Qualitative phytochemical analysis of triphala extracts

Abstract

Triphala (tri = three and phala = fruits), is an ayurvedic preparation composed of three equal proportions of herbal fruits native to the Indian subcontinent: viz. Terminalia chebula, Phyllanthus emblica, and Terminalia belerica. Triphala is a tridoshic rasayana having a balancing and rejuvenating effect on the three constitutional elements that govern the human life. Triphala is rich in antioxidants, possess antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-cancer properties. Triphala is also known to cure cataract and effective in the treatment of Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The present study intends to provide an overview of the chemical constituents present in the crude extracts of dried powdered Triphala with special emphasis on their pharmacological actions. The powdered Triphala extracts have been screened for phytochemical constituents in five different solvents as water, acetone, chloroform, methanol and ethanol. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of ten compounds such as carbohydrates, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavanoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, coumarins etc. Phytochemical analysis of the samples were more positive for acetone and ethanol extracts. The results suggest that Triphala are a rich source of valuable primary and secondary metabolites which make “Triphala” one of the most valuable herbal preparations in the world.