Terminalia chebula

Common name: Haritaki / Black Myrobalan
Scientific name: Terminalia chebula Retz.
Family: Combretaceae

Description

Terminalia chebula is a medium-to-large deciduous tree that can grow up to 25–30 m tall, with a broad crown and dark, fissured bark. The leaves are opposite or sub-opposite, oval to elliptical (7–12 cm long), with a glossy surface and finely pubescent undersides. Its small yellowish-white flowers appear in terminal panicles and give off a strong, somewhat unpleasant scent. Fruits are ovoid drupes (2–3 cm long), turning from green to yellow-brown as they ripen, often bearing five distinct longitudinal ridges.

Distribution & Habitat

Native to South and Southeast Asia, T. chebula occurs across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, southern China, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. It typically inhabits dry deciduous forests and hilly regions up to 1,500 m (occasionally 2,000 m) elevation. The species tolerates a variety of soils—from sandy to clayey—and thrives in warm, subtropical climates with annual rainfall between 750–3,000 mm.

Phytochemistry

The fruit is rich in hydrolysable tannins and phenolic compounds including:

• Chebulinic acid

• Chebulagic acid

• Gallic acid

• Ellagic acid

• Corilagin

• Flavonoids and triterpenes

These compounds contribute to T. chebula’s antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Traditional & Medicinal Uses

In Ayurveda, Haritaki is considered one of the three fruits of the classical formulation Triphala. It is revered as a Rasāyana (rejuvenative) promoting longevity and digestive health.

Traditional uses include:

• Improving digestion and elimination

• Supporting respiratory and liver function

• Managing sore throats, coughs, and oral ulcers

• Astringent for chronic diarrhea and dysentery

• Topical use for wound healing

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is prescribed to “astringe the lungs and intestines,” easing chronic diarrhea and cough. The fruits are also a source of natural dyes and tannins for leather treatment.

Cultivation & Propagation

• Propagation: Typically grown from seed, though germination can be slow.

• Growth rate: Moderate; prefers full sunlight once established.

• Tolerance: Drought-resistant but sensitive to waterlogging.

• Soil preference: Well-drained, loamy soils.

Pharmacological Studies

Modern studies attribute several bioactivities to T. chebula extracts, including:

• Antioxidant — scavenging free radicals and preventing oxidative stress

• Antidiabetic — modulation of blood glucose and lipid profiles

• Antimicrobial — inhibition of bacterial and fungal growth

• Hepatoprotective — defense against chemical-induced liver damage

• Neuroprotective — potential memory-enhancing and anti-aging effects

However, while numerous in-vitro and animal studies are promising, robust human clinical evidence remains limited.

Cautions

• Excessive or long-term use may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical supervision.

• May interact with diabetes medications or laxatives.

Field Identification Notes

• Tree: Deciduous, dark bark, rounded crown.

• Leaves: Opposite, elliptical, 7–12 cm.

• Flowers: Small, yellowish-white, strongly scented.

• Fruit: Ribbed, ovoid, yellow-brown drupe (2–3 cm).

References

1. Bag, A., Bhattacharyya, S. K., & Chattopadhyay, R. R. (2013). The development of Terminalia chebula Retz. (Combretaceae) in clinical research. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 7(13), 19–24. PMC3631759

2. Saleem, A., et al. (2002). Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of fruits of Terminalia chebula. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 25(9), 1134–1137.

3. Sharma, S., et al. (2022). Phytochemistry, pharmacology and therapeutic applications of Terminalia chebula Retz: A review. Molecules, 29(23), 5547. MDPI

4. Tropical Plants Database (2024). Terminalia chebula. tropical.theferns.info

5. WebMD (2024). Terminalia chebula overview. webmd.com

6. PFAF (2024). Terminalia chebula Retz. Plant profile. pfaf.org