terminalia bellerica

Terminalia bellerica is a deciduous tree in the Combretaceae family native to Southeast Asia that has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for over 3000 years. The fruit is one of the three components of **Triphala**, along with Terminalia chebula and Emblica officinalis. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is known as bibhitaki and is used as a **health harmonizer** to balance the three doshas (kapha, pitta, and vata). The fruit contains various bioactive compounds including **tannins, ellagic acid, ethyl gallate, galloyl glucose, chebulagic acid, phyllemblin, β-sitosterol, mannitol, glucose, fructose, and rhamnose**. It exhibits multiple pharmacological activities including **antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, anticancer, anti-hypertensive, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties**. The fruit has been traditionally used for treating digestive disorders (both diarrhea and constipation), respiratory conditions (asthma, cough, common cold), high cholesterol, liver protection, wound healing, and various other ailments. Research has shown it can inhibit LDL oxidation, reduce inflammation in macrophages, and provide protection against liver toxicity.

Other names

bibhitakibibhītakabeleric myrobalanbahedabehadabhendavibhitakivibhitālibahedbelliric myrobalanindian devil tree