HARITAKI (Terminalia chebula)

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is a prized medicinal plant in Ayurveda, commonly referred to as the “King of Medicines” due to its wide therapeutic benefits. It is known for its strong laxative, restorative, and cleansing qualities and is a member of the Combretaceae family. One of the three fruits in the traditional Triphala mixture is Haritaki.

Haritaki Scientific Name

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Myrtales
Family: Combretaceae
Genus: Terminalia
Species: Terminalia chebula

terminalia chebula common name

English: Chebulic Myrobalan
Sanskrit: Haritaki, Abhaya, Pathya
Hindi: Harad
Tamil: Kadukkai
Telugu: Karakkaya
Malayalam: Katukka
Bengali: Haritaki
Marathi: Hirda
Gujarati: Harade

terminalia chebula uses

Digestive Health - Acts as a mild laxative, supports colon cleansing, and relieves constipation.

Rejuvenation and Longevity - Classified as a Rasayana in Ayurveda, promoting longevity, vitality, and cellular regeneration.

Respiratory and Immune Support - Used in respiratory ailments such as cough, asthma, and sore throat due to its antimicrobial and expectorant effects.

Antioxidant and Detoxification - Helps in detoxifying the body, reducing oxidative stress, and removing free radicals.

Metabolic and Blood Sugar Support - Traditionally used to manage diabetes, improve insulin sensitivity, and maintain healthy lipid profiles.

Phytochemical Constituents

Haritaki is rich in diverse bioactive compounds that contribute to its pharmacological activities:

Tannins: Chebulagic acid, Chebulinic acid, Gallic acid
Phenolic Compounds: Ellagic acid, Corilagin
Glycosides: Arjunglucoside, Arjunetin
Flavonoids: Quercetin, Luteolin
Fatty Acids: Palmitic acid, Stearic acid
Amino Acids: Leucine, Isoleucine
Others: β-Sitosterol, Fructose, Sorbitol

References

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. II. Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

Sharma, P. V. (1996). Dravyaguna Vijnana, Vol. 2. Chaukhambha Bharati Academy.

Saleem, A., Husheem, M., Härkönen, P., & Pihlaja, K. (2002). "Inhibition of cancer cell growth by crude extract and the phenolics of Terminalia chebula Retz. fruit." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 81(3), 327–336.

Srinivasan, V. S., & Ramani, R. (2011). "Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Terminalia chebula." International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy, 2(5), 1452–1456.

Chopra, R. N., Nayar, S. L., & Chopra, I. C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

European Medicines Agency (EMA). (2017). Assessment report on Terminalia chebula Retz. fructus.

Jagtap, A. G., & Karkera, S. G. (1999). "Potential of the aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula as an anti-caries agent." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 68(1-3), 299–306.

HARITAKI (Terminalia chebula)

Haritaki Scientific Name

terminalia chebula common name

terminalia chebula uses

Phytochemical Constituents

References

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