Common name: Haritaki / Chebulic Myrobalan / Ink Nut
Scientific name: Terminalia chebula Retz. (Fruit)
Family: Combretaceae

🌿 Description

Chebulic myrobalan refers to the dried mature fruit of Terminalia chebula, a deciduous tree revered in Ayurveda as the “King of Medicines.” The fruits are obovate to oval, 2–4 cm long, with a smooth to slightly wrinkled surface and five distinct longitudinal ridges.

When unripe, the fruit is green and astringent; as it ripens, it turns yellow to brown, hardening upon drying. The pulp encloses a single stone-like seed. The taste is complex — predominantly astringent, with sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and saline undertones, representing all five tastes in Ayurveda except salty.

🌍 Distribution & Source

Chebulic myrobalan is derived from Terminalia chebula, native to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, and Southeast Asia, commonly found in dry tropical and subtropical forests up to 1,500 m elevation.

In India, it grows extensively in the foothills of the Himalayas, central forests of Madhya Pradesh, and the Western Ghats. The fruits are collected after natural fall or manually harvested before ripening, then dried in sunlight for medicinal use.

⚗️ Phytochemistry

Chebulic myrobalan is rich in hydrolyzable tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, responsible for its potent antioxidant and adaptogenic properties.

Major bioactive constituents:

• Chebulagic acid

• Chebulinic acid

• Gallic acid

• Ellagic acid

• Tannic acid

• Flavonoids: quercetin, luteolin

• Anthraquinones: emodin, rhein

These compounds contribute to its antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory actions. Chebulagic acid, in particular, exhibits strong free radical scavenging and enzyme-modulating activity.

💊 Traditional & Medicinal Uses

Chebulic myrobalan is one of the three fruits in Triphala, alongside Emblica officinalis (Amla) and Terminalia bellirica (Bibhitaki). It is considered a rejuvenative (Rasayana), balancing all three doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Traditional Ayurvedic uses include:

• Enhancing digestion and promoting detoxification

• Mild laxative for constipation and sluggish bowel movement

• Liver tonic supporting bile secretion and detoxification

• Rejuvenating tonic to promote longevity and mental clarity

• Topical applications for wounds and ulcers

• Used in oral care for gum and throat inflammation

• Strengthening eyesight and improving general vitality

In Tibetan medicine, it is known as “King of Medicine” (Arura), and in Siddha medicine, it is used for respiratory ailments and nerve rejuvenation.

🧬 Pharmacological Studies

Modern research validates many traditional claims:

• Antioxidant: Potent free radical scavenging activity due to gallic and chebulinic acids.

• Digestive & hepatoprotective: Promotes bile flow, supports liver enzyme balance, and protects hepatocytes from toxins.

• Antimicrobial: Inhibits Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Candida albicans.

• Neuroprotective: Enhances acetylcholine function and prevents oxidative neuronal damage.

• Antidiabetic: Modulates glucose uptake and improves insulin sensitivity.

• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine activity and COX inhibition.

Clinical evidence supports its use in managing constipation, gastritis, oral ulcers, and mild liver dysfunction.

🌱 Preparation & Dosage

• Forms: Powder (churna), decoction (kwath), or standardized extract.

• Typical dosage: 1–3 g powder daily with warm water or honey.

• Decoction: 5–10 g fruit boiled in 200 ml water until reduced by half.

• Topical use: Paste of fruit powder for ulcers or inflamed gums.

⚠️ Cautions

• Excess consumption may cause loose stools or dehydration.

• Should be avoided during pregnancy or severe fatigue unless prescribed.

• May potentiate the effects of hypoglycemic or laxative medications.

🔍 Identification Notes

• Fruit: Ovoid to oblong, 2–4 cm long with five ridges; dark brown when mature.

• Taste: Predominantly astringent, slightly sweet and sour.

• Odor: Mildly aromatic, resinous.

• Resin content: High; used in traditional ink formulations (hence the name Ink Nut).

🧠 Symbolic & Cultural Significance

In Buddhist and Ayurvedic traditions, Haritaki is revered as a sacred plant of enlightenment. It is often depicted in the hand of the Medicine Buddha, symbolizing healing, regeneration, and knowledge.
It is also regarded as one of the “nectar-bearing” fruits that support consciousness and longevity.

📚 References

1. Bag, A., Bhattacharyya, S. K., & Chattopadhyay, R. R. (2013). The development of Terminalia chebula Retz. (Combretaceae) in clinical research. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 3(3), 244–252.

2. Saleem, A., et al. (2002). Antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of chebulagic acid from Terminalia chebula Retz. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 82(2–3), 191–198.

3. Lee, H. S., et al. (2005). Inhibitory effect of chebulagic acid on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase and its cytoprotective effect against oxidative stress. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 28(9), 1516–1519.

4. Park, Y., et al. (2010). Chebulic myrobalan attenuates high-glucose-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in human endothelial cells. Phytotherapy Research, 24(8), 1192–1198.

5. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (2020). Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) fruit monograph. Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

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

Terminalia chebula