker and was subjected to clinical studies. After proper screening 160 patients of age between 16–52 years were selected for 45 days clinical study. The effectiveness of trial drugs were judged on the basis of the subjective and objective parameters. It was observed that the amount, frequency and consistency of stool were improved in Triphala treated group. The changes of odor, mucous, flatulence, belching and abdominal pain where also taken into account. The well being was assessed on the basis of the parameters like concentration, appetite, thirst, sleep, hyperacidity in arbitrary scoring system. Triphala was found to have good laxative property, help in management of hyperacidity and also improve appetite. No adverse effect was observed in the treated group when compared to normal patients. Triphala can be used effectively in the treatment of constipation and other gastric problems.

Potential of traditional ayurvedic formulation, Triphala, as a novel anticancer drug

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2006
CANCER LETT

The cytotoxic effects of aqueous extract of Triphala, an ayurvedic formulation, were investigated on human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and a transplantable mouse thymic lymphoma (barcl-95). The viability of treated cells was found to decrease with the increasing concentrations of Triphala. On the other hand, treatment of normal breast epithelial cells, MCF-10 F, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, mouse liver and spleen cells, with similar concentrations of Triphala did not affect their cytotoxicity significantly. The drug treatment was found to induce apoptosis in MCF-7 and barcl-95 cells in vitro as determined by annexin-V fluorescence and proportion of apoptotic cells was found dependent on Triphala concentration. MCF-7 cells treated with Triphala when subjected to single cell gel electrophoresis, revealed a pattern of DNA damage, characteristic of apoptosis. Studies on Triphala treated MCF-7 and barcl-95 cells showed significant increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a concentration dependent manner. ROS increase was, however, found to be insignificant in MCF-10 F as well as in murine spleen and liver normal cells. In vivo, direct oral feeding of Triphala to mice (40 mg/kg body weight) transplanted with barcl-95 produced significant reduction in tumor growth as evaluated by tumor volume measurement. It was also found that apoptosis was significantly higher in the excised tumor tissue of Triphala fed mice as compared to the control, suggesting the involvement of apoptosis in tumor growth reduction. These results suggest that Triphala possessed ability to induce cytotoxicity in tumor cells but spared the normal cells. The differential effect of Triphala on normal and tumor cells seems to be related to its ability to evoke differential response in intracellular ROS generation. The differential response of normal and tumor cells to Triphala in vitro and the substantial regression of transplanted tumor in mice fed with Triphala points to its potential use as an anticancer drug for clinical treatment.

Immunomodulatory Activity of Triphala on Neutrophil Functions

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2005

Immune activation is an effective as well as protective approach against emerging infectious diseases. The immunomodulatory activities of Triphala (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Emblica officinalis) were assessed by testing the various neutrophil functions like adherence, phagocytosis (phagocytic index (P.I) and avidity index (A.I)) and nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction in albino rats. In recent years much attention is being focused on the immunological changes occur during stress. Noise (100 dB) stress for 4 h/d for 15 d, was employed to alter the neutrophil functions. The neutrophil function tests and corticosterone levels were carried out in eight different groups of animals, namely control, Triphala, noise-stress, Triphala noise-stress, and corresponding immunized groups were used. Sheep red blood cells (SRBC 5 x 10(9) cells per ml) were used for immunizing the animals that belongs to immunized groups. In Triphala administration (1 g/kg/d for 48 d), A.I was found to be significantly enhanced in the Triphala group, while the remaining neutrophil functions and steroid levels were not altered significantly. However the neutrophil functions were significantly enhanced in the Triphala immunized group with a significant decrease in corticosterone level was observed. Upon exposure to the noise-stress, the neutrophil functions were significantly suppressed and followed by a significant increase in the corticosterone levels were observed in both the noise-stress and the noise-stress immunized groups. These noise-stress-induced changes were significantly prevented by Triphala administration in both the Triphala noise-stress and the Triphala noise-stress immunized groups. Hence our study has divulged that oral administration of Triphala appears to stimulate the neutrophil functions in the immunized rats and stress induced suppression in the neutrophil functions were significantly prevented by Triphala.

