HARITAKI

Description

Terminalia chebula is a medium to large deciduous tree growing to 30 m (98 ft) tall, with a trunk up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in diameter. The leaves are alternate to sub opposite in arrangement, oval, 7–8 cm (2.8–3.1 in) long and 4.5–10 cm (1.8–3.9 in) broad with a 1–3 cm (0.39–1.18 in) petiole. They have an acute tip, cordate at the base, margins entire, glabrous above with a yellowish pubescence below. The fruit is drupe-like, 2–4.5 cm (0.79–1.77 in) long and 1.2–2.5 cm (0.47–0.98 in) broad, blackish, with five longitudinal ridges. The dull white to yellow flowers are monoecious, and have a strong, unpleasant odor. They are borne in terminal spikes or short panicles. The fruits are smooth ellipsoid to ovoid drupes, yellow to orange-brown in color, with a single angled stone.

Chemical constituents:
A number of glycosides have been isolated from haritaki, including the triterpenes arjunglucoside I, arjungenin, and the chebulosides I and II. Other constituents include a coumarin conjugated with gallic acids called chebulin, as well as other phenolic compounds including ellagic acid, 2,4-chebulyl- β-D-glucopyranose, chebulinic acid, gallic acid, ethyl gallate, punicalagin, terflavin A, terchebin, luteolin, and tannic acid. Chebulic acid is a phenolic acid compound isolated from the ripe fruits.
Luteic acid can be isolated from the bark.

Terminalia chebula also contains terflavin B, a type of tannin, while chebulinic acid is found in the fruits.

Properties:
Rasa (Taste) –Pancha rasatmaka kashay pradhan except Lavan rasa
Guna (Quality)-Laghu, Ruksha.
Veerya (Potency) – Ushna
Vipaka – Madhur
Prabhav: Tridoshghna
Pramukh Karma – Anuloman, Stroto-vishodhan

Pharmacological action- The plant can be used as antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, antistress, antispasmodic, hypotensive, hypolipidemic, anthelmintic and purgative agent.

Benefits:

1 Diabetes
Haritaki has hypoglycaemic ability plays an essential role in lowering the body’s blood sugar levels. Also, this fruit activates the pancreas cells’ ability to produce insulin within the body and aids in slowing down the conversion of starch to glucose. As a result, daily consumption of Haritaki powder can significantly lower blood glucose levels and decrease different diabetic symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, etc.

2. Digestion
   It is for many gastrointestinal illnesses. This includes constipation, esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, diarrhoea, indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, peptic ulcer, and stomach pain.
   its carminative properties aid in the digestion of food particles in the stomach and intestine. This promotes the release of digestive juices and improves nutritional absorption in the intestines. Furthermore, it also aids in removing intestinal gas, which in turn lessens bloating, gaseous pains, and abdominal distension.
3. Improves Health
   Haritaki has many health advantages, This primarily results from the powerful effect of its “Rasayana” properties
   Also, being a natural aphrodisiac, it aids in lowering anxiety and mental stress while igniting the hormones that boost libido. Furthermore, it enhances both male and female fertility, addresses several problems with reproduction, and gives males more virility and endurance.
4. Enhances Cognitive Functioning
   One of the primary herbal properties of Haritaki is it helps in building strong cognitive properties. The potent antioxidants and flavonoids in this myrobalan enhance memory function, attention, concentration, tranquillity, and alertness.
5. Heals Infection and Wounds
   Haritaki has potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal qualities that are used to treat wounds and speed up healing. Since ancient times, the bioactive chemicals in this fruit have been utilised to cure various skin conditions, including ulcers, sores, skin fungus, and much more.
6. in Weight Loss
   Haritaki is an effective fruit for burning extra fat. It abates unexpected hunger sensations and yearning for unhealthy foods. Besides those, it also detoxifies the body by eliminating AMA pollutants. But, most importantly, it improves metabolism and aids in weight loss by reducing the build-up of LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol or low-density lipoproteins, in the body.
7. Protects Against Arthritis
   Haritaki may also treat rheumatoid arthritis. This fruit’s acetone extract can effectively control arthritis by lessening the inflammatory effect. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Besides arthritis, people can significantly reduce disease-related joint swelling by using Haritaki.
   Is Haritaki safe?
   Haritaki is generally considered safe, some conditions should avoid it In pregnanancy,recently donate blood ,experience fatigue, have diarrhea
   ,in dehydration

Contradictions:
Single herb usage of Haritaki is contraindicated in lactating mothers. It may decrease breast milk production. Haritaki in some people may cause abdominal pain. It is specifically found in people who cannot tolerate heat or people with extreme stomach sensitivity or severe gastritis.