TRIPHALA

Triphala is one of the most revered Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations, composed of three fruits — Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). It is known for its rejuvenating, detoxifying, and antioxidant properties. Traditionally, Triphala is used for improving digestion, supporting liver function, enhancing immunity, and promoting longevity. It balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and is widely used as a rasayana (rejuvenative) in Ayurveda.

Scientific Classification

Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Genus: Phyllanthus
Species: Phyllanthus emblica

Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Myrtales
Family: Combretaceae
Genus: Terminalia
Species: Terminalia bellirica

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Myrtales
Family: Combretaceae
Genus: Terminalia
Species: Terminalia chebula

Common Names

English - Triphala
Sanskrit - Triphala, Vara
Hindi - Triphala, Teen Phal
Tamil - Thiripala
Telugu - Thriphala
Bengali - Triphala
Marathi - Triphala

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Digestive Health: Acts as a mild laxative that promotes bowel regularity and relieves constipation, Enhances digestion, absorption, and metabolism.
Detoxification and Rejuvenation: Helps in detoxifying the liver and blood, promoting purification and regeneration.
Immunity and Antioxidant Support: Contains high levels of vitamin C and polyphenols, supporting immune strength and protecting against oxidative stress.
Eye and Skin Health: Traditionally used for improving vision and enhancing complexion due to its rejuvenating properties.
Metabolic and Weight Management: Helps regulate lipid and glucose metabolism, supporting healthy body weight and metabolism.
Oral and Dental Health: Used in gargles and mouthwashes for preventing oral infections and improving gum health.

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Govt. of India.
Charaka Samhita, Rasayana Adhyaya – Discussion on Triphala as Rasayana.
Baliga, M.S. (2010). "Triphala, Ayurvedic formulation for treating and preventing cancer: A review." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(12), 1301–1308.
Peterson, C.T., Denniston, K., & Chopra, D. (2017). "Therapeutic uses of Triphala in Ayurvedic medicine." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(8), 607–614.
Jagetia, G.C., & Baliga, M.S. (2004). "Triphala, an Ayurvedic rasayana, protects against radiation-induced lethality in mice." Phytomedicine, 9(2), 99–108.
Sandhya, T., Lathika, K.M., & Mishra, K.P. (2006). "Potential immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties of Triphala: An Ayurvedic formulation." Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 44(6), 493–498.
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I & II, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Wealth of India: Raw Materials (CSIR, New Delhi).
Srikumar, R., Parthasarathy, N.J., & Devi, R.S. (2005). "Immunomodulatory activity of Triphala on neutrophil functions." Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 28(8), 1398–1403.
European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.