Free radical scavenging reactions and phytochemical analysis of triphala, an Ayurvedic formulation

Article

Nov 2005
CURR SCI INDIA

In order to understand the factors responsible for the potent antioxidant and radioprotecting ability of triphala, it has been evaluated for radical scavenging ability, xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity and phytochemical (phenolics) content. The radical scavenging experiments were carried out using fast reaction kinetic tools and the reactivity of triphala towards different radicals such as hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, DPPH and ABTS • •- - was determined. When triphala was tested for superoxide radical scavenging activity using xan- thine and xanthine oxidase assay, it was observed that in addition to reacting with superoxide radical, it also inhibited uric acid formation, indicative of xanthine oxidase enzyme inhibitory activity. Phytochemical ana - lysis showed that triphala is rich in phenols/polyphenols (38 ± ± 3%) and tannins (35 ± ± 3%), while flavonoids were found to be absent. HPLC analysis showed that triphala contains 73 ± ± 5 mg gallic acid per gram of triphala, which was found to increase to 150 ± ± 5 mg/g upon acid hydrolysis. Relevance of these studies to the antioxidant and radio protection properties of triphala has also been discussed.

Chemopreventive potential of Triphala (a composite Indian drug) on Benzo (a) pyrene induced forestomach tumorigenesis in murine tumor model system

Article

Dec 2005
J Exp Clin Canc Res

The present work is probably the first report on cancer chemopreventive potential of Triphala, a combination of fruit powder of three different plants namely Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Emblica officinalis. Triphala is a popular formulation of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Our findings have shown that Triphala in diet has significantly reduced the benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] induced forestomach papillomagenesis in mice. In the short term treatment groups, the tumor incidences were lowered to 77.77% by both doses of Triphala mixed diet. In the case of long-term treatment the tumor incidences were reduced to 66.66% and 62.50% respectively by 2.5% and 5% triphala containing diet. Tumor burden was 7.27 +/- 1.16 in the B(a)P treated control group, whereas it reduced to 3.00 +/- 0.82 (p < 0.005) by 2.5% dose and 2.33 +/- 1.03 (p < 0.001) by 5% dose of Triphala. In long-term studies the tumor burden was reduced to 2.17 +/- 0.75 (p < 0.001) and 2.00 +/- 0.71 (p < 0.001) by 2.5% and 5% diet of Triphala, respectively. It was important to observe that Triphala was more effective in reducing tumor incidences compared to its individual constituents. Triphala also significantly increased the antioxidant status of animals which might have contributed to the chemoprevention. It was inferred that the concomitant use of multiple agents seemed to have a high degree of chemoprevention potential.

Triphala , Ayurvedic Formulation for Treating and Preventing Cancer: A Review

Article

Dec 2010
J ALTERN COMPLEM MED

Shrinath Baliga

Background: Triphala (Sanskrit tri = three and phala = fruits), composed of the three medicinal fruits Phyllanthus emblica L. or Emblica officinalis Gaertn., Terminalia chebula Retz., and Terminalia belerica Retz. is an important herbal preparation in the traditional Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda. Triphala is an antioxidant-rich herbal formulation and possesses diverse beneficial properties. It is a widely prescribed Ayurvedic drug and is used as a colon cleanser, digestive, diuretic, and laxative. Cancer is a major cause of death, and globally studies are being conducted to prevent cancer or to develop effective nontoxic therapeutic agents. Experimental studies in the past decade have shown that Triphala is useful in the prevention of cancer and that it also possesses antineoplastic, radioprotective and chemoprotective effects. Conclusions: This review for the first time summarizes these results, with emphasis on published observations. Furthermore, the possible mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects and lacunas in the existing knowledge that need to be bridged are also discussed.

Comparison of Enteroprotective Efficacy of Triphala Formulations (Indian Herbal Drug) on Methotrexate-Induced Small Intestinal Damage in Rats

