Abstract:
Introduction Thriphala, a herbal medicinal
formulation, is a bedrock of Ayurveda therapeutics
with many postulated benefits.
Objectives We performed a clinical trial to test the
effects of Swastha Thriphala®, a proprietary
preparation of thriphala, on serum lipid parameters
in patients receiving atorvastatin.
Methods Consenting adults receiving a maintenance
dose of atorvastatin 10mg (Atorlip®) daily from a
clinic of the Institute of Cardiology, National
Hospital of Sri Lanka for lipid regulation, were
randomly assigned, after counselling, to receive
either the proprietary herbal medicinal product
Swastha Thriphala® (Treatment Group, n= 101) or a
placebo (Control Group n= 97), at the stipulated dose
daily, for three calendar months.
Results In the treatment group (n=101) the addition
of a proprietary preparation of thriphala formulated
as caplets of Swastha Thriphala®, in the standard
daily dosage for three months, as an adjunct to
atorvastatin 10mg, had a significant (p<0.0001)
reduction in the mean total blood cholesterol, mean
cholesterol/HDL ratio (p<0.0001), and mean non-
HDL-cholesterol (p<0.0001) when compared to the
Control Group (n=97) receiving placebo caplets in
the same daily dose, with atorvastatin 10mg, for the
same period. In the Treatment Group mean HDL,
LDL, HS-CRP, and triglyceride concentrations
showed non-significant reductions, and nonsignificant
elevations in the Control Group.
Conclusions Swastha Thriphala® when used in the
stipulated dosage as an adjunct to atorvastatin 10 mg
daily, significantly enhances its cholesterol reducing
action in patients. The use of Swastha Thriphala® as
single therapy for lipid regulation, and the mode of
its action deserve investigation.
