Evidence supporting the use of: Triphala
For the health condition: Appetite (deficient)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Triphala, a well-known polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation made from the fruits of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), has been traditionally used in India to support digestion and stimulate appetite, particularly in individuals with deficient or poor appetite. Classic Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita describe Triphala’s role in balancing the digestive fire (“agni”), which is believed to be essential for proper digestion and appetite regulation.
Triphala is considered a “deepana” (appetite stimulant) and “pachana” (digestive stimulant) in Ayurveda. Its sour, bitter, and astringent tastes are thought to awaken the taste buds and promote the secretion of digestive juices. In clinical practice, Triphala is often prescribed for those who experience loss of appetite due to digestive sluggishness, indigestion, or convalescence.
While modern scientific studies on Triphala’s effect on appetite are limited, some preliminary research and animal studies suggest that Triphala may have gastroprotective and prokinetic properties, which could, in theory, support its traditional use. However, the bulk of evidence for Triphala’s role in enhancing appetite remains rooted in centuries of traditional use rather than robust clinical trials or scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Appetite (deficient)
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)acid protease
allspice
apricot
ashwagandha
bamboo
barberry
basil
beet
myrobalan
betel
black cumin
black pepper
radish
bovine liver
rice
bасора
cannabis sativa oil
carrot
cassia bark
chamomile
chen pi
cinnamon
citrus oil
clove
dandelion
dog rose
fennel
fenugreek
fu ling
garlic bulb
gentian root
ginger
ginseng
gooseberry
onion
HCL
horseradish
Indian gum arabic tree
iron
quassia
jujube
l-tryptophan
lemon
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
lovage
mango
marshmallow
milk
mint
orange
oregano
oregon grape
papain
parsley
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pineapple
platycodon root
plum fruit
pollen
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
protein
pumpkin
rhizome
rosemary
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
triphala
vitamin B
watercress
zinc
chickweed
catnip
oryza
tangerine
cardamom
atractylodes
papaya
shen-chu
capsicum
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
swertia
blessed thistle
boxthorne
bile salt
prickly ash
lemongrass
myrrh
root tuber
flowering quince
cistanche
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
caraway
aster root
yerba mate
peach
goji berry
hypothalamus
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
Sichuan pepper
algae
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
Agrimony
Amomum
Aletris
Agarwood
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Arrowroot
Areca
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Algal protein
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Animal protein
Buttermilk
Butter
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Beef
Beef liver
Berberis (unspecified)
Bitter Grass
Bael
Butternut
boldo
Black Gram
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bur-Reed
black salt
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Baobab
Bupleurum
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Bird's nest
Cumin
Centaury
Coconut
Casearia esculenta
Cinnamomum
Carqueja
Chervil
Capsinoids
Codonopsis
Coriander
Chive
Cactus
Cynomorium
Cape Aloe
Centaurium erythraea
Capillary Artemisia
Cyathula
Citron
Citrus
Capsaicin
Cannabinol
Cowherb
Carvone
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Capers
Colombo
Chicken
Centipeda
Common madia
Cubeb
Chirata
Cornus
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Carlina
Calamus
Chestnut
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
cola nut
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Culvers Root
Dendrobium
Deer Root
Dodeca-2E, 4E-Dienoic Acid Isobutylamide
Durian
Dill
Dopamine
Date
Dichrostachys glomerata
Evodia
English Horsemint
Egg
Endive
Embelia
Fig
False Calumba
Galangal
Lotus
Little ironweed
Milk Protein
Orchid
Pistachio
Quince
Rose
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Vinegar
Wheat
Wormseed
yohimbine
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by triphala
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Blood in Stool
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Crohn's Disease
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Edema
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Products containing triphala
Integrative Therapeutics
Blue Heron
Designs For Health
Colon Rx™