Triphala & Health

Triphala is a remedy of Ayurveda, a 5,000 year-old therapeutic practice from India. Researchers have been studying the purported healing compounds of Ayurvedic medicines. One of the most commonly used combination compounds, triphala, has been shown to have health and healing properties for digestion, cholesterol reduction, blood pressure stabilization, improved liver function and cancer cell inhibition.

Triphala

Triphala is made by mixing the three herbal fruits harada, amla and bihara. Harada, known as "Medicine Buddha," supports digestion and acts as a laxative. Amla, also called Indian gooseberry, increases gastric emptying and has antimicrobial qualities. Bihara is high in protein and also contains omega-3 fatty acid and linoleic acid. Although most of the three components have been studied separately, the consensus among Ayurveda practitioners is that the combination of the three fruits is the key to its health and healing properties.

Gastric Motility

Gastric motility is a pattern of contraction and relaxation of the muscles in the stomach and intestinal tract for efficient absorption of nutrients. Symptoms of motility distress could include heartburn, constipation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Motility can be stabilized by the use of triphala and more specifically the herb harada. Triphala is thought to be more effective for relieving gastric motility issues than the use of prokinetic prescription medications such as metoclopramide and bethanechol. According to a 1997 article in the "Journal of Postgraduate Medicine," the herb harada in triphala increased gastric emptying by 86 percent, compared to 76 percent for metoclopramide, which supports the herb's digestive health properties.

Adaptogenic Benefits

According to a study published by Seth GS Medical College in Mumbai, India, animals that were administered amla--Indian gooseberry--during and after exposure to biological, physical and chemical stressors, such as halon and freon, had normalization of phagocytic activity. Phagocytic activity is the marker of an adaptogen. Basically, adding triphala to the animal's diets helped the animals cope on a physiological level. Amla also inhibited the production of free-radicals in the cells, leading researchers to believe that the triphalic compounds could help the body resist cellular diseases such as cancer.

Antioxidant Effects

Amla fruit in triphala is known to be the world's richest source of vitamin C. Because of this fact, some researchers have noted its antioxidant properties. However, a 2001 study in the "Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology" has found that aside from the vitamin C in amla, the tannin content may be responsible for its healing ability. The 16-week study found that HDL and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly decreased and glucose tolerance was acutely increased. Free-radical activity, believed to be the cause of many diseases, was also significantly reduced.

Considerations

It is important to take into consideration that triphala and its influence on health is based upon the combination of the three ingredients it contains. The healing potential of triphala is not based upon the healing qualities of its individual components. Ayurveda practitioners use triphala as "cure-all" and believe that an experienced practitioner can use triphala to cure just about anything. Scientists and doctors agree that more research is necessary, but there is significant promise that this herbal combination improves overall health without any known side effects.