Scientific validation of the ethnomedicinal properties of the Ayurvedic drug Triphala: A review

Abstract

Triphala, a herbal formula composed of the three fruits of Terminalia chebula Retz. (Haritaki, Family: Combretaceae), Terminalia bellirica Roxb. (Bibhitaki, Family: Combretaceae) and Phyllanthus emblica Linn. or Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (Amalaki or the Indian gooseberry, Family: Euphorbiaceae) is considered to be a universal panacea in the traditional Indian system of medicine the Ayurveda. It has been described in the Ayurveda text as a "Rasayana' and to rejuvenat the debilitated organs. Ayurvedic physicians use Triphala for many ailments but most importantly to treat various gastrointestinal disorders. Scientific studies carried out in the past two decades have validated many of the ethnomedicinal claims and researches have shown Triphala to possess free radical scavenging, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antibacterial, antimutagenic, wound healing, anticariogenic, antistress, adaptogenic, hypoglycaemic, anticancer, chemoprotective, radioprotective and chemopreventive effects. Clinical studies have also shown that Triphala was found to have good laxative property, to improve appetite and reduce gastric hyperacidity. Studies have also shown that Triphala was effective in preventing dental caries and that this effect was equal to that of chlorhexidine. The current review addresses the validated pharmacological properties of Triphala and also emphasizes on aspects that need further investigation for its future clinic application.

Improved Lipid Profile Associated with Daily Consumption of Tri-Sura-Phon in Healthy Overweight Volunteers: An Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Trial

“…It has been widely described as a rejuvenator in Ayurvedic medicine. Triphala has notable health benefits as an effective antioxidant, chemopreventive, radioprotective, antidiabetic, and hypolipidemic agent both in vitro and in vivo [11, 12]. It has also been clinically proven to be a promising antiplaque and antigingivitis agent [13].…”

Efficacy of triphala mouth rinse (aqueous extracts) on dental plaque and gingivitis in children

“…Triphala is a well‐known ancient Ayurvedic Indian powdered preparation, and has been traditionally used as a laxative in chronic constipation, indigestion, hypertension, serum cholesterol reduction, poor liver function, and ulcerative colitis . Scientific studies carried out in the past two decades have validated many ethnomedicinal claims, and have showed triphala to possess free‐radical‐scavenging, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antibacterial, antimutagenic, wound‐healing, anticariogenic, antistress, adaptogenic, hypoglycemic, anticancer, chemoprotective, radioprotective, and chemopreventive effects …”

“…14 Scientific studies carried out in the past two decades have validated many ethnomedicinal claims, and have showed triphala to possess free-radical-scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antibacterial, antimutagenic, wound-healing, anticariogenic, antistress, adaptogenic, hypoglycemic, anticancer, chemoprotective, radioprotective, and chemopreventive effects. 15 Triphala alcohol extracts, which are used as mouth rinse, have been shown to be effective against plaque, gingivitis, and dental caries in a large-scale, 1-year follow-up study conducted among Indian children. 13 Maurya et al 16 reported on the relief experienced by patients with various periodontal symptoms after using triphala mouth rinse.…”

The effect of thriphala, a herbal Ayurveda formulation, on serum lipids, in patients on a maintenance dose of atorvastatin for hyperlipidaemia: a randomized controlled trial

“…These studies have validated many of the properties claimed by historical evidence and the more recent ethno medical studies [17].…”