Dr.K.Devikrishnan, Chief Sub Editor,

CTSP, Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal

The combination of three fruits Haritaki, Amalaki and Vibhithaki (1:1:1) is known as Triphala. Terminalia chebula, Emblica officinalis and Terminalia bellerica are the scintefic names of above mentioned fruits respectively. The synonyms of this rasyana medicine are phaltrika, phalatraya, vara, sreshta etc.

1. Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan)

Kashaya, Katu, Tikta, Madhura, Amla in rasa; Laghu, ruksha in guna; Ushna veerya; Madhura vipaka and Tridoshashamaka in prabhava. The fruits are  astringent, sweet, acrid, bitter, sour, antiinflammatory, cardiotonic, stomachic, laxative, and diuretic.

Haritaki is used in rheumatic diseases, odema, wounds, diseases of eye, ear and throat, neuorological problems, loss of appetite, indigestion, flatualence, constipation, nasal allergy, cough, bronchitis, diabetes, cardiac ailments, hyperlipidemia, rhematoid arthritis, skin ailments, jaundice, piles, leucorrhoea, urinary tract infections, intermittent fever, calculi, skin diseases, and as blood purifier etc.

This fruit contains glycoside, chebulinic acid, tannic acid, Vit C. palmitic and steric acids.

Pharmacological activities

Haritaki is with antifungal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, hypotensive, hypolipidemic, anthelmintic and purgative actions.

Main formulations

This ingredient is present in so many ayurvedic formulations, Triphala Tablet, Thriphaladi Tailam, Thraiphala Ghritam, Suryaprabha Gulika etc.

2. Amalaki (Goosberry)

Amla, madhura, kashaya, tikta and Katu in rasa; Sheeta virya; Madhura vipaka; Guru, rooksha in guna; tridoshashamaka, pittashamaka.

Amalaki is useful in diseases of eye, cough, bronchitis, fever, skin diseases, urinary tract infections, skin ailments, diabetes, liver disorders and burning sensation of body.

This fruit contains gallic acid, Vit C, carotenoids, alkaloids etc.

Pharmacological actions

Anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, hypoglycaemic, anti-microbial, anti-ulcer, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-tumour in activity.

Main formulations

Triphaladi Churna, Mahatraiphala Ghritam, Lohasavam, Punarnavasavam, Cheriya chinchadi Leham etc.

3. Vibhitaki (Belleric myrobalan)

Kashaya rasa, laghu rooksh guna, Ushna veerya and madhura in vipaka, tridoshashamaka, kaphashamaka.

Anti odematic, useful in skin ailments, eye diseases, rheumatic diseases, vomiting, sore throat, cough, fever, cardiac issues, constipation, calculi, helps to improve hairgrowth and it is a blood purifier also.

The fruit contains chebulagic acid, ellagic acid, tanins etc.

Pharmacological activities

It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-pruritic, purgative, anti-histaminic, broncho dialatory and anti-spasmodic.

In Bhallataka allergy decoction of Vibhitaki is an antidote.

Main formulations

Triphala guggulu, Chandraprabha Vatika, Arogya Vardhini Gulika, Kuntalakanthi Tailam etc.

Triphala is rejuvenative, anti-oxidant, immunomodultory, cardioprotective, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, chemo protective, anti-hyperlipedemic, useful in ophthalmic diseases, maintains endocrine system, effective in bowel disorders, constipation, fever, cough, bronchitis, regulates gastric secretions and maintain health. Several scientific studies are published about the health promoting activities of this wonderful drug.