Haritaki Or T. Chebula

The Herbal Research Resources

Haritaki or Terminalia chebula is great herb with lack of extensive research studies. Despite this fact it has been in use as the most frequently used herb in Ayurveda. One Ayurveda Genius went to the extent to claim that mother can harm the child sometimes when angry but the T. chebula fruit can't harm when it is taken as a medicine.

Terminalia chebula fruit is mild laxative, stomachic, tonic, alterative, adaptogen, hepatoprotective, febrifuge, antispasmodic, expectorant, anti-asthmatic, antiviral and hypoglycaemic. It is useful in ophthalmia, hemorrhoids, dental caries, bleeding gums, ulcerated oral cavity and in many other diseases according to Ayurveda.

Haritaki In Classical Ayurveda Texts

There are several references in Ayurveda's classical text books about Terminalia chebula

1. Charaka Samhita, Disease Management Section, Ch.1

2. Charaka Samhita, Sutra Section, Ch. 25

3. Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Section, Ch. 46

4. Sushruta Samhita, Disease Management Section, Ch. 28

5. Chunekar KC. Bhav Prakasa Nighantu (Hindi translation). Chaukhambha Publications, Varanasi, 1960.

6. Dhanavantari Nighantu.

7. Raja Nighantu.

8. Madan Prakasha Nighantu.

Haritaki In Modern Herbal & Ayurveda References

1. Dravya Guna Vigyana by Priya Vrita Sharma, Vol. 2, Pg. 753-758, Chaukhamba Bharati Academy, 1995.

2. Indian Materia Medica by Dr K. M. Nadakarni, Vol. 2, Popular Prakashan, Reprint 2000.

3. Kirtikar, KR.; Basu, BD. In: Kirtikar KR, Basu BD. , editor. Indian Medicinal Plants. II.  Allahabad, India, Lalit Mohan Basu Publications; 1935.

4. Chopra RN. Indigenous Drugs of India. 2nd ed. Calcutta, India: U.N. Dhur and Sons: 1958.

5. The Wealth of India: Raw Materials. Vol. X. New Delhi: Publications and Information Directorate, CSIR, 1950, Pg. 171-177.

6. Indian Pharmacopoeia.

7. Bone K. Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs: Monographs for the Western Herbal Practitioner. Warwick, Queensland: Phytotherapy Press; 1996.

Clinical Research Studies Approved Effects Of Haritaki

1. Akhtar, H. et. al., Edrs., Dictionary of Indian Medicinal Plants, CIMAP, Lucknow, 1992, 458.

2. Inamdar, M.C. and Rajarama Rao, M.R., Studies on the pharmacology of Terminalia chebula., J. Sci. Ind. Res., 1962, 21C, 345.

3. Tamhane MD, Thorat SP, Rege NN, Dahanukar SA. Effect of oral administration of Terminalia chebula on gastric emptying: an experimental study. J Postgrad Med 1997;43:12-3. Its abstract is given below. (Courtesy - Journal of Postgraduate Medicine).

Abstract Of The Above Mentioned Research Study On Haritaki:

Terminalia chebula is a commonly advocated agent in Ayurveda for improving gastrointestinal motility. Charles Foster rats (150-200 gms of either sex) were divided into four groups as follows--Group 1 (n = 15) normal animals; Group II (n = 6) rats administered metoclopramide (1.35 mg/kg); Group III (n = 8) rats given atropine (0.45 mg/kg). These agents were injected intramuscularly, 30 mins before the experiment. Rats from Group IV (n = 8) were administered Terminalia chebula (100 mg/kg/day for 15 days orally).

 Metoclopramide and atropine have established prokinetic and antikinetic activities respectively and are therefore included for comparison. All rats were then given a test meal of methyl cellulose (1.5%) mixed with phenol red (50 mg/100 ml) orally and gastric emptying was measured 20 mins later. Gastric emptying of normal rats (Group I) was found to be 51.6 +/- 7.79%. Metoclopramide significantly increased the gastric emptying (76.33 +/- 12.37%; p < 0.01) and atropine inhibited the motility (% gastric emptying being 7.26 +/- 19.76%; p < 0.01).

Terminalia chebula was found to increase the percent gastric emptying (86.57 +/- 6.65%; p < 0.01). Thus from this study it appears that Terminalia chebula can serve as an useful alternative to prokinetic drugs available today.

More Of This Research On Haritaki Can Be Followed At >>>

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Web YOUR DOMAIN NAME

BACK TO TOP

Do You want to follow more research and resources - Visit Terminalia chebula - Clinical Research and Resources.

Want to know about the dosage and the forms in which Terminalia chebula is taken along with other general information about Haritaki>>>

Find the benefits & use of Terminalia chebula from Ayurvedic & modern point of view>>>

Yes, Haritaki, one of the safest herbs has some slight contraindications in Ayurveda literature. OK follow them>>>

Know more of the Herbal Detox & Rejuvenative effect of T. chebula throughout the year>>>

BACK TO TOP