Originating in the Vedic period, Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medicine system that relies on the principle that “life is an interplay of five elements-water, air, fire, space and earth.” Owing to Ayurveda, the knowledge of nature has been passed down from generation to generation. There are numerous ways to incorporate the science of Ayurveda into your life for healing; one such way is by using churnas, a mixture of herbs and natural ingredients. Trikatu churna is an age-old remedy used for some excellent health benefits. It is a mixture/powder (churna) of three (tri) most essential herbs (katu), namely adrak (ginger or Zingiber officinale), kali mirch (Black pepper or piper nigrum) and pippali (long pepper or Piper longum). In this article, we will learn more about Trikatu churna, its health benefits, side effects, precautions, etc.1
As already mentioned, Trikatu churna is a combination of Zingiber officinale, piper nigrum and piper longum. All three herbs are rich in different nutrients and phytochemicals with medicinal value. The nutritional chart of Trikatu churna is given in the table below:
Herb | Nutritional components | Value per tsp (tablespoon)/1.8 gram |
Zingiber officinale (ginger) | Carbohydrates | 1.3 g |
Fat | 0.1 g | |
Fibres | 0.3 g | |
Protein | 0.2 g | |
Fats | 0.1 g | |
Potassium | 24 mg | |
Calcium | 2.1 mg | |
Iron | 0.4 mg | |
Piper nigrum (black pepper) | Carbohydrates | 1.5 g |
Fibres | 0.6 g | |
Protein | 0.2 g | |
Fat | 0.1 g | |
Potassium | 31 mg | |
Calcium | 10 mg | |
Iron | 0.2 mg | |
Piper longum (Long pepper) | Carbohydrates | – |
Proteins | – | |
Volatile oils | – |
Trikatu churna is rich in phytochemicals having a high medicinal value. The phytochemicals present in Trikatu churna include phytosterol, beta-sitosterol, acetic acid, amides, piperlongumine, genistein, E-beta carotene, etc.2–5
Trikatu churna shows numerous scientifically proven properties; some of which are mentioned below: 5
Some of the potential benefits of Trikatu churna are described below.
Type II Diabetes is characterised by increased blood glucose due to reduced production or resistance to insulin (a hormone that regulates blood glucose). Ayurvedic formulations like churnas have been gaining the limelight for managing diabetes. Chabbra et al. conducted a study in 2022 that showed the presence of phytochemicals like genistein, piperlongumine, beta-sitosterol, beta-carotene, etc., in Trikatu churna. These phytochemicals regulate insulin resistance pathways and may help reduce blood glucose. Additionally, genistein may help improve insulin synthesis. This indicates that Trikatu churna may help manage Type II diabetes. However, to claim these results in humans, we need more studies. It is further advised not to self-medicate and consult your physician for proper management of diabetes.5
The liver is a large organ on the abdomen’s right side. It is mainly responsible for filtering waste from the body, including bilirubin, producing bile which helps to digest food and storing sugar in the body, which can later be used as an energy source. Different liver enzymes perform all these functions; any liver disease will be characterised by an abnormal value of these liver enzymes. Sharma et al. conducted a review that stated that Trikatu churna might exert a protective effect on the liver by improving liver enzymes and function. This may indicate that the Trikatu churna may protect the liver and help in conditions like alcoholic liver disease. However, more studies on humans are needed to support these claims. Additionally, it is advised not to rely on this churna as a remedy, and kindly consult your physician for the proper management of any liver disease.1
A lipid profile is a complete cholesterol test that measures total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), etc. Valsala et al., 2013 conducted an animal study to assess the effect of Trikatu churna on lipid profile. The consumption of this churna showed a declining trend in total cholesterol and triglycerides and helped increase high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol levels. Thus, Trikatu churna may positively impact the lipid profile. However, we need more human studies to claim these results accurately. Also, it is advised not to consider this churna as an alternative to modern medicine; you should always consult your doctor for proper management of an abnormal lipid profile.6
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term inflammatory disease affecting the joints. It is manifested by inflammation and pain in the joints. Literature studies show that Trikatu churna may manage inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Vachana et al. conducted a study in 2014 which stated that Trikatu churna might help reduce inflammation due to the presence of phytochemicals like gingerol, piperine, etc. This indicates that Trikatu churna may potentially benefit rheumatoid arthritis and provide symptomatic relief. However, we need more studies to confirm these results with greater reliability. Additionally, you should not consider this churna as a remedy for managing rheumatoid arthritis; it is always advised to consult a physician for proper management.7
Digestive disorders are increasing globally and affecting people of all age groups. Christine et al. conducted a review in 2019 that stated that Trikatu churna might help improve digestion and gut flora and have a prebiotic effect. Additionally, it may have an anti-carminative effect (reduce flatulence) due to phytoconstituents like beta carotene, acetic acid, piperine, etc. Therefore, Trikatu churna may have the potential to manage digestive disorders and improve gut health. To claim these results in humans, we need more studies. It is further advised not to consider this churna as an alternative to modern medicine; kindly consider your doctor for proper management of any digestive disorder.8
Though there are studies that show the benefits of Trikatu churna in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of Trikatu churna on human health.
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
Chanda et al. conducted an animal study that found Trikatu churna to be safe; however, there are no studies conducted on humans to assess the side effects of Trikatu churna. You should avoid excessive consumption of this churna as it may cause your blood glucose and lipid levels to drop too low.
However, if you experience any adverse reactions to Trikatu churna, it is advised to discontinue its intake and immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms.5,6,8
Consuming Trikatu churna is okay if taken in moderate amounts. However, caution is warranted if you belong to special groups, as under:
However, you must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic physician about the possible interaction of Trikatu churna with other drugs and follow the prescription thoroughly, as they will know your health condition and other medications you are taking.
Trikatu churna is an age-old remedy used for some excellent health benefits. It is a mixture/powder (churna) of three (tri) most essential herbs (katu), namely adrak (ginger or Zingiber officinale), kali mirch (Black pepper or piper nigrum) and pippali (long pepper or Piper longum).1
Yes, Trikatu churna may help in weight loss and, thus, help manage obesity.1
Yes, Trikatu churna may help in the treatment of cough.
No, there are no proven results for the effects of Trikatu churna on hair loss.
The safety of Trikatu churna consumption in pregnancy is not well-established; it is therefore advised to avoid its use and consult your doctor for the same.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.