Triphala an Useful Formulation for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

One of the treasures of Ayurveda is Triphala, which is a simple mixture of three dried fruits in equal proportion namely Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellerica. It is an effective modulator of inflammation and therefore an important medication for diseases of inflammatory origin. The active ingredients in Triphala possibly acted synergistically on key factors to control complex condition like inflammation. Data presented here suggested that Triphala and its ingredients reduced mucosal inflammation and restored the tissue architecture disrupted by induced IBD in rat model. Mechanism of action of Triphala was attributed to effieient scavenging of Nitric oxide induced at the cellular level. The oxidative damage as represented by lipid peroxides was effectively prevented by intervention of Triphala. This data supports usage of this simple yet effective formulation. In Ayurveda, Triphala is praised as medicine for bowel; the current data supports this view and envisage an underlying synergy. Data presented in this book may be of immense use for researchers in this field, medical practitioners and IBD patients.

Ms. Koppikar Soumya has 12 years of research experience in the area of cell and molecular biology. Dr. Jagtap is ethanobotanist who has several publications to his credit. Dr. Harsulkar is professor of Pharmaceutical Biotehcnology, has teaching/research experience and published extensively. Authers are working at IRSHA,BVDU,India.