Triphala (an Ayurvedic Medicine) is said to have antimicrobial effect to treat and prevent E. Coli.
E. coli (also called Escherichia coli) is a bacterium that can cause serious infections in the lower intestine. Most E. coli strains are harmless, but some strains can cause serious food poisoning. In fact, some strains of E. coli are a major cause of food-related illness. The strains of E. coli can cause gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, and neonatal meningitis. One E. coli strain, Escherichia coli O104:H4, caused a bacterial outbreak that began in Germany in May 2011, and affected 11 other countries.
Triphala Is Widely Used as A Bowel Cleanser
Triphala is an Indian herbal medicine which has been used by ayurvedic practitioners for several thousands years. Triphala is prepared by combining the amlaki, haritaki and bibhitaki fruits in equal parts. It is widely used as a bowel cleanser and laxative to rejuvenate the digestive tract and effectively cleanse the colon.
As a composite ingredient in triphala, haritaki (terminalia chebula) is a laxative, astringent and purgative. Haritaki extract is said to be very useful in the treatment of infections caused by E.coli. Haritaki is also believed to have powerful effect on parasites such as Amoeba giardia and many others. It exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi like E. coli, as well as parasites including amoeba giardia and several others.
In 2006, Indian scientist Yogesh S. Biradar and his team found that Triphala inhibits the strains E. coli, S. aureus, and other bacteria. According to their report published on Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2008 March, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Triphala and Triphala Mashi exhibited a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all the microorganisms from human secretions and from pathology lab with prior diagnosis.
Triphala is the most popular Ayurvedic herbal formula in India. It is available as a bulk powder or in tablets, and is often sold in local health-food stores or Indian grocery stores.
