# Triphala Herbs

> Triphala Herbs is a preparation made from plant material. Bibhitaki: beta-sitosterol moderate bioavailability (~15-25%); belleric acid low absorption improved with lipid vehicle. Amalaki: Ascorbic acid high bioavailability (~70-80%) but rapid renal clearance; emblicanin A/B moderate absorption (~20-30%).

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) Herbs |

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Individual fruit powders ([Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/), [Bibhitaki](/herb/bibhitaki/), Amalaki churnas), Capsule (single herb), Tablet (single herb), Svarasa (Amalaki juice), Avaleha ([Chyawanprash](/formulation/chyawanprash/) from Amalaki)

**Standard Dosage:** Haritaki: 3-6 g; Bibhitaki: 3-6 g; Amalaki: 3-6 g individually, or as combined in [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) 1:1:1 ratio

**Bioavailability:** Haritaki: Chebulagic acid and chebulinic acid undergo partial hydrolysis to ellagic acid in gut (bioavailability ~8-12%); gallic acid well absorbed (~40%). Bibhitaki: beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol) moderate bioavailability (~15-25%); belleric acid low absorption improved with lipid vehicle. Amalaki: Ascorbic acid high bioavailability (~70-80%) but rapid renal clearance; emblicanin A/B moderate absorption (~20-30%). Individual herbs allow dose customization based on Dosha predominance.

**Optimal Timing:** Haritaki: at bedtime; Bibhitaki: morning with honey; Amalaki: any time, ideally morning on empty stomach

**Standardized Extract:** Haritaki: >20% total [tannins](/reference/tannins/), >3% chebulagic acid; Bibhitaki: >15% total tannins, >0.5% belleric acid; Amalaki: >30% total tannins, Vitamin C >2%, >1.5% gallic acid (all by HPLC/UV methods)

**Shelf Life:** Individual powders: 12-18 months; Amalaki juice (spray-dried): 18 months; Capsules: 24 months; Chyawanprash: 24-36 months

**Storage:** Individual powders in airtight, moisture-proof containers at 15-25 deg C. Amalaki products benefit from refrigerated storage (2-8 deg C) to preserve vitamin C. Protect all from light and humidity.

**Marker Compounds:** Chebulagic acid (Haritaki), Chebulinic acid (Haritaki), Gallic acid (all three), Ellagic acid (Haritaki, Amalaki), Belleric acid (Bibhitaki), beta-Sitosterol (Bibhitaki), Emblicanin A (Amalaki), Emblicanin B (Amalaki), Ascorbic acid (Amalaki)

### Extraction Methods

- Individual fruit drying and powdering
- Aqueous extraction of each fruit separately
- Hydroethanolic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Spray drying for Amalaki juice
- Supercritical CO2 extraction for Bibhitaki fatty acid fraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- Haritaki + [Saindhava Lavana](/herb/saindhava-lavana/) - Vata-pacifying combination
- Bibhitaki + Honey - Kapha-pacifying combination
- Amalaki + [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) - Pitta-pacifying [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/)
- Individual herbs serve as components of hundreds of classical formulations

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/triphala-herbs/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- AgeAyurveda Product Catalog
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.