The short answer
Not known. We searched for studies of triphala taken with metformin and found none. A 2017 review of triphala research lists a hypoglycaemic (sugar-lowering) effect among those reported for the formula, but it does not cover triphala with metformin or say how large any effect might be.
So the concern is theoretical: if triphala lowers sugar in you, it could add to your diabetes medicine. Triphala also acts on the bowel, so how your stomach copes is worth mentioning too. If you take metformin, tell your prescribing doctor before you start triphala, and ask whether to check your sugar more often.
Metformin is sold in India as Glycomet. Glycomet-GP also contains glimepiride, a second diabetes medicine.
At a glance
| What was seen | How it may work | Direction | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar-lowering effect listed among triphala's reported effects[1] | Not established; review-level summary only | Could add to metformin's effect on blood sugar; untested | Theoretical by mechanism |
No listing is not a clearance. A missing interaction here never means a combination is safe.
The evidence, study by study
Review, United States, 2017 Theoretical by mechanism
Authors from UC San Diego, the Chopra Foundation and Bastyr University searched PubMed and summarised research on triphala, the mix of amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki fruits. Hypoglycaemic activity appears in their list of reported effects, alongside its laxative use. The review does not mention metformin, and a list of effects from mixed studies cannot tell us whether triphala lowers sugar in people on treatment.[1]
What your doctor may watch for
- Your blood sugar, and how your stomach and bowels cope after you start triphala. The metformin information asks patients to tell their doctor about any herbal supplements.[2]
What to tell your prescribing doctor
You can read this out, or show them this page:
“I am taking, or planning to take, triphala (name of product, dose) along with metformin. A review says triphala may lower blood sugar, though it has not been tested with metformin. Should I check my sugar more often?”
Withheld until review
Questions people ask
Can diabetics take triphala?
That is a question for your doctor, who knows your sugar control and your medicines. We found no study of triphala in people taking metformin, so there is no evidence either way on the combination.[1]
Does triphala increase blood sugar?
The 2017 review reports the opposite direction, a possible lowering effect, from the research it summarises. None of that research tested triphala with metformin.[1]
Related
Triphala Churna
Three fruits in one powder, best known as a laxative. Human trials are few and small; most research is in the lab or in animals.
InteractionTriphala with other medicines: timing and absorption
No study in people has tested triphala's effect on other medicines, or any timing gap. In rats, triphala raised the levels of two test drugs.
ConditionType 2 diabetes (sugar): what Ayurveda offers
Some herbs, such as methi and karela, lowered HbA1c a little in trials. Taken with diabetes medicines, they can add to the risk of low sugar.
Sources
- Peterson CT, Denniston K, Chopra D. Therapeutic uses of Triphala in Ayurvedic medicine. J Altern Complement Med. 2017;23(8):607-614. PMID 28696777.
- Metformin hydrochloride tablets, US prescribing information, Patient Information (DailyMed).
Awaiting review by The Good Vaidya Medical Board. Prepared from the sources below and checked against each one.
Published 4 November 2026 · Last updated 4 November 2026
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