Triphala: Constipation Remedy?


Triphala is a popular Ayurvedic formula that is often used as a constipation remedy. While many claim it is all natural and 100% safe for a variety of ailments, one of the key parts of Triphala contains chemicals that any consumer should be aware of. Let’s review this evidence:


What is Triphala?

Triphala is a combination of three fruit bearing species put together into one formula: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, and Indian Gooseberry or emblica officinalis. Each of these herbs can have a variety of positive effects and studies on Triphala have shown that it can lower cholesterol levels, help lower blood sugar levels in patients with Diabetes Mellitus, and combat pancreatic cancer cells. But Triphala is also often used as a constipation remedy and this is where consumer information is sparse. While many proponents claim that Triphala is 100% safe, it contains chemicals called anthraquinone glycosides that are a concern for long-term and short-term use.


Triphala as a stimulant laxative for constipation

Constipation Remedies containing anthraquinone glycosides are known as stimulant or purgative laxatives because they induce a sharp contraction in the colon that leads to the passage of stools. This process is often uncomfortable and is why stimulant laxatives are often associated with cramping and discomfort. Before using Triphala for constipation relief, consider this about the anthraquinone glycosides it contains:


  • Multiple studies of heavy anthraquinone users have found damage in both the nerves of the colon and to the smooth muscle tissue of the colon. In one study, 45 stimulant laxative users were found to have abnormalities in the cells of their colon and degenerated nerve fibers in their colon.

  • Studies in animals found that large dosages of anthraquinones cause the production of tumors. While these dosages are higher than the amounts a human would take, it still raises concern about long-term use in humans without further information.

  • Chronic use of a constipation remedy containing anthraquinones causes a staining of the colon called melanosis coli or “pseudomelanosis coli”. One study that tracked patients who had this condition over 2 years founds that there was a much higher rate of colon cancer in this group versus those that didn’t have the staining of the colon. It appears the anthraquinone use as a natural laxative actually damaged these patients’ colons. Another study confirmed that colons with melanosis coli had a much higher rate of cell death among the surface cells of the colon compared to non-stained colons.


A Safer Constipation Remedy

If you are concerned about Triphala and its stimulant properties, consider trying a non-stimulant constipation remedy. StayRegular is natural laxative that aims to cure occasional and chronic constipation by supporting your body – not harming it. Its proprietary “quad-action” formula provides constipation relief when it draws water into the colon with essential minerals, rebalances the colon’s beneficial bacteria, provides special fiber for stool movement, and supplies the nutrients the body needs to relax into comfortable bowel movements. Try StayRegular today if you’re looking for a long-term solution to chronic constipation that avoids the pitfalls of stimulant herbal laxatives.