Trikatu is a classical Ayurvedic formulation composed of three potent herbs—Pippali (Piper longum Linn.), Maricha (Piper nigrum Linn.), and Shunthi (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)—in equal proportions (1:1:1). The name “Trikatu” literally means three pungents. It is renowned for enhancing digestion, metabolism, and bioavailability of other drugs. Traditionally, Trikatu is used to treat indigestion, obesity, respiratory conditions, and as a rejuvenator for the gastrointestinal and hepatic systems.
Scientific Classification
For Trikatu (Formulation)- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Dicotyledons
- Order: Piperales / Zingiberales
- Family: Piperaceae / Zingiberaceae
Constituent Herbs:- Piper nigrum (Black Pepper)
- Piper longum (Long Pepper)
- Zingiber officinale (Dry Ginger)
Common Names
- English - Three Pungents, Trikatu Churna
- Sanskrit - Trikatu, Katutraya
- Hindi - Trikatu, Thikkat
- Tamil - Thirikadugu
- Telugu -Trikatamu
- Malayalam - Thrikadugam
- Marathi - Trikatu
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Digestive and Metabolic Health: Reduces gas, bloating, and indigestion symptoms. Used as a natural carminative and laxative.
- Respiratory Benefits: Acts as an expectorant and bronchodilator, helpful in cough, asthma, and bronchitis, Clears mucus and enhances respiratory function.
- Weight and Metabolism Regulation : Increases metabolic rate and helps reduce fat accumulation, useful in obesity management.
- Hepatoprotective and Detoxifying: Supports liver function and aids in detoxification by enhancing bile secretion.
References
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part-I, Vol. I–V, Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH.
- Sharangadhara Samhita – Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 6, Churnakalpana Adhyaya.
- A Review on Trikatu Churna – International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy (IJRAP), Vol. 12, Issue 3, 2021.
- Rao, P. K. S. et al. (2025). Deciphering the Mechanism of Action of Trikatu through its Bioactive Compounds. Journal of Clinical Research in Medicine and Health Sciences.
- Phyto-pharmacological review on bioavailability enhancer Trikatu (Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2024, Vol. 13 Issue 3, p.998).
- Deciphering the Impact and Mechanism of Trikatu, a Spices-based Formulation (PMC9709420, Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 2022).
- Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 5/12 – Reference to Trikatu as Deepana-Pachana Yoga.
- Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 38/30 – Description of Trikatu in metabolic disorders.
- Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants, CSIR, New Delhi.
- European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.
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