Composition and health benefits of Triphala churna

1. Introduction:

Triphala is a combination of three fruits or herbs “Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amalaki”. In Ayurveda, it is known as Tridoshic Rasayana i.e., a therapeutic agent that balances all three doshas-Kapha, Vata and Pitta. It is a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin C which helps in building immunity. Taking Triphala supplements on an empty stomach before bed can be beneficial for internal cleansing due to its detoxifying property. Triphala churna also helps in weight loss as it shows significant reduction in energy intake and body fat. Consumption of triphala churna also provides protection from certain heart diseases due to its antioxidant property. Triphala powder when taken with milk or intake of Triphala capsules also provides relief from constipation due to its laxative property. A paste of Triphala and coconut oil can be applied on the face to improve the skin texture and enhance skin elasticity due to its anti-aging property. Triphala is also considered good for the eyes due to its antioxidant activity which helps improve eye health. Triphala helps to control hair fall and promotes hair growth when applied on the scalp due to the presence of vitamin C. Triphala is safe for all skin types but if you have dry skin, it is advisable to use Triphala with coconut oil. Excessive intake of Triphala might cause diarrhea. The present article also demostrates Triphala churna role in gastrointestinal health, promoting beneficial microbiota, and alleviating digestive issues, alongside its cardioprotective effects.

2. Characteristics of Triphala churna:

Triphala churna is a well-established polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation, comprises equal proportions of Amla (P. emblica), Bahda (Terminalia bellerica), and Hirda (Terminalia chebula), demonstrating exceptional efficacy in gastrointestinal health and rejuvenation therapy. Triphala churna has been employed in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani traditional medicine systems to address various health problems. The Three-Fruit Harmony polyherbal formulation, comprising Amla, Hirda, and Bahda, is a well-known blend called Triphala, which is known for its detoxifying and rejuvenating properties and is believed to support digestion, boost immunity, and regulate metabolic processes. In ancient texts, triphala is considered as Mahaaushadhi, also called Supreme Medicine.

3. Phytochemical composition of triphala churna:

The phytochemical composition of Triphala churna is scrutinized, revealing essential bioactive compounds like phenolic acids, tannins, and flavonoids, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. In this formulation, amla is also known as the Indian Gooseberry, Behda, and Hirda. The formulation contains antioxidants like ellagic acid, tannins, gallic acid, and chebulinic acid, which may contribute to its immunomodulatory properties. Triphala has many bioactive chemicals like flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones, and carbohydrates.

a) Properties of Amla:

Phyllanthus emblica (amla) known as Indian gooseberry, is a potent herb with dry and heavy qualities and effectively balances Pitta dosha, cooling body heat and enhancing digestion and metabolism. Its unique flavor and taste provide refreshment and health benefits. Rich in rejuvenating properties, Phyllanthus emblica reduces hair fall, improves skin health, enhances vision, and aids memory. It supports sensory processing, promotes healthy bowel movements, acts as an expectorant and bronchodilator for respiratory issues, and assists with infertility issues.

b) Properties of Hirda:

Terminalia chebula, or Hirda is a cherished tree in Ayurveda, has a unique taste profile, combining five of the six tastes with a primarily astringent. Its post-digestive effect is sweet, and its potency is warm. Hirda’s light and dry qualities make it an effective Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas balancer, particularly alleviating Vata imbalances. As a potent Rasayana or rejuvenating, Haritaki works efficiently on skin disorders like wound healing, CNS disorders, inflammation in the respiratory system, gastrointestinal disorders like indigestion, jaundice, hemorrhoids, liver, and spleen issues, acts as a mild laxative that enhances metabolism, fertility, and renal disorders and while also detoxifying the body and promoting overall health.

c) Properties of Behda:

Terminalia bellerica (Behda) is an herb characterized by its bitter, astringent, sweet taste and warming potency. Its dry and light qualities make it an effective digestive and respiratory health remedy. At the same time, its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties confer additional benefit targets. Kapha dosha is related to the mind-body element associated with earth and water. It efficiently treats disorders related to hair greying, achromoderma, insomnia, blindness, myopia, neurological disorders, blood-related issues like hemoptysis, and gut issues like vomiting, nausea, anorexia, and helminthiasis.

