Triphala: Are There Any Health Benefits?

Triphala has been studied for health benefits including weight loss and improving gingivitis. However, research is limited for these and other health claims, including anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects.

Triphala is an herbal preparation traditionally used in Ayurveda. Triphala means "three fruits" in Sanskrit and is a combination of three different fruits: Indian Gooseberry, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. It's available in powder, juice, tincture, extract, capsule, or tablet form.

This article discusses the potential uses, risks, and side effects associated with Triphala.

Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, Consumer Labs, or NSF.

However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn’t mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and check in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications.

Supplement Facts

Active Ingredient(s): Tannins, gallic acid, ellagic acid, chebuilinic acid (antioxidant)

Alternate Name(s): Triphala churna, Triphala choornam, Phala trika

Legal Status: Not closely regulated by the FDA

Suggested Dose: More research is needed on dosage for certain ages and conditions

Safety Considerations: Use caution with certain medications for diabetes and hypertension

Uses of Triphala

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian nutritionist, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent a disease.

Many of the studies on Triphala have been small and use animals instead of humans. More high-quality human research is needed to find out if the claims made about its benefits are backed up by evidence. 

Gingivitis

In 2016, a randomized controlled clinical trial looked at the use of Triphala mouthwash for controlling gingivitis. The study included 90 people diagnosed with gingivitis who were assigned to one of three groups: Placebo mouthwash, Triphala mouthwash, or chlorhexidine mouthwash.

At the end of the two-month study, the people in the Triphala mouthwash group had decreased gingivitis inflammation that was comparable to the chlorhexidine mouthwash group (traditionally used for gingivitis). However, more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of using Triphala for oral health.

Weight Loss

It is important to note that little scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of many weight-loss dietary supplements. Be especially wary of supplement manufacturers that make health claims about weight loss that sound too good to be true. Instead, talk to a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian about the safest and most effective way for you to manage your weight.

Triphala has been studied for its role in weight loss. In 2012, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-control study was done with 62 people with obesity. The participants were given either a placebo or 10 grams (g) of Triphala. The participants did not follow any specific diet recommendations during the study.

At the end of the three-month study, the participants who took the Triphala had an average weight loss of 4.82 kilograms (10.6 pounds) and a decrease in hip circumference. However, more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of using Triphala for weight loss.

Other Suggested Uses of Triphala

While Triphala has been studied in lab and animal studies for the below conditions, there is NOT enough evidence to support its use for any of these conditions. More research is needed before using Triphala for the below diseases. Please discuss your use of Triphala with your registered dietitian nutritionist, pharmacist, or healthcare provider.

Triphala has been studied for its use in:

The research on using Triphala for any of these reasons in humans is limited. 

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What Are the Side Effects of Triphala?

Consuming a supplement like Triphala may cause side effects. Triphala acts as a mild laxative. Therefore, it may cause side effects like:

  • Gas
  • Stomach upset
  • Cramps
  • Diarrhea

These side effects may even happen if you take a smaller dose. If the side effects do not improve, stop using Triphala and talk to your provider.

Precautions

Pregnant or lactating people and/or children should not use Triphala because it has not been proven to be safe.

Nutrition Information for Triphala Powder

In 1 teaspoon (2.8 grams):

  • Calories: 10
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 0g

Dosage: How Much Triphala Should I Take?

Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your needs.

There are no guidelines for the appropriate use or amount of Triphala. There are no standard doses, and there are many different ways (e.g., capsules, extract, juice, powder, tablet, tinctures) to consume it. More research is needed on dosages for specific groups of people and health needs.

If you are interested in trying Triphala, talk to your provider. They can guide you on how much to use.

What Happens If I Take Too Much Triphala?

As a rule of thumb, never take more than the manufacturer's recommended dosage. If you have side effects, stop taking Triphala and call your provider.

Interactions

You may want to avoid Triphala if you are taking medications for diabetes and hypertension because it could make them less effective.

Many of the compounds found in Triphala are processed in the body by liver enzymes known as cytochrome P450 (CYP450). Taking Triphala with other drugs processed by CYP450 may increase or decrease the amounts of those drugs in the blood and reduce how well they work.

You may need to avoid Triphala if you're taking any of the following:

  • Anti-arrhythmia drugs (e.g., quinidine)
  • Anticonvulsants (e.g., Tegretol [carbamazepine] and Trileptal [oxcarbazepine])
  • Antifungal drugs (e.g., ketoconazole and Vfend [voriconazole])
  • Antipsychotic drugs (e.g., pimozide)
  • Atypical antidepressants (e.g., nefazodone)
  • Benzodiazepine sedatives (e.g., Klonopin [clonazepam] and Halcion [triazolam])
  • HIV drugs (e.g., Reyataz [atazanavir] and Crixivan [indinavir])
  • Immune-suppressive drugs (e.g., Sandimmune [cyclosporine])
  • Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., Biaxin XL [clarithromycin])
  • Migraine medications (e.g., Ergomar [ergotamine])
  • Opioid painkillers (e.g., fentanyl and alfentanil)
  • Rifampin-based drugs used to treat tuberculosis
  • Alcohol
  • Kava kava

Always carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

Triphala powder
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak

How to Store Triphala

Store Triphala according to the manufacturer's directions. Discard as indicated on packaging.

Sources of Triphala & What to Look For

Triphala has both food and supplement sources.

Food Sources of Triphala

Triphala is a combination of three fruits (Indian Gooseberry, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki). It is not normally found for sale in just one form.

Supplement Sources of Triphala

Triphala is sold as a powder, juice, tincture, extract, capsule, or tablet. Triphala supplements are available in specialty health stores that sell vitamins, including online retailers. 

When buying a supplement, don't be fooled by claims that it can cure or treat any specific disease. Under the FDA labeling laws, it is illegal to make such claims, which are rarely supported by clinical evidence.

Summary

Triphala has been long used in Ayurveda. It has been studied for use in some health conditions, but more research is needed in humans to determine its benefits and safety.

You can purchase Triphala from vitamin supplement stores. However, it is important to note that no supplement is intended to cure or treat any disease. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are interested in using Triphala.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Triphala being studied for?

    Studies have looked at Triphala's uses in weight loss and gingivitis. However, more research is needed. You should always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement and follow their medical advice.

  • What does Triphala mean?

    In Sanskrit, Triphala means "three fruits" and is a combination of three different fruits: Indian Gooseberry, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki

  • What happens if I take too much Triphala?

    As a rule of thumb, never take more than the manufacturer's recommended dosage. If you experience side effects, stop taking Triphala and call your healthcare provider.

15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Alena Clark

By Alena Clark, PhD
Alena Clark, PhD, is a registered dietitian and experienced nutrition and health educator

Originally written by Cathy Wong