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* Terminalia tomentella Kurz | * Terminalia tomentella Kurz | ||
* Terminalia zeylanica Van Heurck & Müll. Arg. | * Terminalia zeylanica Van Heurck & Müll. Arg. | ||
[[File:Haritaki.jpg|thumb|Haritaki ]] | |||
== Botanical Profile & Traditional Context == | == Botanical Profile & Traditional Context == | ||
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==Types== | ==Types== | ||
=== | ===Bhavaprakasha Nighantu=== | ||
Mentioned 7 types<ref>Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Verse no. 7 – 9, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2015;</ref> | Mentioned 7 types<ref>Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Verse no. 7 – 9, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2015;</ref> | ||
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[[ | [[Index.php?title=Category:Database of herbs and minerals| Herbs]] | ||
Latest revision as of 09:39, 7 July 2026
Terminalia chebula Retz. var. typica
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Abhaya |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Terminalia chebula Retz. var. typica |
| Family | Combretaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Dravyaguna Team |
| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Terminalia chebula Retz. var. typica, popularly known as Haritaki (or Harad), is a deciduous tree native to South Asia, spanning India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It is widely regarded in Ayurveda as the "King of Medicines" (Prana) and is a primary constituent of the renowned formula Triphala. It is highly revered medicinal plant.
English name
Chebulic myrobalan
Therapeutic Use
Shotha (edema), Arsha (hemorrhoids), Aruchi (anorexia), Hridroga (cardiac diseases), Kasa (cough), Pandu (anemia and blood deficiency related diseases), Prameha (obstinate urinary disorders including diabetes mellitus), Udavarta, Vibandha (constipation), Jirna-jwara (chronic fever), Vishama jwara (different types of fever), Shiro-roga (diseases of head), Tamaka shwasa (bronchial asthma), Gulma (abdominal lumps), Udararoga (generalized enlargement of abdomen)[1]
Other Varieties / Other Botanical names
- Buceras chebula (Retz.) Lyons
- Combretum argyrophyllum K.Schum.
- Myrobalanus chebula (Retz.) Gaertn.
- Myrobalanus gangetica (Roxb.) Kostel.
- Myrobalanus tomentella Kuntze
- Terminalia acutae Walp.
- Terminalia argyrophylla King & Prain
- Terminalia gangetica Roxb.
- Terminalia glandulipetiolata De Wild.
- Terminalia parviflora Thwaites
- Terminalia reticulata Roth
- Terminalia tomentella Kurz
- Terminalia zeylanica Van Heurck & Müll. Arg.
Botanical Profile & Traditional Context
In traditional medicine, Haritaki is classified as a Rasayana (rejuvenative) and is believed to balance all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Its historical indications include gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic complications, cognitive decline, chronic inflammation, and wound healing.
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Haritaki, Abhaya, Pathya
Additional Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
Abhaya, Kayastha, Putana, Amruta, Haimavati, Avyatha, Chetaki, Shreyasi, Shiva, Vayastha, Vijaya, Jivanti, Rohini
Types
Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
Mentioned 7 types[2]
| Sr.no. | Types | Characters | Utility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vijaya | Oval | All diseases |
| 2 | Rohini | Round | Wound healing |
| 3 | Putana | Putana Small but with large seed | For external application |
| 4 | Amruta | Bulky | For purification |
| 5 | Abhaya | Five lines on it | Eye diseases |
| 6 | Jivanti | Yellow colored | Useful in all diseases |
| 7 | Chetaki | Three lines over it | For preparing powder |
Kaiyadeva Nighantu
Mentioned 3 types[3]
- Niraja
- Vanaja
- Parvatiya
Prashasta Haritaki (Qualities of Best Haritaki)
- Nava – new
- Snigdha – Unctuous
- Ghana – Hard
- Vritta – Round
- Gurvi – With weight
- Ambasi nimajjana – Sinks in water
- Dwikarsha – Double the weight of Bibhitaki (22 gm)[4]
Ritu Haritaki
| Sr.no. | Ritu (Season) | Anupana |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Varsha (Rainy season) | Saindhava lavana (Rock salt) |
| 2 | Sharad (Autumn) | Sharkara (Sugar) |
| 3 | Hemanta (Early winter) | Shunthi (Ginger) |
| 4 | Shishira (Late winter) | Kana (Long pepper) |
| 5 | Vasanta (Spring) | Madhu (Honey) |
| 6 | Grishma (Summer) | Guda (Jaggery) |
Actions of Haritaki on Dosha with Anupana
| Sr.no. | Effect on Dosha | Anupana |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaphahara | Saindhava lavana (Rock salt) |
| 2 | Pittahara | Sharkara (Sugar) |
| 3 | Vatahara | Ghrita (Ghee) |
| 4 | Tridoshahara | Guda (Jaggery) |
Contra indications of Haritaki
- Adhwatikhinna – Tired of walking, depressed
- Balavarjita – weak
- Ruksha – who has dryness in body
- Krisha – lean
- Langhana karshita – Tired of observing fasting
- Pittadhikya – Excessive aggravation of Pitta
- Garbhavati – Pregnant
- Vimukta raktata – One who underwent blood letting[7]
Haritaki Prayoga in different forms
- Charvita – Chewed and swallowed increases Agni.
