Triphala for Cholesterol? Study Results Explained

observational-study PMID: 33242870

Quick Summary: A study looked at whether a combination of herbs, including Terminalia chebula (part of Triphala), could lower cholesterol. The results showed it didn't work any better than a placebo (a sugar pill).

Does Triphala Lower Cholesterol? What the Study Found

Researchers wanted to see if a mix of herbs, including Terminalia chebula (a key ingredient in Triphala), could help people with high cholesterol. They gave some people the herbal mix and others a placebo (a dummy pill). After three months, the herbal mix didn't significantly lower cholesterol levels compared to the placebo.

Study Details

Who was studied: 90 adults with slightly high cholesterol levels.

How long: The study lasted 6 months, with the herbal mix or placebo taken for 3 months, followed by 3 months of observation.

What they took: Participants took either a combination of Guggulu and Triphala (which includes Terminalia chebula) or a placebo, three times a day.

What This Means For You

This study suggests that taking this specific combination of herbs, including Terminalia chebula, may not help lower your cholesterol. If you're looking for ways to manage your cholesterol, this study doesn't support using this herbal mix. Always talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage your cholesterol, which may include diet, exercise, and medication.

Study Limitations

It's not just Terminalia chebula: The study used a mix of herbs, so we don't know if Terminalia chebula alone would have the same effect.

Short study: The study only lasted three months, which might not be long enough to see a real difference.

Small group: The study included a relatively small number of people, which can make it harder to see clear results.

Specific group: The study focused on people with slightly high cholesterol, so the results might not apply to everyone.

Unknown amounts: The exact amount of Terminalia chebula in the Triphala mix wasn't specified.

Key Findings

The study concluded that a 3-month regimen of Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) combined with Triphala (containing Terminalia chebula, T. belerica, and Phyllanthus emblica) showed no clinically superior effects over placebo for reducing serum cholesterol in hypercholesterolaemic adults. Total cholesterol decreased by 3.3% in the intervention group versus 1.9% in placebo (p=0.01 for within-group change in intervention, but no significant between-group difference specified). LDL-C reductions were nearly identical: 4.8% (intervention) vs. 4.9% (placebo), with no inter-group difference (p>0.05 implied). No improvements were observed for HDL-C, BMI, or waist circumference. Two intervention participants (4.3%) developed hypersensitivity rash, absent in placebo.

Study Design

This was a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized parallel-group trial conducted over 6 months (3 months treatment + 3 months follow-up). It enrolled 90 adults at low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk with hypercholesterolaemia. Primary outcomes were serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C; secondary outcomes included BMI, waist circumference, and adverse events. Analysis followed intention-to-treat principles.

Dosage & Administration

Participants received Guggulu and Triphala (exact composition unspecified beyond Triphala’s three-herb formulation) three times daily for 3 months. The placebo was indistinguishable. Dosage specifics for individual Triphala components (including T. chebula) were not detailed in the provided summary.

Results & Efficacy

Total cholesterol: Intervention group showed a 3.3% reduction (p=0.01 vs. baseline), placebo 1.9% (p-value not provided for baseline change). However, the between-group difference lacked clinical significance per conclusions.
LDL-C: Both groups had similar reductions (intervention: 4.8%, p=0.02; placebo: 4.9%, p=0.03), with no statistically significant inter-group difference (p>0.05).
HDL-C, BMI, waist circumference: No meaningful changes in either group.
Adverse events: Hypersensitivity rash occurred in 2 intervention participants (4.3%); none in placebo.

Limitations

Combination therapy: Effects cannot be attributed to T. chebula alone, as Triphala and Guggulu were tested as a fixed combination.
Short duration: 3-month treatment period may be insufficient to detect lipid-modifying effects.
Modest sample size: 90 participants limited statistical power, particularly for subgroup analyses.
Population specificity: Focused on low-risk hypercholesterolaemic adults; results may not generalize to high-risk or diseased populations.
Unquantified herbal composition: Lack of standardization details for Triphala’s T. chebula content.

Clinical Relevance

This trial provides no evidence supporting the use of Guggulu-Triphala for cholesterol management in healthy hypercholesterolaemic individuals. The marginal total cholesterol reduction (3.3% vs. 1.9%) lacked clinical relevance, and LDL-C outcomes were indistinguishable from placebo. Supplement users should not expect meaningful lipid-lowering effects from this specific formulation. The observed rash cases warrant caution regarding tolerability. Future research should isolate T. chebula effects, use standardized extracts, and target higher-risk populations with longer durations.