Trikatu is an Ayurvedic compound preparation containing the fruits of black pepper (Piper nigrum), long pepper (Piper longum) and the rhizomes of ginger (Zingiber officinalis) in equal proportions. It is prescribed as an essential part of many multi-drug preparations, where its use as a bioavailability enhancer is established.
The Trikatu group of drugs increases bioavailability either by promoting rapid absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, or by protecting the drug from being metabolised/oxidised in its first passage through the liver after being absorbed, or by a combination of these two mechanisms.
Trikatu is used internally in the treatment of gastric and abdominal disorders, asthma, bronchitis, dysentery, pyrexia and insomnia. Its administration promotes the secretion of digestive juices, increases appetite and is reported to be useful in patients with gastric disorders accompanied with clinical symptoms of achlorhydria and hypochlorhydria.
