Terminalia chebula
Chebulic myrobalan
Terminalia chebulu, commonly known as Haritaki in Ayurveda, is a cornerstone of traditional medicine. Often referred to as the "king of medicines," this versatile fruit is celebrated for its potent antioxidant and digestive properties. It plays a vital role in detoxification, supporting overall immunity and promoting long-term wellness.
- Scientific name: Terminalia chebula
- Family: Combretaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically classified within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further categorized under the order Myrtales and the family Combretaceae. Within these groups, it is identified by the genus Terminalia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Myrtales | WCVP |
| Family | Combretaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Terminalia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Terminalia chebulu, is recognized by various traditional names across different languages and regions. In Dhivehi, it is called އަރޮޅި, while in Hindi, it is commonly referred to as हरीतककी. In Kannada, the plant is known as ಅಳಲೆ ಕಾಯಿ, and in Thai, it goes by the name สมอไทย. Additionally, it is identified as ହରିଡ଼ା in Odia.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| dv | އަރޮޅި | Wikidata |
| hi | हरीतकी | Wikidata |
| kn | ಅಳಲೆ ಕಾಯಿ | Wikidata |
| th | สมอไทย | Wikidata |
| or | ହରିଡ଼ା | Wikidata |
| ps | هريړه | Wikidata |
| ml | കടുക്ക | Wikidata |
| mr | हिरडा | Wikidata |
| fa | هلیله سیاه | Wikidata |
| te | కరక్కాయ | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across Asia and Africa. In the Indian Subcontinent, it is notably found within the area of Assam. Its presence extends into Eastern Asia, where it can be located in Taiwan. The species is also widely distributed throughout China, specifically across the South-Central and Southeast regions. Additionally, it grows in West-Central Tropical Africa, particularly within the DR Congo.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Pakistan | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known commonly as Haritaki, utilizes various components for its extensive medicinal purposes. The most significant part is the fruit, which is often referred to in its dried form as the fruits used in traditional Ayurvedic formulations. Within this drupe, the seed is embedded, though it is typically discarded during processing. The medicinal properties are also found in the leaves, which are used for their various therapeutic qualities, as well as the stem, which can be utilized in specific decoctions.- Total parts
- 28
- Scientific sources
- 69
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruits | 18 | ★★★★★ |
| fruit | 12 | ★★★★★ |
| stem | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| seed | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| bark | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| galls | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit extract | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dried fruits | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Terminalia chebula has 76 reported phytochemicals identified across 143 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ellagic acid, gallic acid, chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, flavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 76
- Scientific sources
- 143
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ellagic acid | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| gallic acid | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| chebulagic acid | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| chebulinic acid | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| flavonoids | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| tannins | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| polyphenols | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| chebulic acid | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| corilagin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| methyl gallate | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Activities
Terminalia chebula has 20 reported activities identified across 42 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Anthelmintic, Antihistaminic.
- Total activities
- 20
- Scientific sources
- 42
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| Antibacterial | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihistaminic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimutagenic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antispasmodic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Terminalia chebula has 68 reported medicinal uses identified across 82 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include allergic rhinitis, cancer, dental caries, inflammation, Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- Total uses
- 68
- Scientific sources
- 82
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| allergic rhinitis | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| dental caries | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Klebsiella pneumoniae | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| jaundice | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sore throat | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |