Talk:Bibhitaki
Terminalia bellirica
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Bibhitaki(Aksha) |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Terminalia bellirica |
| Family | Combretaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Dravyaguna Team |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
English name
Beleric myrobalan
Template:Short description Template:Infobox organism
Therapeutic Monograph: Terminalia bellirica (Bibhitaka) is a summary of the botanical profile, ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical composition, and contemporary pharmacological evaluation of the medicinal plant Terminalia bellirica.
Botanical Profile & Traditional Context
Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., known traditionally as Bibhitaka (or Baheda), is a large deciduous tree native to the forests of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Belonging to the family Combretaceae, it is one of the three foundational fruits constituting the classic Ayurvedic formulation Triphala (alongside Terminalia chebula and Phyllanthus emblica).
In traditional medicine systems (Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha), Bibhitaka is classified as a Rasayana (rejuvenator). It is traditionally indicated for respiratory disorders (cough, asthma), digestive ailments, ocular diseases, and hair care.
Therapeutic Uses in Ayurveda
Vomiting (chardi), Cough (Kasa), Worms (krimiroga), Constipation (vibandha), Hoarseness of voice (svarabheda), Eye diseases (netraroga)[1]
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Bibhitaki, Aksha (very useful foe sense organs), Karshaphala (fruits weight about 1 karsha – 12 gms), Akshaphala, Kalidruma, Tailaphala (kernel of bibhitak yield oil)
Synonyms in bhavprakasa nighantu
Strilinga, bhutavasa, kaliyugalaya[2]
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Astringent (kashaya) |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Hot (ushna) |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Sweet (madhura) |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Rough (ruksha), Light (laghu) |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Tridoshahara (subside all three dosha) but pacify Kapha especially |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(24) | Virechanopaga(helping purgation) mahakashaya |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 6/21 | Abhyantar Krimi (worms) Chikitsa |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/136 | Abhyantar Krimi (worms) Chikitsa |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/144 | Kashaya-skandha(group of astringent drugs) |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/29 | Garbha vyapad chikitsa |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 1/14 | Vamanartha(for emesis) |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 12/15 | Awaleha Yoga |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/75 | In formulation of amalaka rasayana |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/201 | Used as Triphala kwatha in Anyedhyushka jwara(fever) |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/205 | As an ingredient of Triphala in Vatsakadi kashaya |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/206 | As an ingredient of Triphala in Madhookadi kashaya |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/208 | Pitta- Kapha nashaka Vatanulomana |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/222 | As an ingredient of Vasadi Ghrita |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/231 | Used for Virechana with madhu and ghrita |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/258 | As an ingredient of Chandanadhya taila |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/299 | As Triphala in Vishamajwara |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/65 | Ingredient in Trayushanaadi ghrita |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/106 | Ingredient of Nilinyadya Ghrita |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/115 | Ingredient of Rohinyadya Ghrita for Pittaj Gulma(abdominal lumps) |
| 20 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/123 | Ingredient in Drakshadya Ghrita for Pittaj Gulma(abdominal lumps) |
| 21 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/149 | Ingredient of Mishrak Sneha |
| 22 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/22 | Prameh nashak Santarpan yoga |
| 23 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/26 | Sarva Prameh(diabetes) nashak yoga |
| 24 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/28 | Used for making decoction in Kaphaj prameh(diabetes) |
| 25 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/35 | As Kapha-Pittaj prameh(diabetes) nashak yoga |
| 26 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/40 | Ingredient in Phalatrikadi Kvatha |
| 27 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/41 | Ingredient in Madhvasav |
| 28 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/46 | For drinking water Boiled with it |
| 29 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/44 | As Virechan dravya(purgation) |
| 30 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/62 | Ingredient in Patoladi Kwath |
| 31 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/65 | Ingredient in Mustadi Churna |
| 32 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/68 | Ingredient in Triphaladi Churna |
| 33 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/74 | Ingredient in Madhvasav |
| 34 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/77 | Ingredient in Kanakabindurishta |
| 35 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/81 | Ingredient in Triphalasava |
| 36 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/82 | Pathya diet in Kushtha(skin disease) |
| 37 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/91 | Ingredient in Sidhdharthak snan and Lepa, Abhyantara and
Bahya-shodhanarth |
| 38 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/97 | Ingredient in Kushthaghna Yoga |
| 39 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/100 | Kwath prayog in Kapha-Pittaj Kushtha |
| 40 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/128 | Abhyantar and Bahyaprayogarth(external), Pana(drink), Snana(bath), Lepa |
| 41 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/136 | Ingredient in Vata-Pitta nashak Ghrita |
| 42 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/140 | Ingredient in Tiktashatpala Ghrita |
| 43 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/144 | Ingredient in Mahatikta Ghrita |
