NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCT

TRIPHALA

This monograph is intended to serve as a guide to industry for the preparation of Product Licence
Applications (PLAs) and labels for natural health product market authorization. It is not intended to
be a comprehensive review of the medicinal ingredient.

Notes
Text in parentheses is additional optional information which can be included on the PLA and
product label at the applicant’s discretion.
The solidus (/) indicates that the terms and/or the statements are synonymous. Either term or
statement may be selected by the applicant.
The name "Triphala" is restricted to combination that contains the three medicinal ingredients
indicated in Table 1. Therefore, brand name and use or purpose can only mention the name
Triphala if these three medicinal ingredients are present in the product.

Date February 25, 2019

Proper name(s), Common name(s), Source information

Table 1. Proper name(s), Common name(s), Source information

Proper name(s) Common name(s) Source information

Source material(s) Part(s) Preparation(s)
Phyllanthus emblica Amalaki Phyllanthus emblica Fruit Dried
Amla
Emblic
Emblic myrobolan
Indian gooseberry
Myrobolan
Terminalia chebula Harad Terminalia chebula Fruit Dried
Haritaki
Terminalia bellirica Beach-almond Terminalia bellirica Fruit Dried
Beleric myrobolan
Belleric
Belleric myrobolan
Bibhitaki
Bohera
Myrobolan
References: Proper names: IT IS 2018, USDA 2018, API 2001, McGuffin et al. 2000; Common names:
ITIS 2018, USDA 2018, Martindale 2011, API 2001, McGuffin et al. 2000; Source information: API 2001,
Kapoor 2001, Khory and Katrak 1999, Nadkarni 1954.
Route of administration

Oral

Dosage form(s)

This monograph is not intended to include foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the
Compendium of Monographs Guidance Document.

Acceptable dosage forms for the age category listed in this monograph and specified route of
administration are indicated in the Compendium of Monographs Guidance Document.

Use(s) or Purpose(s)

All products

Traditionally used in Ayurveda as a laxative for the relief of occasional constipation

(Chouhan et al. 2013; Murthy 2004).
Traditionally used in Ayurveda as an eye tonic (Chouhan et al. 2013; Murthy 2004).

Products containing Triphala and/or Amalaki and/or Haritaki

Traditionally used in Ayurveda as Rasayana (rejuvenative tonic) (Murthy 2004; API 2001;
Nadkarni 1976).
Traditionally used in Ayurveda as a digestive tonic to promote digestive fire, increase appetite
and aid in digestion (stomachic) (Paranjpe 2005; Sudarshan 2005; Warrier et al. 2003; Kapoor
2001; Gogte 2000; Khory and Katrak 1999).

Products containing Amalaki

Traditionally used in Ayurveda to help relieve symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion
associated with Amlapitta (hyperacidity/dyspepsia) (Warrier et al. 2003; API 2001; Gogte
2000).
Source of/Provides antioxidants (Duke 2018, Paranjpe 2005; Williamson 2002; API 2001; Kapoor
2001).

Products containing Haritaki and/or Bibhitaki

Traditionally used in Ayurveda to help expel intestinal worms (vermifuge) (Sukh Dev 2006;
Kirtikar and Basu 1981; Nadkarni 1954).
Traditionally used in Ayurveda to help relieve cough (Sukh Dev 2006; API 2001).

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Products containing Haritaki

Traditionally used in Ayurveda to help relieve colic pain and flatulence (carminative) (Sukh Dev
2006; Khare 2004).

Permitted combinations
All ingredients included in this monograph may be combined together as long as combined dose is
within the dose limits indicated below.

Note
Claims for traditional use must include the term “Herbal Medicine”, “Traditional Chinese
Medicine”, or “Ayurveda”.

Dose(s)

Subpopulation

Adults 18 years and older

Quantity(ies)

Antioxidants

Methods of preparation: Dry, Powder, Non-standardized Ethanolic Extracts (Dry extract, Tincture,
Fluid extract)

Not to exceed 6 grams of Amalaki, per day (API 2001).

