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Triphala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica)

Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation combining three fruits: amla (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica). Systematic review (12 studies, n=749): Significant reductions in LDL-C, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in 6 studies. Five RCTs showed significant decreases in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference in obese patients. Meta-analysis (7 trials, n=458): Body weight decreased by 2.99 kg (p=0.012). Gingivitis meta-analysis (7 RCTs): Mouthwash as effective as chlorhexidine for plaque-induced gingivitis. Significantly decreased fasting blood glucose in diabetic patients. RCT on gut microbiome showed trend toward improved Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased Akkermansia muciniphila.

Quick Answer

What it is

Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation combining three fruits: amla (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica). Systematic review (12 studies, n=749): Significant reductions in LDL-C, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in 6 studies.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Weight Loss (Obesity)
  • Grade A: Lipid Profile Improvement (High Cholesterol)
  • Grade A: Gingivitis and Plaque Reduction (General Oral Health)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Triphala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica)

Quick Facts: Triphala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica)

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:6
  • Research Outcomes:7
  • Grade A Findings:3
  • Grade B Findings:4
  • Key Effect:Obesity
Outcomes by grade:
A3
B4
C0
D0
6 conditions · 7 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
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A
Weight Loss
Meta-analysis (7 trials, n=458): Triphala significantly reduced body weight (WMD -2.99 kg, 95% CI -5.31 to -0.67, p=0.012), BMI (WMD -0.79 kg/m2, p=0.032), and waist circumference. 12-week RCT: Triphala group lost approximately 5 kg vs placebo. Systematic review (5 RCTs): Statistically significant decreases in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference.
moderate↓Improves
A
Lipid Profile Improvement
Systematic review (12 studies, n=749): Six studies showed significant reductions in LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. 12-month trial in T2DM patients: Triphala 5g twice daily significantly reduced lipid levels (p<0.05). Mechanism involves inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and enhancement of bile acid excretion.
moderate↓Improves
A
Gingivitis and Plaque Reduction
Meta-analysis (7 RCTs): Triphala mouthwash as effective as 0.2% chlorhexidine for plaque-induced gingivitis. RCT (n=90, 60 days): Significant reductions in plaque index, gingival index, and oral hygiene index scores. Triphala superior to aloe vera and equal to chlorhexidine with fewer side effects. Cost-effective alternative with no staining or taste alteration.
large↓Improves
B
Blood Glucose Reduction
Systematic review: Triphala significantly decreased fasting blood glucose in diabetic patients. 12-month trial (n=50): Triphala 5g twice daily significantly reduced blood glucose (p<0.001). 45-day study: Both fasting and postprandial blood glucose reduced. Mechanism via alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition.
moderate↓Improves
B
Constipation Relief
Clinical trial: 1 week treatment increased average weekly bowel frequency by 64.4%, and by 79.5% after 2 weeks. RCT: Triphala churna (3-6g at night with warm water) showed significant improvement in bowel parameters. Mild laxative effect without causing dependence, strengthens bowel musculature.
moderate↑Improves
B
Gut Microbiome Modulation
Double-blind RCT (PMID 32955913): Triphala supplementation showed trend toward decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased Akkermansia muciniphila. Enhanced growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus while reducing harmful species. Increased short-chain fatty acid production, particularly butyrate.
small↑Improves
B
Antioxidant Status
Phase I clinical study in healthy volunteers: Triphala supplementation significantly increased SOD activity and decreased MDA and protein carbonyl concentrations. Rich in vitamin C, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and flavonoids. Free radical-scavenging activity comparable to ascorbic acid.
moderate↑Improves

Research Citations (10)

Effects of Triphala on Lipid and Glucose Profiles and Anthropometric Parameters: A Systematic Review
(2021)
PMID: 33886393
Effect of triphala mouthrinse on plaque and gingival inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
(2020)
PMID: 32383334
Modulatory Effects of Triphala and Manjistha Dietary Supplementation on Human Gut Microbiota: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
(2020)
PMID: 32955913
A novel polyphenolic prebiotic and probiotic formulation have synergistic effects on the gut microbiota influencing Drosophila melanogaster physiology
(2018)
PMID: 29644870
Therapeutic Uses of Triphala in Ayurvedic Medicine
(2017)
PMID: 28696777
Comparative Evaluation of Triphala and Ela Decoction With 0.2% Chlorhexidine as Mouthwash in the Treatment of Plaque-Induced Gingivitis and Halitosis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
(2017)
PMID: 27932522
Triphala, a New Herbal Mouthwash for the Treatment of Gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
(2016)
PMID: 27442086
A randomized clinical trial to evaluate and compare the efficacy of triphala mouthwash with 0.2% chlorhexidine in hospitalized patients with periodontal diseases
(2014)
PMID: 24921057
Efficacy of 'Itrifal Saghir', a combination of three medicinal plants in the treatment of obesity; A randomized controlled trial
(2012)
PMID: 23351558
Triphala and its constituents ameliorate visceral adiposity from a high-fat diet in mice with diet-induced obesity
(2012)
PMID: 23251942

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