A REVIEW ON TRIKATU CHURNA

Ayurveda has an ancient heritage of traditional herbs in which Trikatu is very precious. Trikatu is a poly herbal preparation. It consists of three crude drugs namely Maricha (Piper nigrum Linn). Pippali (Piper longum Linn) and Shunthi (Zingiber officinalis Rosc) in the ratio of (1:1:1; ww). Trikatu also called as Katutrikam, Tryusnam, Vyosa. Trikatu is used as solo drug rarely, but it is an essential ingredient of numerous formulations and prescriptions of Ayurvedic medicine. Trikatu churna is considered as one of the best drugs to treat the condition of Ama (improperly digested absorbed and improperly metabolised food particles including free radicles). Trikatu is regarded as the drug of choice in cases of Agnimandya (poor digestion due to faulty digestive process). In Brihattrayi, it is recommended for various diseases due to Agni (digestive fire) vitiation such as Grahaniroga (Malabsorption syndrome), Udara roga (major diseases of abdomen surgical and medical like hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and ascites), Arsharoga (piles) etc. Its contents are dipana and pacana in their action. By virtue of these properties the drug becomes effective in managing ama. The objective of this article is to highlight classification, synonyms, pharmacological actions as described in various diseases, and different formulations of Trikatu in ancient Ayurvedic.