Effects of Triphala on Lipid and Glucose Profiles and Anthropometric Parameters: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim. The efficacy of triphala on lipid profile, blood glucose and anthropometric parameters and its safety were assessed. Methods. Databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Thai Library Integrated System (ThaiLIS) were systematically searched to review current evidence of randomized controlled trials (RCT) on triphala. RCTs investigating the safety and efficacy of triphala on lipid profile, blood glucose and anthropometric parameters were included. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by 2 authors. Results. Twelve studies on a total of 749 patients were included. The triphala-treated groups showed significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride in 6 studies. Five RCTs demonstrated triphala-treated groups led to statistically significant decrease in body weight, body mass index and waist circumference of obese patients. Moreover, triphala significantly decreased fasting blood glucose level in diabetic patients but not in people without diabetes. No serious adverse event associated with triphala was reported during treatment. Conclusions. This review summarized a current evidence to show triphala might improve the lipid profile, blood glucose, the body weight, body mass index and waist circumference under certain conditions. However, large well-designed RCTs are required to confirm this conclusion.

Inhibitory effects of Triphala on CYP isoforms in vitro and its pharmacokinetic interactions with phenacetin and midazolam in rats

“…Thus, for a 60 kg person, it equates to a 960 and 4,860 mg dose of Triphala extract, respectively. Regard to results from previous clinical studies, daily doses of Triphala are different based on the indications for treatment; 5–10 g/d of Triphala powder or about 2,000 mg/d of Triphala extract for the treatment of type 2 diabetic and hyperlipidemia ( Phimarn et al., 2021 ). Based on the results of our study, therefore, we strongly recommend a caution when Triphala extract is to used simultaneously with phenacetin or midazolam.…”

Treatment on Nature’s lap: Use of herbal products in the management of hyperglycemia

“…Triphala, a combination of amla, haritaki and bibhitaki, is considered to have a pleiotropic effect in ayurvedic medicine. Nevertheless, a systematic review by Phimarn et al [ 49 ] fails to establish any effect on blood glucose.…”

Molecular docking studies of Triphala with catalytic portion of HMG-CoA reductase enzyme

“…In the experimentally-induced hypercholesterolemia rat model, Triphala supplementation at the doses of 1 g/kg/d for 48 days exhibited significantly lower plasma levels of total cholesterol, TG, free fatty acid, LDL, and VLDL (7). The HMG-CoA reductase inhibition has been proposed as one of the antidyslipidemic mechanisms of action of Triphala (8). The HMG-CoA reductase arranges as a tetramer structure and has four active sites formed by residues of two monomers (9).…”