Bio-enhancers have captured the attention of researchers in recent years because of a growing need to support better assimilation of certain foods and supplements.
A bio-enhancer is an agent, typically herbal, that can enhance the bio-availability and bio-efficacy of another compound that it is taken with. (1)
In Ayurvedic tradition, any substance that could boost the availability or effectiveness of another substance or food that it was taken with was called yogavahi. Other terms to describe the drivers or carriers in an Ayurvedic formulation are “vehicles” or “anupan.”
In Ayurveda, there are numerous yogavahi agents. Here are a few:
- Licorice
- Turmeric
- Ghee
- Trikatu
- Shilajit
- Bhasmas (mineral powders)
- And even the distillate of cow’s urine has been found in many studies to be a natural bio-enhancer. (1-3)
>>> Learn more about herbs that have yogavahi properties here
Trikatu –The World’s First Bio-Enhancer
Based on the concept of yogavahi, the term “bio-availability enhancer” was first coined by researchers at the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine in Jammu, India in 1979. This was when they discovered that one of Ayurveda’s most popular and prized formulations, trikatu, was a powerful bio-enhancer. (1)
Trikatu, which translates as “the three acrids” in Sanskrit, consists of black pepper (Piper nigrum), long pepper (Piper longum) and ginger (Zingiber officiale). On LifeSpa.com, we call this formula Warm Digest.
The researchers were initially curious as to why trikatu was found in so many Ayurvedic formulations. It was found in 210 out of 370 formulations evaluated!
They discovered that that the active ingredient in black pepper and long pepper, piperine, was a potent bio-enhancer. It had the power to boost the absorption of turmeric by a whopping 200%, and numerous other compounds by 30-200%. (1)
Later, researchers discovered that ginger was also an effective bio-enhancer, making trikatu a formula that can drive the bio-availability of many other substances it is taken with. (2)
Ginger acts powerfully on the intestinal tract’s mucous membrane lining. The role of ginger is to regulate intestinal function to facilitate absorption. In one study, ginger boosted bio-availability/bio-enhancing activity by 30–75%. When piperine from black pepper and long pepper were combined with ginger, bio-availability was boosted by 10–85% depending on what it was ingested with.
These three spices are found in classic Indian dishes like curry, which is consumed daily in traditional Indian cuisine, and alongside the daily intake of turmeric, these spices are thought to deliver extraordinary preventative health.
Trikatu (Warm Digest on LifeSpa.com) is my most effective herb to re-boot digestive strength and the natural production of hydrochloric acid (HCI), which is needed to break down proteins like gluten, casein and others in the stomach.
In addition to being a powerful health-promoting formula, the piperine in Warm Digest been found to boost the bio-availability of many foods rich in beta-carotenes, resveratrol and quercetin, as well as turmeric, coenzyme Q10 and numerous others. (1-3)
Consider taking one Warm Digest (trikatu) capsule with hard-to-digest or late-night meals, or along with other herbal supplements or nutraceuticals.
Warm Digest is spicy, so this formula is not indicated for folks who experience occasional heartburn or do not tolerate spicy food.
SHASH KANT SINHA says
I have problem of discharge of white mucus in stool from last 4 years & weight reduced from 69 kgs to 62 kgs. I think it is due to improper absorption of food nutrients. I may be wrong.Also suffering from improper behaviour of bowel. Sometimes constipation or sometimes frequent motion. I am very fade up due to this. Can you tell me what disease is this & is permanent cure is possible of this. Suggest medicine for this.
Sameer Tamang says
Sir,I am a male aged 36yrs.5 yes back I was suffering from abdominal koch and took medicine for this and completed my course.but now days I am having a problem of digesting food properly and and I think I am not absorbing the nutrients and when fart a deadly foul smell comes from it.I am also thin and weights only 41 kg.
So, I would be very grateful if u kindly suggest me some ayurvedic medicine for this symtoms and email me in my email address is: raipemalachen69 @gmail.com.plz help me
Salmaniac says
Does Trikauti Can be Used as a Supplement For absorption Purpose of Protein ,Fat ,and carbohydrates ??
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Salmaniac,
Thank you for your question. Trikatu is a formula that helps support and boost digestive fire, which in turn supports uptake of nutrition. You can read more here: https://lifespa.com/ayurvedic-supplement-facts/trikatu/
Be Well
nanna says
What can you do for digestion if your gallbladder has been removed?
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Nanna,
Thanks for your question. Here are some very helpful tips: https://lifespa.com/gallbladder-or-not-10-tips-to-digest-fat/
Be Well
Ann says
Leave your husband. Find a man who does not frustrate you. You are FINE the way you are. Trust me. I speak from experience. You will cut your life short. Counseling will prolong the inevitable.
Michelle says
Hallelujah!
Jamie says
Each and every time I feel frustrated with my husband my bowels loose water to the kidneys and stools become like rabbit pellets. It appears that I cannot take pressure. Frustration and constipation are synonymous. Progesterone, magnesium, and probiotics help but I want a better way. Can you help me?
Stella says
Hi Jamie,
I have found that the best way to kick off the day and to ensure healthy bowel movement is to drink a pint of warm water as soon as possible after waking up. Also, make sure to have a little fresh ginger 30-15 minutes before each meal. Any time you feel constipated: drink warm/hot water: it works like clockwork!
Hope this helps 🙂
Jowie says
Hi Jamie,
Drink the water on empty stomach preferably in the morning.
Prepare 2 liters of water in the morning and put at least 1.5 tablespoon of salt. The goal to put 2.5 tablespoon of salt. If its too salty for you, put the salt in 1 liter water and the other one liter is pure water. Take first the water with salt and then followed by pure water. Make sure you use sea salt (not iodized or any form of salt). Drink as much as you can.
Warning: Please stay at home for 3 hours after doing this and be ready to go to the toilet anytime.
LifeSpa Staff says
Thanks for your question Jamie.
We have a good resource for you here: https://lifespa.com/occasional-constipation/
Please email us or give us a call if you have any other questions.
Be Well.