| 44 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/153 | Ingredient in Mahakhadir Ghrita |
| 45 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/100 | Ingredient in Avaleha |
| 46 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/35 | Ingredient in Kalyanaka Ghrita |
| 47 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/54 | Ingredient in Apara lasunadya Ghrita |
| 48 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/70 | Ingredient in Siddharthakadi Agada |
| 49 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/18 | Ingredient in Mahapanchagavya Ghrita |
| 50 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/43 | As a Nasya dravya |
| 51 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/48 | Ingredient in Mustadi varti |
| 52 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/72 | Ingredient in Pancham Sarpimodak |
| 53 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/21 | In treatment of Kaphaj Svayathu |
| 54 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/32 | Ingredient in Ashtashatorisht |
| 55 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/39 | Ingredient in Triphaladhyarisht |
| 56 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/43 | Ingredient in Kshar Gudika |
| 57 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/49 | Ingredient in Shilajatu prayoga |
| 58 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/71 | As a Lepa dravya in Kaphaj Shvayathu |
| 59 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/72 | As an Unmardan dravya in Kaphaj Shvayathu |
| 60 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana
13/115 |
As an ingredient of nagaradi ghrita |
| 61 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/119 | As an ingredient of patoladi churna |
| 62 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/125 | As an ingredient of narayan churna |
| 63 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/133 | As an ingredient of hapushdya churna |
| 64 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/135 | As anupan of hapushdya churna |
| 65 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/149 | Kwath mixed with trikatu and yavakshara used in udararoga |
| 66 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/158 | In formulation of pippalyadi lavan |
| 67 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/163 | In formulation of kshara vatika |
| 68 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/45 | Used in swedana kriya |
| 69 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/66 | Use triphala kwath with trivrut churna |
| 70 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/144 | As an ingredient of dantyarista |
| 71 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/87 | As an ingredient of traushnaadi ghrita |
| 72 |
Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/160 |
As an ingredient of Pindasava |
| 73 |
Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/177 |
As an ingredient of Bhallataka Kshara |
| 74 |
Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/188 |
Used in preparation of Pancham Kshara |
| 75 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/92 | As an ingredient of twakadi leha |
| 76 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/56 | For kashaya pana |
| 77 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/124 | For pradeha prayoga in granthi visarpa(herpes) |
| 78 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/125 | As an ingredient of Baladi lepa |
| 79 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 25/84 | Used as vranashodhaka kashaya |
| 80 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 25/90 | As an ingredient of Kampillakadi taila |
| 81 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 25/110 | Used for vrana shaithilya, saukumarya & prasadana |
| 82 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 25/115 | Used for Krushnikarana |
| 83 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/65 | As an ingredient of Trutyadi churna |
| 84 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/87 | As an ingredient of Trushnadi Ghrita |
| 85 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/163 | As an ingredient of Mayur Ghrita |
| 86 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/167 | As an ingredient of Mahamayur Ghrita |
| 87 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/195 | As an ingredient of Kalak churna |
| 88 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/198 | As an ingredient of Mrudvikadi churna |
| 89 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/205 | Used for mukhadhavna |
| 90 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/209 | As an ingredient of Khadiradi gutika |
| 91 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/239 | Used for aaschotana in Kaphaja netraroga |
| 92 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/241 | As an ingredient of Sumanakorkadi varti |
| 93 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/242 | As an ingredient of Saindhavadi varti |
| 94 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/254 | As an ingredient of Drustiprada varti |
| 95 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/270, 273 | As an ingredient of Mahaneela Ghrita |
| 96 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/281 | Used in palitya(greying of hair) |
| 97 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/85 | As an ingredient of Kashmaryadi kwath for Virechana karma |
| 98 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/86 | Used as Kwatha with Madhu for Kaphaja Vatarakta |
| 99 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/152 | As an ingredient of Triphaladi kalka in tridoshaja shola |
Dose
- Churna – 3 – 6 gm[3]
Important formulations
As per A.P.I.[4]
- Triphala Churna
- Triphaladi Taila
- Lavangadi Vati
Current availability
Available
- India –
Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rajastha, Gujarat, Maharashtra
- Out of India –
Nepal, Sri lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, China,Malaysia
Current researches
Phytochemical Composition
The therapeutic efficacy of Terminalia bellirica is attributed to its rich profile of bioactive secondary metabolites, predominantly concentrated in its fruit rind.
- Phenolic Acids & Tannins: High concentrations of gallic acid, ellagic acid, chebulagic acid, and chebulinic acid. These compounds drive its potent antioxidant and antimicrobial profiles.
- Flavonoids: Luteolin, rutin, and quercetin.
- Saponins & Sterols: β-sitosterol, belleric acid, and bellericoside.
