FIG. 1.

The bioactivity of Triphala is elicited by gut microbiota. The phytochemicals in Triphala promote the growth of beneficial gut microbes such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species while inhibiting the growth of less desirable and potentially more inflammatory gut residents such as Escherichia coli. The enzymatic activity of lactic acid bacteria degrades tannins in Triphala such as gallic acid. Triphala-derived polyphenols such as chebulinic acid are also transformed by the human gut microbiota into metabolites such as urolithins, which have the potential to prevent oxidative damage and inflammation. Illustration by Victor Hewitt; used with permission.