chebula

Chebula, or Terminalia chebula, commonly known as chebulic myrobalan or haritaki, is a deciduous tree in the family Combretaceae. The species is native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia and is cultivated in other tropical regions for fruit production.

The tree grows to a notable height, with simple, alternate leaves. Fruit appears in clusters and is ellipsoid, about 2–3 cm long, turning yellow when ripe and dark brown on drying. The dried fruit is used in traditional medicine and in commercial preparations, often under the name haritaki or chebulic myrobalan.

In Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine, the dried fruit is used in powders and extracts. It is one of the three fruits in Triphala, a common polyherbal formulation, and is used for digestive health, detoxification, and general wellness. It is also included in various topical preparations in some traditional skincare and wound-care regimens.

Chemical constituents include hydrolyzable tannins such as chebulic acid and chebulinic acid, along with gallic and ellagic acids and other polyphenols. Preclinical studies report antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity; some data suggest hepatoprotective effects. Clinical evidence remains limited and inconclusive regarding efficacy and safety for specific conditions.

Safety and regulation: Traditionally used at established doses, but high doses or prolonged use may cause gastrointestinal upset. Potential interactions with other medications exist, and use during pregnancy or nursing should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Quality and standardization vary across commercial preparations.