Triphala: The Mystical Herb and Its Role in Dentistry

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is well-thought-out as the science of life, for thereason that the ancient Indian system of health care aimedon the views of man and his ailment. From prehistoric timestraditional herbal remedies have been commonly adapted inIndia. Herbal extracts are economical with less adverse effectsas they interact with special chemical receptors within thebody. There is a folk saying in India which says, “No Mother?Do not worry so long as you have Triphala”. As it safeguardsinternal organs, just like a mother shields her offspring.Triphala is made by equal parts of three fruits namelyamalaki (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula),and bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica). This herb containsantioxidants, gallic acid and ascorbic acid. It has beneficialeffects in treating various ailments and thus has acquiredimportance in clinical research for its anticaries, antioxidant,anticollagenase and antimicrobial activities. The objective ofthe present article is to provide a brief overview of Triphalaand its various applications in dentistry