- Peshita (Powder) – When triturated, acts as Malashodhaka (purifies faeces)
- Swinna – When boiled acts as Sangrahi
- Bhrishta – When fried, acts as Tridosha shamaka
- Sahabhojana – When taken with food, Improves intellect, strength and functions of sense organs, Pacifies Tridosha
Evacuates faeces and acts as diuretic.
- Pashchat bhojana – When taken after food, Alleviates the diseases occurred because of improper food and also alleviates Tridosha.[8]
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Astringent (kashaya), Pungent (katu), Bitter (tikta), Sweet (madhura), Sour (amla) |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Hot (ushna) |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Sweet (madhura) |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha) |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Pacify vata, pitta and kapha |
| 6 | Extra ordinary effect (prabhava) | Removes all the three dosha |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/82 | Phalini (Virechana) (Therapeutic Purgation) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/29 | Vatanulominiyavagu(gruel for flatulence). |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(12) | Arshoghna (anti – haemorrhoidal) mahakashay |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(13) | Kushthaghna (anti – dermatosis) mahakashay |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(24) | Virechanopag (sub – purgative) mahakashay |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(30) | Hikkanigrahana (reducing hiccups)mahakashay |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(36) | Kasahara (anti – cough) mahakashaya |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(39) | Jwarahara (antipyretic) mahakashaya |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(49) | Prajasthapana (promoting conception and implantation of embryo) mahakashaya. |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(50) | Vayasthapana (anti – ageing) mahakashaya |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 1/16 | Vamanartha (for therapeutic emesis) |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/16 | Preparations of Trivrut |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/30 | Preparations of Trivrut |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/46 | As an ingredient of Vyoshadi Modaka |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/50 | As an ingredient of Pathyadi Modaka |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 9/7 | As an ingredient of Tilvaka Yoga |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 11/7 | Saptala Shankhini Yoga for purgation. |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 12/15 | As an ingredient of Avaleha(linctus) Yoga |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 12/27 | As an ingredient of Modaka Yoga |
Dose
3-6 gm of the drug in the powder form.[9]
Important Formulations
As per A.P.I.[10]
- Triphala Churna
- Triphaladi Taila
- Abhayarishta
- Agatsya Haritaki Rasayana
- Citraka Haritaki
- Danti Haritaki
- Dasamula Haritaki
- Brahma Rasayana
- Abhaya Lavana
- Pathyadi Lepa
Current availability
Available
- In India – Found in sub – Himalayan region. West Bengal, Assam, Madras, Mysore, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala.
- Out of India –
- South Asia – Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh
- Southeast Asia – Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand
- East Asia - China
Current researches
Phytochemical Composition
The therapeutic versatility of Terminalia chebula arises from its complex secondary metabolite profile, particularly abundant in its dried fruit pericarp:
- Hydrolyzable Tannins: Extremely rich in chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, corilagin, terchebin, and punicalagin.
- Phenolic Acids: High yields of gallic acid and ellagic acid.
- Flavonoids: Rutin, quercetin, and luteolin.
- Other Constituents: Saponins, amino acids, and fixed oils containing palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Gastrointestinal Prokinetic and Cytoprotective Effects
Haritaki is most recognized for its profound influence on the gastrointestinal tract, functioning both as a mild laxative and a mucosal protective agent.
- Mechanism: It accelerates gastric emptying and intestinal transit time by stimulating smooth muscle contractility. Concurrently, it enhances the gastric mucosal defense barrier by increasing mucin secretion and reducing lipid peroxidation.
- Scientific Evidence: Clinical and animal models indicate that T. chebula provides substantial protection against experimental gastric ulcers by normalizing total acidity and pepsin output while augmenting cytoprotective factors.[11]
Pro-Cognitive and Neuroprotective Properties
Recent research highlights Haritaki's ability to combat neurodegenerative pathways associated with Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.
