Triphala as a Topical Agent in Gynaecological Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of Its Pharmacological Actions and...

Gynaecological disorders, including abnormal vaginal discharge, vulvovaginal infections and chronic vulvovaginal inflammation, are common clinical problems for which locally acting therapies are particularly relevant. Triphala, a classical polyherbal formulation composed of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica and Phyllanthus emblica, has been traditionally used for mucosal and gynaecological conditions and is supported by experimental evidence suggesting antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound-healing activities. This structured narrative review aimed at synthesising and critically evaluating the available evidence on the topical use of Triphala in gynaecological disorders, with an emphasis on pharmacological mechanisms, formulation strategies and reported clinical applications. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and selected traditional medicine databases to identify English-language publications published between 2011 and December 2025. Experimental studies, clinical trials, and observational or clinical reports describing topical or locally applied Triphala formulations in gynaecological conditions or mechanistically relevant models were considered for qualitative synthesis. The reviewed literature suggests that Triphala-based topical formulations, including vaginal washes, intravaginal pessaries, tampon-based applications, medicated ghee preparations and semi-solid gels, may exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound-healing properties at the vulvovaginal and cervical epithelium through modulation of inflammatory pathways, reduction of microbial burden, protection against oxidative stress and support of epithelial repair processes. However, the currently available evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, and further well-designed clinical investigations are required to clarify the therapeutic potential, safety and clinical applicability of Triphala as a topical botanical intervention in gynaecological practice.