- Fixed Oils: The seed kernels contain essential fatty acids, primarily linoleic and oleic acids.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Metabolic Regulation & Anti-Diabetic Activity
Bibhitaka exhibits significant efficacy in managing metabolic syndrome, specifically type 2 diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia.
- Mechanism: Phytochemicals like gallic and ellagic acids inhibit key carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase), reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes. Furthermore, it enhances insulin sensitivity by upregulating PPAR-gamma receptors.
- Scientific Evidence: Aqueous extracts of T. bellirica have been shown to significantly decrease plasma glucose levels and improve lipid profiles in streptozotocin-induced diabetic animal models, showing comparable efficacy to standard oral hypoglycemic agents.[5]
Respiratory and Anti-Asthmatic Effects
Traditionally used to alleviate chronic cough and bronchitis, modern pharmacology validates its role as a bronchodilator and antitussive.
- Mechanism: The extract exerts an anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) effect, blocking calcium channels to relax smooth airway muscles.
- Scientific Evidence: Research highlights that the crude extract of T. bellirica mediates bronchodilatory activity via dual inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE) and calcium influx, validating its traditional use in asthma.[6]
Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activity
The fruit rind provides potent defense against oxidative stress and chemical-induced liver injury.
- Mechanism: It scavenges free radicals (O2•−, OH•) and restores endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), while reducing lipid peroxidation.
- Scientific Evidence: Clinical and in vivo models have shown that T. bellirica extract significantly reduces elevated serum liver enzymes (ALT, AST) induced by hepatotoxins like carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or acetaminophen.[7]
Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Efficacy
Bibhitaka possesses a broad-spectrum antimicrobial profile against pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Mechanism: Tannins disrupt bacterial cell walls and precipitate microbial proteins, inhibiting the formation of dental plaques and biofilm matrices.
- Scientific Evidence: Evaluation against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates confirmed that T. bellirica extracts exhibit strong inhibitory activity against pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.[8]
Hyperuricemia and Gout Management
Clinical research has focused on Bibhitaka's ability to lower uric acid levels.
- Mechanism: It acts as a natural inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, the enzyme responsible for converting purines into uric acid.
- Scientific Evidence: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrated that a standardized extract of T. bellirica significantly reduced serum uric acid levels in human subjects with hyperuricemia, displaying a dose-dependent efficacy comparable to the drug febuxostat without the associated side effects.[9]
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Acute Toxicity: Animal models indicate that Terminalia bellirica possesses a high safety profile, with the Median Lethal Dose (LD50) of the aqueous extract exceeding 2000 mg/kg body weight.
- Contraindications: Due to its mild laxative and astringent properties, excessive doses may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been fully established; use should be supervised by a medical professional.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
- Crude Powder (Churna): 3–6 g daily.
- Standardized Extract: 250–500 mg twice daily.
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hyperuricemia (Gout) | Gallic acid, Ellagic acid | Xanthine oxidase inhibition |
| Type 2 Diabetes | Chebulagic acid, Flavonoids | α-glucosidase inhibition, PPAR-gamma activation |
| Asthma & Bronchitis | Saponins, Tannins | Calcium channel blockade, Bronchodilation |
| Hepatic Damage | Phenolic compounds | Free radical scavenging, SOD/CAT restoration |
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:17
- ↑ Prof. K.C.Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint.2015, Chaukhambha vishvabharti, Haritakyadi Varga, verse no. 35 p.9.
- ↑ 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:17
- ↑ 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:17
- ↑ Sabu, M. C.; Kuttan, R. (2009). "Antidiabetic activity of medicinal plants and its relationship with their antioxidant property". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 81 (2): 155–160. doi:10.1016/S0378-8741(02)00054-9.
- ↑ Khan, A. U.; Gilani, A. H. (2008). "Pharmacological justification for the medicinal use of Terminalia bellirica in gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 116 (3): 393–397. PMID 18242042. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2007.12.006.
- ↑ Shinde, A.; et al. (2012). "Hepatoprotective activity of Terminalia bellirica Roxb. fruit against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage". Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. 50 (4): 271–277. PMID 22540166.
- ↑ Aqil, F.; Ahmad, I. (2007). "Antibacterial properties of certain Indian medicinal plants against multi-drug resistant clinical isolates". Phytotherapy Research. 21 (11): 1017–1024. PMID 17600863. doi:10.1002/ptr.2199.
- ↑ Usharani, P.; et al. (2016). "A randomized, double-blind, placebo- and positive-controlled clinical pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Terminalia bellirica in secondary hyperuricemia". Clinical Pharmacology: Advances and Applications. 8: 51–59. PMC 4912116 Freely accessible. PMID 27354832. doi:10.2147/CPAA.S100521.