- Mechanism: Active constituents like chebulinic acid act as potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, preserving acetylcholine levels in synapses. Furthermore, it suppresses neuroinflammation by inhibiting microglia activation.
- Scientific Evidence: Studies show that aqueous extracts significantly attenuate amyloid-β induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in cortical neurons, preserving spatial memory and cognitive performance in animal designs.[12]
Anti-Diabetic and Advanced Glycation End-product (AGE) Inhibition
Haritaki serves as an effective intervention against type 2 diabetes and its long-term vascular complications.
- Mechanism: It significantly inhibits α-glucosidase and α-amylase, delaying carbohydrate digestion. Uniquely, its polyphenols block the formation of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs), which damage blood vessels in diabetic patients.
- Scientific Evidence: In vivo research demonstrated that standard oral administration of T. chebula seed extract resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose, comparable to standard oral hypoglycemic drugs like glibenclamide, alongside an increase in plasma insulin levels.[13]
Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Action
The plant exhibits strong inhibitory effects against a diverse array of bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens.
- Mechanism: Tannins disrupt microbial cell wall integrity, precipitate structural proteins, and prevent bacterial adherence necessary for biofilm formation.
- Scientific Evidence: Extracts have demonstrated powerful efficacy against cariogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans (reducing dental plaque formation) and clinically relevant multi-drug resistant pathogens, including Helicobacter pylori.[14]
Cardioprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy
Haritaki supports cardiovascular health by lowering oxidative stress within vascular tissues and managing lipid profiles.
- Mechanism: It reduces myocardial lipid peroxidation, downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and preserves endogenous cellular antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD).
- Scientific Evidence: Studies show that pre-treatment with T. chebula significantly mitigates lysosomal enzyme leakage and preserves myocardial architecture during chemical-induced myocardial infarction models.[15]
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Acute Toxicity: Terminalia chebula is highly safe for therapeutic consumption. Oral acute toxicity evaluations indicate an LD50 exceeding 2000 mg/kg body weight in animal cohorts.
- Precautions: Due to its potent astringent and prokinetic nature, it should be used with caution during acute diarrhea, severe dehydration, or pregnancy unless explicitly monitored by a healthcare professional.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
- Fruit Powder (Churna): 3–6 g daily mixed with warm water or honey.
- Standardized Extract: 250–500 mg twice daily.
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal Dysmotility | Tannins, Chebulinic acid | Prokinetic activity, Mucosal cytoprotection |
| Cognitive Decline / Dementia | Gallic acid, Chebulagic acid | Acetylcholinesterase inhibition, Anti-amyloidogenesis |
| Type 2 Diabetes | Chebulinic acid, Ellagic acid | α-glucosidase inhibition, AGE inhibition |
| Dental Caries & Infections | Polyphenols, Flavonoids | Anti-biofilm matrix disruption, Anti-adherence |
References
- ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:31
- ↑ Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Verse no. 7 – 9, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2015;
- ↑ Prof. Priya Vat Sharma, Kaiyadev Nighantu, Aushadhi Varga, Translated by Dr. Guru Prasada Sharma, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Delhi;
- ↑ Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Verse no. 25 - 26, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2015;
- ↑ Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Verse no. 31, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2015;
- ↑ Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Verse no. 30, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2015;
- ↑ Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Verse no. 32, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2015;
- ↑ Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Verse no. 27, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2015;
- ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:31
- ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:31
- ↑ Tamhane, M. D.; Thorat, S. P.; Rege, N. N.; Dahanukar, S. A. (1997). "Effect of Oral Administration of Terminalia chebula on Gastric Emptying and Cecal Transit Time". Journal of Postgrad Medicine. 43 (1): 12–13.
- ↑ Afshari, A.; Sadeghnia, H. R.; Asadpour, E. (2016). "Neuroprotective effects of Terminalia chebula fruit extract against t-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress in neurons". Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine. 6 (1): 73–82.
- ↑ Murali, Y. K.; Anand, P.; Murthy, P. S.; Murthy, Ch. V. (2007). "Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Terminalia chebula seed extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 109 (3): 532–535.
- ↑ Aneja, K. R.; Joshi, R. (2009). "Evaluation of antimicrobial potential of fruit extracts of Terminalia chebula against salivary samples and micro-organisms associated with dental caries". Journal of Herbal Medicine and Toxicology. 3 (2): 133–138.
- ↑ Suchalatha, S.; Devi, C. S. (2005). "Protective effect of Terminalia chebula against lysosomal enzyme leakage in experimental myocardial infarction". Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. 43 (6): 520–523.