Top 10 Uses Of Trikatu For Good Health

Introduction To Trikatu

Trikatu churna is a popular Ayurvedic formulation used in Ayurvedic medicine. As the name suggests, trikatu is a combination of three (tri) spices or herbs that are hot (katu). It is a blend of equal parts of Pippali or long pepper (Piper Longum L), black pepper (Piper nigrum L) and dry ginger or saunthi (rhizomes of Zingiber officinalis).

All the three herbs work together to stimulate agni or digestive fire. This allows proper digestion of food in the stomach, promotes bile flow and helps in liver detoxification.

The health benefits of trikatu are attributed to the presence of the active ingredient 'alkaloid piperine' in it. Trikatu churna plays a vital role in the treatment of various diseases and ailments associated with the digestive and respiratory health. It is prescribed for the treatment of throat infections, skin diseases, sinusitis, bloating or gas formation and asthma.

Health Benefits Of Trikatu

This age old Ayurvedic remedy heals an array of ailments and disorders. Let's have a look at how this amazing combination works:

Enhances Liver Health

Active compound, 'alkaloid piperine' present in trikatu possesses liver-protective activity. It helps in detoxifying toxin overload and enhances overall liver health.

Toxins from chemicals, drugs and alcohol that affect the liver, alter its structure and the way it functions. Consumption of trikatu helps in regeneration of liver cells that are otherwise affected by toxins.

It further restores liver function and helps in bringing back liver enzymes that are high during liver disease or infection within normal range.

Protects Against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that affects the joints of the hands and feet.

Advertisement

Trikatu is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that suppresses inflammation and production of inflammatory compounds. Such an action of trikatu alleviates symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as joint pain, swelling, redness and stiffness of the joints.

Studies have also revealed that five bioactive compounds present in trikatu such as vanillic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, piperine and 6-gingerol block the expression of inflammatory mediators and inhibit bone erosion.

Thus, trikatu possesses anti-arthritic potential and it can be safely used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Antimicrobial Activity

Each component present in trikatu possesses antimicrobial activity. Scientific studies have found that trikatu is effective against S. aures and E. coli, bacteria that cause food poisoning.

Bioactive ingredients such as tannins, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids and lignin present in trikatu kill harmful bacteria and protect the body against its harmful action.

Furthermore, it was revealed that each component of trikatu, when used alone, did not bring about the strong effect that is seen when all 3 components were used together.

It was also observed that the effect of trikatu was almost equal to the effect of ampicillin drug, used to treat bacterial infections.

Anti-Helmintic Role

Helminthiasis, also known as worm infection, causes abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting and fever.

Advertisement

Trikatu inhibits the action of the worms and their multiplication. Compounds present in trikatu such as phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids induce paralysis and death of worms and thus protect the body against infection.

Furthermore, such an anti-helmintic activity of trikatu was similar to albendazole, the standard drug used to treat helminthiasis.

Thus, treatment with trikatu enhances the immune system and helps in the removal of parasitic worms.

Boosts Digestion

Trikatu improves digestion of food as well as enhances absorption of nutrients. Piperine and gingerols, two active compounds present in trikatu, stimulate the activity of digestive enzymes and thus aid healthy digestion.

It further improves digestion and absorption of fat by stimulating the liver which secretes bile, a digestive fluid important for the proper digestion of fat.

Besides this, healthy compounds present in trikatu enhance the bioavailability of nutrients from the food.

Trikatu boosts overall digestive health, stimulates appetite and relieves bloating, gas formation in the stomach, and belching.

Anti-Cancer Potential

Studies have revealed that trikatu suppresses the formation of tumor. It inhibits the growth and multiplication of cancer cells and prevents its spread to other parts of the body.

Advertisement

Trikatu also helps in lowering the side-effects associated with drugs used for the treatment of cancer. Chronic inflammation can damage the DNA and cause cancer. Bioactive ingredients present in trikatu inhibit the production of inflammatory compounds and lower the level of inflammation which is otherwise high during cancer.

It was further observed that trikatu enhances the bioavailability and efficacy of drugs used in the treatment of cancer.

Helps to Lower Cholesterol Levels

Research has revealed that trikatu is a potent hypolipidemic agent. This miraculous blend of herbs has the ability to lower the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides. It also increases the level of HDL (good) cholesterol which is heart healthy.

Cholesterol is utilized for the production of bile, a fluid which is important for the digestion and absorption of fat. This lowers excess cholesterol level in the blood. Trikatu helps in the management of lipid profile as well as improves heart health.

Helps Treat Gout

Gout is an inflammatory condition caused due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It is characterized by severe pain, swelling and redness in the joints.

Studies have found that trikatu is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It suppresses the production of inflammatory compounds, lowers their circulation in the body, and reduces the level of inflammation.

It further possesses analgesic effect that relieves joint pain, a characteristic feature of gout. It also reduces stiffness of joints, tenderness and fatigue.

Improves Heart Health

Obesity and high cholesterol levels put an additional burden on the heart. Scientific studies have observed that trikatu lowers cholesterol in the blood and thus reduces the risk of heart diseases.

Oxidative stress and free radical load increases the risk of damage to the heart. Bioactive ingredients present in trikatu possess strong antioxidant property. Antioxidants present in trikatu fight oxidative stress and help in the removal of free radicals from the body. Thus, it protects the heart and improves overall heart health.

Other Health Benefits Of Trikatu

Studies have revealed that trikatu plays a vital role in the treatment of respiratory conditions. It helps in the management of asthma, sinusitis and cough. It dilates airways in the respiratory tract and thus improves overall condition.

Trikatu also possesses anti-pyretic activity, that is, it helps in the treatment of fever.

Dosage

125 milligrams to 500 milligrams of trikatu churna can be consumed twice a day. If high dose of trikatu is consumed (more than 1 gram per day) it may lead to acidity or heartburn.

In case of hyperacidity, stop trikatu consumption and treat hyperacidity first.