Terminalia bellirica
Terminalia bellirica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (12 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Terminalia bellirica is a versatile medicinal plant whose fruit, leaf, and stem are utilized in various traditional preparations, including aqueous extracts and Ayurvedic polyherbal extracts like Arogyamrita Kwath. The plant is chemically rich in potent compounds such as chebulagic acid, corilagin, gallic acid, and ellagic acid. These constituents grant the plant significant biological activities, most notably antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimalarial properties. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness against specific pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas hydrophila, as well as its utility in treating conditions such as conjunctivitis. Furthermore, its influence on biological markers like Cyclin D1 highlights its complex role in therapeutic applications.
- Synonyms
- Terminalia Bellirica Var. Laurinoides · Myrobalanus Bellirica · 9 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Combretaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Terminalia bellirica is a versatile botanical species known by a diverse array of regional names. Depending on the local dialect, it is frequently referred to as Bahada or Baheda. It is also commonly called Bahera, a name that is widely recognized in various traditional contexts. In certain areas, the plant is identified as Bahuvirya, highlighting its potent qualities. Furthermore, it is sometimes known by the name Bang Hoi, showcasing the many linguistic identities this single plant holds.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Terminalia bellirica is a botanical species recognized by a variety of scientific synonyms throughout various historical records. It is frequently referred to in literature as Buceras bellirica, reflecting its diverse taxonomic history. Researchers may also encounter the name Myrobalanus bellirica when studying this specific plant. Additionally, the species has been identified under the names Myrobalanus punctata and Myrobalanus tania. Finally, the synonym Myrobalanus taria further illustrates the complex naming conventions associated with this organism.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Terminalia bellirica is a remarkable species that belongs to the expansive kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Myrtales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. This tree is a prominent member of the genus Terminalia, a group known for its distinct characteristics. Ultimately, its botanical identity is defined by its placement within the family Combretaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Combretaceae |
| Genus | Terminalia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Terminalia bellirica boasts a remarkably broad geographic range that spans across multiple continents and diverse climates. In the African region, this species is found throughout the Western Indian Ocean, including specific locations such as Mauritius and Rodrigues. Moving toward the Asian continent, its presence extends into the temperate zones of south-central China. The plant also thrives within tropical Asian environments, particularly across the Indian Subcontinent in areas like Assam and Bangladesh. This widespread distribution highlights the remarkable adaptability of the species to various ecological niches.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Terminalia bellirica is a robust, self-supporting tree that establishes a commanding presence in its natural habitat. As a large-scale growth form, it can reach significant dimensions depending on its environmental conditions. While many specimens typically attain a height of up to 25 m, exceptionally mature individuals may climb even higher. Ultimately, this species can achieve a maximum height of 35 m, making it a prominent feature of the forest canopy.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Terminalia bellirica is a versatile medicinal plant recognized for its diverse range of therapeutic activities. Scientific studies have highlighted its potent antibacterial and antiinfective properties, which show significant efficacy against various pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, the plant exhibits notable antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects, making it a valuable component in treating oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions. Research has also identified its anticoagulant potential, suggesting its utility in managing blood coagulation processes. Collectively, these biological activities support the traditional use of the species in various healthcare applications.
Compounds
Terminalia bellirica is a medicinal plant recognized for its rich profile of bioactive secondary metabolites found in its bark, fruits, and leaves. Research indicates that the plant contains several important tannin-related marker constituents, including chebulagic acid, corilagin, gallic acid, and chebulinic acid. These polyphenolic compounds contribute significantly to the plant's pronounced antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. Additionally, the oil derived from the species has been shown to possess a high content of tocopherol. Collectively, these chemical components support the traditional use of the plant in treating various health disorders.
Conditions
Terminalia bellirica exhibits significant therapeutic potential by treating various bacterial pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Acinetobacter baumannii. The plant's extracts have also demonstrated an ability to treat diabetes by inhibiting glycation at multiple stages and protecting erythrocytes from oxidative damage. Furthermore, research involving molecular modeling and network analysis indicates that phytochemicals from this species can target the Akt1 protein. These diverse biological activities highlight the plant's versatility as a medicinal resource for combating both infectious diseases and metabolic complications.
Preparations
Terminalia bellirica is prepared as an aqueous extract to investigate its antiglycation and antioxidant potential in protecting erythrocytes. This plant is also a key component of the polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation known as Arogyamrita Kwath. Additionally, it is included in an Ayurvedic polyherbal extract (PHE) that has been shown to enhance lifespan and stress resistance in model organisms. In traditional medicine, the dried fruits of the species serve as a primary ingredient in the famous Triphala formulation. Through these various preparations, the plant provides significant laxative, detoxifying, and rejuvenating effects.
Parts used
Terminalia bellirica is a medicinal plant species that possesses several biologically active components found within its various morphological structures. Scientific research highlights that the fruit of this plant serves as a primary ingredient in traditional Ayurvedic formulations like Triphala due to its detoxifying properties. Additionally, the leaf extracts have shown significant potential in green synthesis for creating antimalarial silver nanoparticles and exhibiting antioxidant activities. The stem also plays a role in the plant's profile, as it has been studied to ensure the safety of herbal remedies regarding heavy metal accumulation. Together, these different parts—the fruit, leaf, and stem—contribute to the extensive therapeutic applications of the species in folk medicine.