Rasayana; Digestive tonic; Eye tonic

Methods of preparation: Dry, Powder, Non-standardized Ethanolic Extracts (Dry extract, Tincture,
Fluid extract)

Table 2: Dose information presented as dose per day

Dried fruit (grams/day)
Medicinal Ingredients Minimum Maximum
Amalaki 3 6
Haritaki 1 3
Bibhitaka 1 3
Amalaki + Haritaki + Bibhitaki (Triphala) 1 3
Amalaki + Haritaki or Bibhitaki 2 3
Haritaki + Bibhitaki 1 3
References: Amalaki: API 2001; Haritaki: Williamson 2002, API 2001, Gogte 2000; Bibhitaki: Williamson
2002, API 2001, Gogte 2000: Triphala: Tilloston et al. 2001, Gogte 2000; Amalaki + Haritaki or Bibhitaki:
API 2001, Gogte 2000; Haritaki + Bibhitaki: Tilloston et al. 2001, Gogte 2000.

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Laxative; Amlapitta; Carminative; Cough; Vermifuge

Methods of preparation: Dry, Powder, Non-standardized Ethanolic Extracts (Dry extract, Tincture,
Fluid extract)

Table 3: Dose information presented as dose per day

Dried fruit (grams/day)
Medicinal Ingredients Minimum Maximum
Amalaki 3 6
Haritaki 2 6
Bibhitaka 3 6
Amalaki + Haritaki + Bibhitaki (Triphala) 2 6
Any 2 combined together 3 6
References: Amalaki: API 2001; Haritaki: API 2001, Murthy 1994; Bibhitaki: API 2001: Triphala (Amalaki
+Haritaki + Bibhitaki): Tilloston et al. 2001, Murthy 1994; Any 2 combined together: Murthy 1994.

Direction(s) for use

All Products

Take 2 hours before or after taking other medications (HC 2009; Martindale 2008).

Laxative

Allow at least 6 to 12 hours for laxative effect to occur (APhA 2002).

Duration(s) of use

Laxative; Vermifuge

Consult a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician for

use beyond 7 days (HC 2009; Pray 2006; CPhA 2002).

Vermifuge

For occasional use only.

Risk information

Caution(s) and warning(s)

All products

Consult a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/

physician prior to use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have abdominal pain,
Triphala Page 4 of 8
 nausea, fever or vomiting (HC 2009; McGuffin et al. 1997).
Reduce dose or stop use if you experience abdominal pain, cramps, spasms and/or diarrhoea
(Murthy 2004; McGuffin et al. 1997).

Amlapitta; Stomachic; Laxative; Cough; Carminative; Vermifuge

Consult a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician if

symptoms persist or worsen.

Products providing more than 4 g of Triphala dried fruit or more than 4 g of Haritaki dried fruit

Consult a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician

prior to use if you are taking cardiac medications such as cardiac glycosides or antiarrhythmic
medications, thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, licorice root or other medications or health
products which may aggravate electrolyte imbalance (Murthy 2004; McGuffin et al. 1997).
Consult a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/
physician prior to use if you have a kidney disorder (McGuffin et al. 1997).

Contraindication(s)

Products providing more than 4 g of Triphala dried fruit or more than 4 g of Haritaki dried fruit

Do not use this product if you have abnormal constrictions of the gastrointestinal tract, potential or
existing intestinal blockage, atonic bowel, appendicitis, inflammatory colon disease such as Crohn's
disease or ulcerative colitis, abdominal pain of unknown origin, undiagnosed rectal bleeding, severe
dehydration with depleted water or electrolytes (Murthy 2004; McGuffin et al. 1997).

Known adverse reaction(s)

All products except those making laxative claim

Stop use if laxative effect occurs.

Non-medicinal ingredients

Must be chosen from the current Natural Health Products Ingredients Database (NHPID) and
must meet the limitations outlined in the database.

Storage conditions

No statement required.

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Specifications

The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements
described in the Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) Quality of
Natural Health Products Guide.
The medicinal ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the NHPID.

References cited

APhA 2002: Berardi RR, DeSimone EM, Newton GD, Oszko, MA, Popovich, NG, Rollins, CJ,
Shimp LA, Tietze KJ. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: An interactive approach to self-care, 13th
Edition. Washington (DC): American Pharmaceutical Association; 2002.

API 2001 [1990]. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, 1st edition, Part I, Volume I. Delhi
(IN): The Controller of Publications; [Reprint of 1990 publication]; 2001.

Chouhan B, Kumawat RC, Kotecha M, Ramamurthy A, Nathani S. Treiphla: A Comprehensive

Ayurvedic Review. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy; 2013;4(4): 612-
617.

