Triphala is a mixture from Ayurvedic medicine has been mentioned in context of reducing high Streptococcus [2017] as well as in a patient report. It is cheap ($22 for 454gm/ 1 pound on Amazon — Organic)) and traditionally taken as a tea (a bit bitter – but tolerable). It was used since the Roman Period in the west [2015]

It contains equal parts of three herbs:

• Amalaki (Emblica officinalis),
• Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).

On pubmed,

• ” appears to produce a positive effect on weight loss in obese subjects.” [2012].
• “Triphala as an antifungal is shown to have more efficacy than the conventional chlorhexidine mouthwash.” [2017]
• Triphala in prevention of dental caries and as an antimicrobial in oral cavity- a review [2015].
• Hypoglycemic effect of triphala on selected non insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus subjects [2008].

I have taken to adding some to tea regularly and several people have been impressed by changes it has made.

So what do we know about each?

Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

• Analgesic Effect of Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Fruit) Extracts on Postoperative and Neuropathic Pain in Rats [2016].
• Exploring the Effect of <i>Phyllanthus emblica</i> L. on Cognitive Performance, Brain Antioxidant Markers and Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Rats: Promising Natural Gift for the Mitigation of Alzheimer’s Disease [2016].
• Protective efficacy of Emblica officinalis against Klebsiella pneumoniae induced pneumonia in mice [2008].
• Antibacterial activities of Emblica officinalis and Coriandrum sativum against Gram negative urinary pathogens [2007].

Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)

• “Among the 15 selected medicinal plants, three plants, including Terminalia bellirica (P=0.0019), Astragalus arbusculinus (P=0.0021), and Origanum vulgare [Oregano] (P=0.0014) showed a more promising anticoagulant effect in comparison to the control.” [2017]
• Terminalia bellirica stimulates the secretion and action of insulin and inhibits starch digestion and protein glycation in vitro[2010].

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

• “The highest antibacterial potentiality was exhibited by the methanolic leaf extract of T. chebula, followed by the aqueous fruit extract of T. bellerica. The leaf extract of T. chebula can be considered to be as equally potent as the most effective antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, kanamycin, ofloxacin and cephalexin.” [2008]

See this prior post.

THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE — this post is an education summary of what has been reported on PubMed. Always consult with a knowledgeable medical professional before changing diet, supplements and prescription drugs.