HERB Study
Investigating the prebiotic influence of triphala fruits on gut microbiota and markers of inflammation.
Triphala is an equal combination of three dried fruits (haritaki / chebulic myrobalan, bibhitaki/ beleric myrobalan, and amla / Indian gooseberry), commonly consumed in Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine).
Triphala fruits contain active ingredients that have been associated with antioxidant (natural compound that fights cancer causing agents and those related to the ageing process) and antipathogenic (substance that inhibits the effects of harmful bacteria) properties.
Active ingredients in triphala fruits, are also thought to reduce inflammation in the body. Triphala fruits are also thought to have similar effects to prebiotics. Prebiotics promote the growth of helpful bacteria such as bifidobacteria.
The aim of this study is to assess the prebiotic influence of triphala fruits on bacteria in the gut and inflammation.
We are looking for volunteers
- Aged 18 – 50 years
- In generally good health
You will be required to attend the Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition at the University of reading for a short screening session and 4 half hour long study visits.
For enquiries, please contact herb.study@reading.ac.uk