Among Ayurveda-derived food supplements, the most well-established health benefits supported by scientific evidence pertain to curcumin (from Curcuma longa/turmeric), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Triphala, and Chyawanprash.
Curcumin has the strongest evidence base, with numerous double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials demonstrating benefits in metabolic syndrome, osteoarthritis, and other inflammation-driven conditions. Clinical trials consistently show improvements in biomarkers and clinical outcomes, particularly in obesity-associated metabolic disorders and musculoskeletal diseases. However, efficacy in neurocognitive, gastrointestinal, and cancer indications is less robust and requires further study. Curcumin is generally well-tolerated, but optimal dosing and formulation remain under investigation.[1,2]
Ashwagandha is supported by clinical studies indicating improvements in stress, anxiety, sleep quality, and cognitive function. Its adaptogenic effects are well-documented, and it is considered safe for most populations, though long-term safety data are limited. The evidence base is growing, but more large-scale trials are needed to confirm its efficacy across broader indications.[3]
Triphala is a traditional polyherbal formulation with evidence for antioxidant, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, and gastrointestinal benefits, particularly in functional GI disorders such as constipation and inflammatory bowel disease. Clinical studies suggest efficacy in diabetes, obesity, and GI health, with a favorable safety profile.[4]
Chyawanprash is traditionally used as an immune booster and general health tonic. Small clinical studies show improvements in overall health status and immunity, but the evidence is limited by sample size and study duration. Larger, high-quality trials are needed to substantiate these claims.[5]
Other plant-based supplements such as Bacopa monnieri, Emblica officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra show promise for cognitive enhancement, antioxidant effects, and healthy aging, but require more rigorous human studies to establish clinical benefit.[6]
In summary, curcumin, ashwagandha, Triphala, and Chyawanprash have the most well-established health benefits among Ayurveda-derived supplements, with curcumin having the strongest clinical evidence for specific disease outcomes.[1-5]
References:
- Curcumin Supplementation and Human Disease: A Scoping Review of Clinical Trials. Panknin TM, Howe CL, Hauer M, et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023;24(5):4476. doi:10.3390/ijms24054476.
- Curcumin: Total-Scale Analysis of the Scientific Literature. Yeung AWK, Horbańczuk M, Tzvetkov NT, Mocan A, Carradori S, Maggi F, Marchewka J, Sut S, Dall’Acqua S, Gan RY, Tancheva LP, Polgar T, Berindan-Neagoe I, Pirgozliev V, Šmejkal K, Atanasov AG. Molecules. 2019 Apr 9;24(7):1393. doi: 10.3390/molecules24071393.
- Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) and Its Effects on Well-Being-a Review. Wiciński M, Fajkiel-Madajczyk A, Sławatycki J, et al. Nutrients. 2025;17(13):2143. doi:10.3390/nu17132143.
- Exploring Scientific Validation of Triphala Rasayana in Ayurveda as a Source of Rejuvenation for Contemporary Healthcare: An Update. Ahmed S, Ding X, Sharma A. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2021;273:113829. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.113829.
- Chyawanprash: A Review of Therapeutic Benefits as in Authoritative Texts and Documented Clinical Literature. Narayana DB, Durg S, Manohar PR, Mahapatra A, Aramya AR. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2017;197:52-60. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.07.078.
- Anti-Aging Effect of Traditional Plant-Based Food: An Overview. Das G, Kameswaran S, Ramesh B, et al. Foods (Basel, Switzerland). 2024;13(23):3785. doi:10.3390/foods13233785.