Ayurveda encourages multiple herb mixes like Triphala to treat a variety of different health issues and prevent chronic diseases. It has been touted for its ability to:
- Aid in digestion and weight loss
- Regulating blood sugar levels
- Reducing inflammation
- Preventing cancer
- Lower cholesterol
- Normalize blood pressure
- Inhibit HIV
- Reduce tumors
- Protect and improve liver function
While it may offer some health benefits, Triphala has not been thoroughly studied for every health condition Ayurveda uses it to treat.
Nutrition Information
In one teaspoon (2.8 grams) of Triphala powder, there is:
- Calories: 10
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 0 grams
The three fruits in Triphala each have important nutrients:
Amala
Amala is high in vitamin C, essential minerals, and amino acids. It also has powerful antioxidants, such as phenols, tannins, and curcuminoids. Antioxidants help prevent damage to your cells that can lead to serious diseases such as cancer. Some test-tube studies show that gooseberry extract may have anti-cancer properties. More studies are needed to understand the benefits for humans.
Bibhitaki
Bibhitaki contains many antioxidants, such as ellagic acid, tannins, lignans, and flavones. The compounds may help to improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, as well as provide anti-inflammatory effects.
Haritaki
Haritaki contains vitamins and minerals such as:
- Vitamin C
- Copper
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Potassium
Like the other components of Triphala, haritaki also has powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, terpenes, and anthocyanins.
Potential Health Benefits of Triphala
The antioxidants in Triphala’s three fruits may help to boost your health. Consider these polyherbal remedy benefits:
Improve Digestive Issues
One of the oldest uses for Triphala is to treat constipation. Research shows that it may be an effective natural alternative to over-the-counter laxatives. One study shows improvement in constipation symptoms.
Another study found that Triphala may help reduce constipation and improve the consistency of bowel movements.
Aid in Weight Loss
Some research shows that Triphala may help with weight loss. One study found that people who took a small dose of Triphala everyday saw greater weight reductions than those who took a placebo.
Reduce Inflammation
The three fruits in Triphala contain many antioxidants, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, vitamin C, and more. Antioxidants can help fight free radicals in the body, reducing inflammation along with your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and others.
Anti-Cancer Properties
There is minimal research on Triphala’s anti-cancer properties. Some test-tube studies show that it may help to kill colon cancer cells as well as prostate cancer cells. While the studies are promising, determining the effectiveness and safety of the treatment requires more research
Protect Dental Health
The antioxidants in Triphala have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These properties may help to prevent the formation of plaque on the teeth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. One study found that a mouthwash containing Triphala reduced plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
Another study found that Triphala could help reduce plaque and gum inflammation in people who were hospitalized due to gum disease.
Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Amala, one of the three fruits in Triphala, has antioxidants that may provide antidiabetic effects. These include lowering blood sugar levels and treating nerve damage in people with type 2 diabetes.
Some other studies suggest that Triphala may help to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. But there is limited research in this area.
Senna alexandrina
Senna is the fruit (pod) or leaf of the plant Senna alexandrina. It is approved in the US as a laxative for short-term treatment of constipation.
Senna contains many chemicals called sennosides. Sennosides irritate the lining of the bowel, which causes a laxative effect.
Senna is an FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) laxative. It is used to treat constipation and also to clear the bowel before procedures such as colonoscopy. People also use senna for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, weight loss, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
