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

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

• Mild laxative
• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Immunomodulator
• Eye tonic
• Rejuvenative

How does it work?

• Rich in polyphenols (gallic acid, chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, ellagic acid), vitamin C, and 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=Vata, Bibhitaki=Kapha, Amalaki=Pitta.

Where is it described in the classical texts?

• Charaka Samhita
• Sushruta Samhita
• Ashtanga Hridaya
• Sharangadhara Samhita

What do recent studies show?

• Phimarn W, Sungthong B, Itabe H 2021. Effects of Triphala on Lipid and Glucose Profiles and Anthropometric Parameters: A Systematic Review. Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine. PMID 33886393 · doi: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. Molecular nutrition & food research. PMID 37767948 · doi: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. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine. PMID 36970454 · doi: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. Fitoterapia. PMID 40466870 · doi: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.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• Triphala inhibits CYP1A and CYP3A 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)

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Vati (tablet), Capsule, Kwatha (decoction), Guggulu (Triphala Guggulu), 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

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

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, Emblicanin A, Emblicanin B, beta-Glucogallin, Bellericanin

Synergistic Combinations

• Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) - Triphala Guggulu for musculoskeletal and metabolic conditions
• Ghrita (ghee) - Triphala Ghrita for ophthalmic applications
• Trikatu - combined digestive and metabolic formula
• Loha Bhasma - Triphala with iron for hematinic action
• Honey + Triphala - Kapha-pacifying combination