Triphala is an herbal formulation that is used widely in Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of health-promoting purposes. It consists of the fruits of three medicinal plants, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia belerica emblica officinalis, which are native to the Middle East. The fruits are dried and powdered and used in equal parts to make the triphala formulation. Consult with your physician before taking triphala.
Mechanism of Action
Triphala's exact mechanism of action is unknown, but Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC, states that it is likely due to the phytochemicals polyphenols and flavonoids, which are found in the formulation. Phytochemicals are compounds found in plants that help prevent and treat disease in humans. Triphala has antiinflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer properties. It also demonstrates antioxidant properties, which helps prevent free radicals from damaging your cells and DNA.
Purported Benefits
Triphala is used by Ayurvedic medical practitioners to treat anemia, asthma, constipation, chronic ulcers, diarrhea, fevers, inflammation, jaundice and obesity. In addition, triphala has immunomodulatory properties, meaning it helps to modify the immune response by either augmenting or reducing the ability of the immune system to produce antibodies. Allergies are a result of an overactive immune system that mistakes benign substances as harmful and produces antibodies to attack the substances. As such, triphala is sometimes used for the treatment of allergies. Due to its immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties, triphala also is used to promote immunity against infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and AIDs. However, these uses are based largely on anecdotal and not scientific evidence.
Bone Health
Triphala appears to demonstrate chondroprotective properties, which means it may help prevent and treat osteoarthritis. The About Joints website explains that chondroprotective agents help slow the degradation of bone cartilage by providing increased amounts of the "raw materials" required for cartilage repair and regeneration. However, more research needs to be done to confirm the efficacy of triphala for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.
Cancer
Triphala is being studied for its potential anti-cancer properties, as of the time of publication. A study done on animals cited in the January 2006 edition of the journal "Cancer Letters" found that triphala attacks tumor cells and reduces tumor growth, without causing harm to healthy cells. Therefore, triphala may be a more desirable option than chemotherapy since chemotherapy does not have the ability to differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells, destroying both during the chemotherapy treatment. Triphala may cause intestinal gas, stomach upset and diarrhea and, as with any supplement, you should talk to your health care practitioner before taking triphala.
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