Triphala
Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula
A classic Ayurvedic blend of three dried fruits (amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki), used as a cornerstone of digestive care and as a laxative. Research in people is limited.
Safety at a glance
- PregnancyNothing recorded
- BreastfeedingNothing recorded
- MedicinesNothing recorded
- Who should avoid itNothing recorded
- AllergiesNothing recorded
- ToxicityNothing recorded
Tap a box to read the safety notes below. “Nothing recorded” means our sources don't cover it, not that it's safe.
What is Triphala?
- Plant family
- Phyllanthaceae (the leafflower family) for amalaki; Combretaceae (the combretum family) for bibhitaki and haritaki
- Parts used
- The dried fruits of three plants
- Genus
- Phyllanthus / Terminalia
- Species
- emblica / bellirica / chebula
Also called
Emblica officinalis
Traditional names
Amalaki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki
Traditionally used for
- Constipation
- Digestion
- Gut health
Traditionally described as
- Laxative (traditional)
- Antioxidant
Health topics
Where Triphala appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Bloating
One clinical trial reported less gas and belly pain.
- Constipation
Used as a laxative in Ayurveda. One clinical trial reported less constipation.
- High Cholesterol
A review of 12 trials found triphala lowered cholesterol and triglycerides in some studies.
Traditions that use it
- Ayurveda
A cornerstone of digestive and rejuvenating treatment, made from three fruits: amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki.
How it's prepared
Common ways Triphala is prepared or sold. This isn't advice on how to take it; see Safety below.
- Powder
Triphala is used as an extract or as capsules containing the powder.[1]Review or trial
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Triphala is a well-known Ayurvedic medicine made from the fruits of three plants: amalaki (Emblica officinalis), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and haritaki (Terminalia chebula). It is a cornerstone of digestive and rejuvenating treatment, and is used as a laxative.[2]Study
Laboratory & animal research
Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.
In animal studies, triphala extracts prevented diarrhea, protected the gut lining, protected against stress ulcers and reduced colitis. Lab research suggests its plant compounds encourage helpful gut bacteria (Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus) and discourage unwanted ones.[2]Study
Research in people
One clinical trial in people with digestive disorders reported that triphala reduced constipation, mucus, belly pain, excess stomach acid and gas, and improved how often and how easily people passed stools. More clinical research is needed.[2]Study
A 2020 review of 7 trials found a triphala mouthwash reduced gum inflammation and plaque about as well as chlorhexidine, a standard antiseptic mouthwash, in people with gum disease caused by plaque. The results varied a lot between trials.[3]Review or trial
A 2021 review of 12 trials with 749 people found triphala lowered LDL ("bad") cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides in some trials, and reduced weight and waist size in people with obesity. It lowered fasting blood sugar in people with diabetes but not in those without it. No serious side effects were reported. Larger, well-designed trials are needed.[1]Review or trial
In short
Research on its safety in people is limited.
Sources
- [1] Effects of Triphala on Lipid and Glucose Profiles and Anthropometric Parameters: A Systematic Review · DOI: 10.1177/2515690X211011038Review or clinical trial
- [2] Therapeutic Uses of Triphala in Ayurvedic Medicine — Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine · DOI: 10.1089/acm.2017.0083Peer-reviewed study
- [3] Effect of triphala mouthrinse on plaque and gingival inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials · DOI: 10.1111/idh.12444Review or clinical trial
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Unfamiliar word? See what these words mean.