Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of triphala – A literature review

Triphala (tri = three and phala = fruits), is an ayurvedic preparation composed of three equal proportions of herbal fruits native to the Indian subcontinent: viz. Terminalia chebula, Phyllanthus emblica, and Terminalia belerica. Triphala is a tridoshic rasayana having a balancing and rejuvenating effect on the three constitutional elements that govern the human life. Triphala is rich in antioxidants, possess antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-cancer properties. Triphala is also known to cure cataract and effective in the treatment of Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Triphala is rich in polyphenols, Vitamin C and flavonoids. This review paper focuses on the therapeutic effect of triphala. Triphala is a polyherbal formulation and the mechanism of action of polyherbals/herbal drugs and their extracts differ in many respects from that of the synthetic drugs or single substances. In ayurvedic terms, triphala, used in moderation, is said to have a beneficial effect on all three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha. Triphala contains several compounds that have been proposed to be responsible for its claimed health benefits, including gallic acid, chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid etc. Triphala has a combination of both nutritional as well as blood and liver cleansing activities. It has little function as a demulcent or lubricating laxative. It possesses anthroquinones that help to stimulate bile flow and peristalsis. The nutritional aspect of triphala in the form of its high vitamin C content, presence of linoleic oil and other important nutrients make it more of a tonic. Triphala possess free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antibacterial, antimutagenic, wound healing, anti-cariogenic, antistress, adaptogenic, anti-diabetic, hypoglycaemic activity and so on. All these characters make “Triphala” one of the most valuable herbal preparations in the world.