CPhA 2002: Repchinsky C, editor-in-chief. Patient Self-Care: Helping Patients Make

Therapeutic Choices. 1st edition. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2002.

Duke 2018: Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Chemicals and their
Biological Activities in: Phyllanthus emblica L. (Euphorbiaceae) -- Emblic, Myrobalan, 2018
[Internet]. [Accessed 2018 December 19]. Available from:
https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov/phytochem/search

Gogte VVM. Ayurvedic Pharmacology and Therapeutic Uses of Medicinal Plants. Mubai (IN):
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan; 2000.

HC 2009: Laxatives: General - Laxatives - Labelling Standard [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Drugs
and Health Products; Health Canada; 2009. [Accessed 2018 December 19]. Available from:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-
products/applications-submissions/guidance-documents/nonprescription-drugs-labelling-
standards/laxatives-labelling-standards-non-prescription-drugs.html

ITIS 2018: Phyllanthus emblica [2011] Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) [Internet].
[Accessed 2018 December 19]. Available from:
https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=504352#null

Kapoor LD. Handbook of Medicinal Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants. Boca Raton (FL): CRC press
LLC; 2001.

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Khory RN, Katrak NN. Materia Medica of India and Their Therapeutics. Delhi (IN): Komal
Prakashan; [Reprint of 1903 publication]; 1999.

Kirtikar KR and Basu BD. Indian Medicinal Plants. Dehra Dun (IN): International Book
Distributors; 1981.

Martindale 2008: Sweetman SC, editor. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [Internet].
London (GB): Pharmaceutical Press; 2012. [Laxatives: latest modification: 31-Jul-2008;
Accessed 2012 May 18]. Available from: http://www.medicinescomplete.com

Martindale 2011: Sweetman SC, editor. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [Internet].
London (GB): Pharmaceutical Press; 2012. [Indian gooseberry: latest modification: 2011
December 5; Accessed 2012 May 18]. Available from: http://www.medicinescomplete.com

McGuffin M, Kartesz JT, Leung AY, Tucker AO, editors. Herbs of Commerce, 2nd edition.
Silver Spring (MD): American Herbal Products Association; 2000.

McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, editors. American Herbal Products Association's

Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press; 1997.

Murthy KRS. Bhavaprakasa of Bhavamisra. Volume 1. Varanasi (IN): Chowkhamba Krishnadas

Academy; 2004.

Murthy KRS. Bhavaprakasha of Bhavmisra, Volume 1. Varanasi (IN): Chowkhamba Krishnadas

Academy; 2004.

Nadkarni AK. India Materia Medica. Volume 1, 3rd edition. Panvel, Bombay (IN): Popular book
depot, Dhootpapeshwar Prakashan Ltd.; 1954.

Paranjpe P. Indian Medicinal Plants: Forgotten Healers: A Guide to Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine.
Delhi (IN): Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2005.

Pray WS. Non-Prescription Product Therapeutics, 2nd edition. New York (NY): Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins; 2006.

Sudarshan SR. Encyclopaedia of Indian Medicine, Materia Medica - Herbal Drugs. Volume 4.
Banglore (IN): Popular Prakashan; 2005.
Sukh Dev. Prime Ayurvedic Plant Drugs. New Delhi (IN): Anamaya Publishers; 2006. Tillotson
A, Khalasa KPS, Caldecott T: Triphala. Canadian Journal of Herbalism; 2001 22(2): 16-44.

USDA 2018: United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National
Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). [Internet].
National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville (MD). [Phyllanthus emblica L. Last
updated: 25-Aug-2005; Accessed 2018 December 19]. Available from: https://npgsweb.ars-
grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?28119

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USDA 2018: United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National
Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). [Internet].
National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville (MD). [Terminalia chebula Retz. Last
updated: 17-Oct-2001; Accessed 2018 December 19]. Available from: https://npgsweb.ars-
grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?36335

USDA 2018: United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National
Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). [Internet].
National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville (MD). [Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.)
Roxb. Last updated: 27-Oct-2006; Accessed 2018 December 19]. Available from:
https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?36329

Warrier PK, Nambiar VPK, Ramankutty C, editors. Indian Medicinal Plants: a compendium of
500 species. Volume 4. Chennai (IN): Orient Longman Private Limited; 2003.

Williamson EM, editor. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh (GB): Churchill Livingstone;
2002.

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