Triphala (Emblica officinalis: Terminalia chebula: Terminalia bellerica)
Triphala, meaning 'three fruits,' is a traditional Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation widely used in the Indian subcontinent. It consists of a synergistic blend of three fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).
Traditional Applications and Benefits:
In Ayurvedic practice, Triphala is valued for its support of digestive health, addressing conditions like indigestion, poor food assimilation, constipation, and colon cleansing. Additionally, it is traditionally used for cardiovascular health, serum cholesterol reduction, ophthalmic infections, liver dysfunction, and blood purification.
Individual Fruit Profiles:
- Amalaki (Emblica officinalis):
- Belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family.
- Rich in Vitamin C, tannins, fixed oils, phosphatides, and essential oils.
- Traditionally used for anemia, hyperacidity, peptic ulcers, dyspepsia, diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhages, eye inflammations, and liver conditions.
- Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica):
- Belongs to the Combretaceae family.
- Contains tannins, gallotannic acid, and resin.
- Traditionally used as a laxative, astringent, anthelmintic, and antipyretic, and for conditions like hepatitis, bronchitis, asthma, dyspepsia, and eye diseases.
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula):
- Belongs to the Combretaceae family.
- Contains up to 30% tannins, chebulic acid, gallic acid, and anthraquinone constituents.
- Traditionally used for asthma, sore throat, eye diseases, heart and bladder diseases, urinary disorders, ascites, constipation, and anemia. Ripe fruits are used as a purgative, tonic, and carminative. Unripe fruits are used as an astringent.
Clinical Evidence:
Clinical studies have explored the efficacy of Triphala, particularly in addressing constipation. Research has shown positive results in alleviating constipation without observed toxicity or adverse drug reactions.
Product Specifications:
This Triphala formulation is available in grades standardized for tannin content (35% and 40%). Specifications include:
- Botanical/Scientific Names: Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula
- Description: Brown to brownish-black hygroscopic powder with a characteristic odor
- Identification: Titrimetry
- Heavy Metals: Arsenic (≤ 1 ppm), Lead (≤ 10 ppm)
- Tannin Content: 35, 40%
- Microbiological Profile: As per JPN Food Regulation
This formulation is designed for use in applications supporting digestive health and overall wellness.