Table 1: Ingredients and quantity of triphala churna

Sr. no.	Plant family	Plant name (ingredients)	Quantity (in grams)
1	Phyllanthaceae	Phyllanthus emblica (Amla)	400 g
2	Combretaceae	Terminalia bellerica (Behda)	200 g
3	Combretaceae	Terminalia chebula (Hirda)	100 g

4. Preparation of triphala churna:

a) For the preparation of Triphala the ingredients must be taken in the order 4:2:1 and cannot be used as raw.

b) Fruits must be dried in sunlight and make it crispy.

c) Dried fruits store in an air tight container.

d) When fruits are dried it become hard, so we cannot grind it directly. For that we use some Desi-ghee.

e) Take a pan and put a small amount of Desi-ghee in it.

f) Add all these ingredients in to it. Desi-ghee will make it soft and also it will swell in size.

g) Rost it in a medium flame for 5 minutes. Let it be cool and grind it well and stir it properly.

h) Triphala powder (churna) is ready for use.

5. Bioactive metabolites and their therapeutic effects:

The medicinal attributes include antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and anticataract properties, making it a vital component in gastrointestinal treatment, particularly for functional gastrointestinal disorders. With its rich history in Ayurveda, Triphala’s unique tridoshic properties harmonize the body’s three essential energies - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha- fostering overall well-being and diverse health applications. The therapeutic properties of Triphala span antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory effects, underpinned by studies demonstrating its benefits for oxidative stress, metabolic disorders, and immune enhancement.

According to the ancient literature of Ayurveda like Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, in ancient Indian medicine, Triphala has been consumed for thousands of years in a balanced amount for long life. As per Charak, if peoples want to live 100 years without feeling aged and having any health issues, they have to consume Triphala mixed with honey and ghee.

Triphala-derived polyphenols and chebulic acids are transformed into beneficial compounds by human gut microbiota that reduces oxidative damage in the body. Studies have shown that Triphala aqueous and alcoholic extracts has properties that cure diarrhea and enhance gastrointestinal health.

An oral dosage of Triphala (100 mg/kg) body weight drastically lowered blood sugar levels in both control and diabetic rats. Triphala has been studied for a long time in alloxan-induced diabetic models and high fructose diet models having diabetes mellitus, and results show that daily oral administration of Triphala applies a long-term antidiabetic effect. Triphala is high in phenolics and flavonoids when the administration of Triphala guggul tablet or churn form; as a result, that increased oral glucose tolerance and decrease in serum glucose levels of alloxan-induced diabetic rat models as compared to normal control rats. Methanolic extract of T. bellirica protects against cardiac damage in rats, reducing CK-MB activity and MDA levels while increasing GSH at 250-500 mg/kg.

Triphala treatment significantly reduced serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol, showing efficacy comparable to a synthetic drug atorvastatin (10 mg/kg). In Triphala churna, gallic acid, chebulinic acid, and corilagin acid are their principal constituent. Its activity is to protect the liver by reducing inflammation and excess lipid accumulation and modulating the gut microbiota. It has been demonstrated that feeding rats a high-fat diet with Triphala inhibits the development of NAFLD in a dose-dependent way and with efficacy comparable to a synthetic drug simvastatin. Triphala may lessen the accumulation of hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels and the inflammatory reactions.

References:

Peterson CT, Denniston K, Chopra D (2017) Therapeutic Uses of Triphala in Ayurvedic Medicine.J Altern Complement Med. 23(8): 607–614.

Kumar NS, Nair AS, Nair AM, et al. (2016) Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Triphala – A literature review.Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 5(3): 23-27.

Bairwa VK, Kashyap AK, Meena P, Jain BP (2025) Triphala’s characteristics and potential therapeutic uses in modern health. International Journal of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, 17(2): 19.