This information describes the common uses of Triphala, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.
What is it?
Triphala has immunostimulatory effects and may help prevent gingivitis.
Triphala is an herbal formulation used in the Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda. It consists of three medicinal plants: Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, and Terminalia belerica. It may also be combined with guggulu, a tree gum resin, for additional therapeutic effects. Triphala is used for dental caries, anemia, jaundice, constipation, asthma, fever, chronic ulcers, inflammation, obesity, and to strengthen the immune system.
Studies of this formulation for various conditions in humans are limited, and additional studies are needed.
What are the potential uses and benefits?
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To treat GI problems
Animal models suggest gastroprotective effects, but human studies are lacking. -
To control inflammation
Animal studies suggest that Triphala may reduce inflammation, but human studies are lacking. -
To decrease high levels of cholesterol
Clinical studies are limited and mixed. Additional studies are needed. -
To strengthen the immune system
Data are limited and larger studies are needed. -
To prevent gingivitis
Several clinical studies suggest that Triphala may help reduce dental plaque, but it is not clear if it as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash. -
To treat cancer
Although anticancer properties of Triphala have been observed in the lab, human data are lacking.
What are the side effects?
Rare: Gastrointestinal side effects
What else do I need to know?
Do Not Take if:
- You are taking CYP substrate drugs: Triphala may increase risk of side effects from drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes.