# Triphala

> Triphala is classified in Ayurveda as Tridoshahara (Balances all three doshas), Rasayana, from the Combretaceae + Phyllanthaceae family. Parts used: fruits of three plants. Most famous Ayurvedic compound. Not listed in WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants as a compound formulation.

## Key facts

- **Family:** Combretaceae + Phyllanthaceae
- **Ayurvedic category:** Tridoshahara (Balances all three doshas), Rasayana
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants as a compound formulation. Individual components (Terminalia chebula, Phyllanthus emblica) referenced in WHO traditional medicine resources. Officially monographed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) as Triphala Churna. Health Canada has issued a Natural Health Product monograph for Triphala.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Triphala |
| Common Names | Triphala, Three Fruits |
| Hindi | Triphala |
| Sanskrit | Triphala |
| Latin/Botanical | *Compound: Terminalia chebula + T. bellirica + Phyllanthus emblica* |

## Parts Used

- Fruits of three plants (equal parts)

## Dosha Effects

| Dosha | Effect |
|-------|--------|
| **Vata** | Decreases |
| **Pitta** | Decreases |
| **Kapha** | Decreases |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Gallic acid
- Chebulagic acid
- Ellagic acid
- Vitamin C
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/)

## Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

- Mild [laxative](/reference/laxative/)
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Immunomodulator
- Eye tonic
- Rejuvenative

## How does it work?

- Rich in [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols) (gallic acid, chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, ellagic acid), vitamin C, and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Polyphenols modulate gut microbiota: promote Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, inhibit E. coli, lower Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, increase Akkermansia muciniphila.
- Triphala-derived polyphenols (chebulinic/ellagic acids) are biotransformed by gut microbiota into urolithins, which modulate inflammation and prevent oxidative injury of enterocytes.
- Activates phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis pathways regulating energy metabolism.
- Bidirectional gut-brain axis modulation demonstrated in Alzheimer's models, improving cognition through gut restoration.
- Synergistic antibacterial activity when combined with standard antibiotics against drug-resistant clinical isolates.

## How is it used traditionally?

Most famous Ayurvedic compound. Charaka says Triphala Rasayana can make one live 100 years free of disease. Each fruit corresponds to a dosha: [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/)=Vata, [Bibhitaki](/herb/bibhitaki/)=Kapha, Amalaki=Pitta.

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

- Charaka Samhita
- Sushruta Samhita
- Ashtanga Hridaya
- Sharangadhara Samhita

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Phimarn W, Sungthong B, Itabe H 2021. [Effects of Triphala on Lipid and Glucose Profiles and Anthropometric Parameters: A Systematic Review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33886393/). *Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine*. PMID [33886393](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33886393/) · [doi:10.1177/2515690X211011038](https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X211011038)  
  Systematic review of 9 trials (551 patients) found Triphala reduced LDL-C, total cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing HDL levels. Safe when used for 25 days to 1 year.
- Upadhyay P, Tyagi A, Agrawal S and others 2024. [Bidirectional Effect of Triphala on Modulating Gut-Brain Axis to Improve Cognition in the Murine Model of Alzheimer's Disease](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37767948/). *Molecular nutrition & food research*. PMID [37767948](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37767948/) · [doi:10.1002/mnfr.202300104](https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202300104)  
  Triphala reversed cognition deficits in 5XFAD Alzheimer's mice through gut restoration during antibiotic-mediated dysbiosis, demonstrating gut-brain axis modulation.
- Kwandee P, Somnuk S, Wanikorn B and others 2023. [Efficacy of Triphala extracts on the changes of obese fecal microbiome and metabolome in the human gut model](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36970454/). *Journal of traditional and complementary medicine*. PMID [36970454](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36970454/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2023.02.011](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2023.02.011)  
  Triphala extract lowers the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, increases Akkermansia muciniphila, and increases gut metabolites like valeric, isovaleric, and isobutyric acids beneficial for intestinal health.
- Gurjar S, Taliyan R, Kumari S and others 2025. [The interplay of triphala and its constituents with respect to metabolic disorders and gut-microbiome](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40466870/). *Fitoterapia*. PMID [40466870](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40466870/) · [doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2025.106642](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2025.106642)  
  Comprehensive review confirming Triphala polyphenols modulate gut microbiota by promoting Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while inhibiting pathogenic E. coli, and that microbial transformation produces active urolithins.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Triphala inhibits CYP1A and CYP3A [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes), increasing bioavailability of phenacetin and midazolam in rat studies. Primarily reversible inhibition.
- May increase side effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes.
- Caution advised for patients on blood-thinning medications due to potential effects on platelet function.
- Safe in clinical trials for durations of 25 days to 1 year, but long-term safety data remain limited.
- No serious adverse events reported in clinical trials; most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Well-designed large multicenter RCTs investigating long-term effects still needed.

## Recommended Dosage

Powder (Churna): 3-6g/day before bed with warm water; As eye wash: decoction

## Safety, contraindications and cautions

- Pregnancy
- Diarrhea (already loose stools)
- Severe debility

## What is it made of?

**Part(s) Analyzed:** Fruits of three plants (equal parts)

### 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:** Churna (powder), Vati (tablet), Capsule, Kwatha (decoction), [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) ([Triphala Guggulu](/formulation/triphala-guggulu/)), [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (Triphala Ghrita), Eye wash (Triphala Netra Prakshalana), Mouthwash

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder at bedtime with warm water; 500 mg-1 g tablet/capsule twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction

**Bioavailability:** Gallic acid has good oral bioavailability (~40-50%) with rapid absorption. Ellagic acid has low bioavailability (<10%) but is converted by gut microbiota to urolithins A and B, which have prolonged half-lives and significant biological activity. Chebulagic acid and chebulinic acid are partially hydrolyzed in the GI tract releasing ellagic acid. Emblicanin A and B (from Amalaki component) are moderately bioavailable. The three-fruit combination provides a broader spectrum of tannins with complementary absorption profiles.

**Optimal Timing:** At bedtime with warm water for mild laxative effect; before meals for digestive stimulation; morning for Rasayana (rejuvenative) effect

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to >35% total tannins (as gallic acid equivalent by Folin-Ciocalteu); >5% gallic acid by HPLC; >2% ellagic acid by HPLC; Vitamin C >3% (as ascorbic acid)

**Shelf Life:** Churna: 12-18 months; Tablets/Capsules: 24-36 months; Aqueous decoction: prepare fresh; Ghrita: 24 months; Guggulu tablets: 24-36 months

**Storage:** Airtight, moisture-proof containers at 15-25 deg C, protected from light. Vitamin C content degrades faster at higher temperatures; cool storage preferred for premium products. Ghrita formulations in glass jars at room temperature.

**Marker Compounds:** Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Chebulagic acid, Chebulinic acid, [Corilagin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#corilagin), Emblicanin A, Emblicanin B, beta-Glucogallin, Bellericanin

### Extraction Methods

- Simple blending of three fruit powders (1:1:1 by weight)
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroethanolic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Spray drying of aqueous extract
- Standardized dry extract by vacuum concentration

### Synergistic Combinations

- Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) - Triphala Guggulu for musculoskeletal and metabolic conditions
- Ghrita (ghee) - Triphala Ghrita for ophthalmic applications
- [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) - combined digestive and metabolic formula
- [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/) - Triphala with iron for hematinic action
- Honey + Triphala - Kapha-pacifying combination

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Ashtanga Hridaya)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- 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.