Article

Aug 2009
PHYTOTHER RES

Triphala is categorized as a rejuvenator and antioxidant-rich Ayurvedic herbal formulation and has traditionally been used in various gastric problems including intestinal inflammation. The aim of the present study was to examine the comparative enteroprotective effect of Triphala formulations against methotrexate-induced intestinal damage in rats. Triphala formulations were prepared by mixing equal (1:1:1) and unequal (1:2:4) proportions of Terminalia chebula Retz., Terminalia belerica (Gaertn.) Roxb. and Emblica officinalis Gaertn. Intestinal damage was induced by administering methotrexate (MTX) in a dose of 12 mg/kg, orally for 4 days to albino rats. The intestinal damage response was assessed by gross and microscopical injury, measuring the intestinal permeability to phenol red and tissue biochemical parameters. Triphala equal and unequal formulations at the dose of 540 mg/kg significantly restored the depleted protein level in brush border membrane of intestine, phospholipid and glutathione content and decreased the myeloperoxidase and xanthine oxidase level in intestinal mucosa of methotrexate-treated rats. In addition, Triphala unequal formulation showed significant decrease in permeation clearance of phenol red with significant attenuation in the histopathological changes, level of disaccharidase in brush border membrane vesicles and lipid peroxidation content of intestinal mucosa. Based on the data generated, it is suggested that Triphala unequal formulation provides significantly more protection than Triphala equal formulation against methotrexate-induced damage in rat intestine.

The evaluation of the radioprotective effect of Triphala (an Ayurvedic rejuvenating drug) in the mice exposed to radiation

Article

Apr 2002
PHYTOMEDICINE

The effect of 0, 5, 6.25, 10, 12.5, 20, 25, 40, 50 and 80 mg/kg b. wt. of aqueous extract of triphala (an Ayurvedic herbal medicine) administrered intraperitoneally was studied on the radiation-induced mortality in mice exposed to 10 Gy of gamma-radiation. Treatment of mice with different doses of triphala consecutively for five days before irradiation delayed the onset of mortality and reduced the symptoms of radiation sickness when compared with the non-drug treated irradiated controls. The highest protection against GI (gastrointestinal) death was observed for 12.5 mg/kg triphala, where a highest number of survivors were reported up to 10 days post-irradiation. While 10 mg/kg triphala i.p. provided the best protection as evidenced by the highest number of survivors after 30 days post-irradiation in this group when compared with the other doses of triphala. Toxicity study showed that triphala was non-toxic up to a dose of 240 mg/kg, where no drug-induced mortality was observed. The LD50 dose i.p. of triphala was found to be 280 mg/kg b. wt. Our study demonstrates the ability of triphala as a good radioprotective agent and the optimum protective dose of triphala was 1/28 of its LD50 dose.

Antidiabetic activity of medicinal plants and its relationship with antioxidant property

Article

Aug 2002
J ETHNOPHARMACOL

Methanolic extract (75%) of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, Emblica officinalis and their combination named 'Triphala' (equal proportion of above three plant extracts) are being used extensively in Indian system of medicine. They were found to inhibit lipid peroxide formation and to scavenge hydroxyl and superoxide radicals in vitro. The concentration of plant extracts that inhibited 50% of lipid peroxidation induced with Fe(2+)/ascorbate were food to be 85.5, 27, 74 and 69 micro g/ml, respectively. The concentration needed for the inhibition of hydoxyl radical scavenging were 165, 71, 155.5 and 151 micro g/ml, and that for superoxide scavenging activity were found to be 20.5, 40.5, 6.5 and 12.5 micro g/ml, respectively. Oral administration of the extracts (100 mg/kg body weight) reduced the blood sugar level in normal and in alloxan (120 mg/kg) diabetic rats significantly within 4 h. Continued, daily administration of the drug produced a sustained effect.

The in vitro cytotoxic and apoptotic activity of Triphala - An Indian herbal drug

Article

Mar 2005
J ETHNOPHARMACOL

A study on cytotoxic effect of acetone extract of "Triphala" whose antimutagenicity has already been tested. The in vitro antimutagenic activity of Triphala--an Indian herbal drug. Food Chemistry and Toxicology 40, 47-54) was extended to test its cytotoxic effects on cancer cell-lines using Shionogi 115 (S115) and MCF-7 breast cancer cells and PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cells as models. The results revealed that acetone extract of "Triphala" showed a significant cytotoxic effect on these cancer cell-lines and the effect was similar on all cancer cell lines used in this study. The major phenolic compounds in the most potent acetone extracts were isolated and purified. Structural analysis was conducted using spectroscopic techniques including mass spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) which showed gallic acid as the major component. The suppression of the growth of cancer cells in cytotoxic assays may be due to the gallic acid-a major polyphenol observed in "Triphala".

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