Bibhitaki

Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) is a plant that is native to India. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine in the region. It is one of the essential herbs in Ayurveda and it is one of the constituents of the well-known ayurvedic polyherbal medicine called Triphala (meaning three fruits). Studies show that it is rich in tannins, glucoside, ellagic acid, gallyglucose and ethyl gallate, which may explain its numerous health benefits.¹^,²

Although Bibhitaki is frequently used as a traditional remedy in India, its use in the west is relatively new. However, numerous studies show its efficacy on various health conditions.

Health Benefits of Bibhitaki

Below are some of the well-known benefits of Bibhitaki:

Hepatoprotective

The liver is one of the most metabolically active organs in the body. It is the chemical factory of the body, processing various nutrients and producing many essential nutrients. It also has a central role in detoxification, as it neutralises all toxic foreign matter. It is also responsible for metabolising medications. Regretfully, this also means that it may get damaged due to high exposure to toxins. Studies show that Bibhitaki may help protect liver cells from toxins. Experimental studies show that Bibhitaki can protect the liver from toxic effects of commonly used pain killers like paracetamol and aceclofenac.³^,⁴
Anti-Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, is quite a complex disorder. It is about insulin resistance, altered metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Studies show that Bibhitaki may have potent anti-diabetic action. It appears to help in many ways and it may stimulate insulin production. Bibhitaki also inhibits starch digestion, especially when taken along or after food. Further, Bibhitaki prevents the production of glucose in the liver and prevents the glycation of proteins.⁵
Prevents Atherosclerosis

Hypertension is one of the most common health issues, and Bibhitaki has been used as a traditional ayurvedic remedy for this ailment. Modern studies show that Bibhitaki may help prevent atherosclerosis in multiple ways. It has potent antioxidant action and it may reduce the plasma level of various inflammatory biomarkers. It also prevents the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol.⁶
Anticancer Activity

Cancer is challenging to prevent and difficult to treat. Bibhitaki may help reduce cancer risk as it exerts anticancer action in many ways. Bibhitaki is an antioxidant and appears that gallic acid found in Bibhitaki may explain its role in preventing or managing cancer.⁷
Antimicrobial

Studies show that Bibhitaki may exert strong antimicrobial action. Researchers think that these antimicrobial properties are due to Bibhitaki’s content of alkaloids. It also appears to be active against various antibiotic-resistant strains.⁸
Thrombolytic Activity

In one of the experimental studies, researchers found that Bibhitaki could considerably delay clot formation time. Therefore, this may be one of the contributing mechanisms to Bibhitaki’s antiatherosclerosis activity.⁸
Anti-Hypertensive

Although studies regarding Bibhitaki are few, experience with Triphala shows that it is quite good for those living with hypertension. Further, experimental studies in mice confirm its dose-dependent blood-pressure-lowering action.⁸

Side Effects of Bibhitaki

Bibhitaki has a complex mechanism of action. It has numerous phytocompounds. Further, it is worth noting that it is not consumed as food but rather used as a medicinal herb. Although there are no reports of any severe side effects from Bibhitaki, these cannot be excluded. Most of the studies in humans did not mention its side effects. Since Bibhitaki has thrombolytic activity, it is suggested that it’s use may not mix well with blood-thinning drugs. It Is possible that Bibhitaki may also interact with other medications too.⁸

Properties

Adaptogen¹^,²
Adrenal Support¹^,²
Allergies¹^,²
Anti-Nausea¹^,²^,7
Anti-Parasitic⁸
Anti-Stress¹^,²
Antiseptic⁸
Antispasmodic⁸
Antiviral⁸
Aphrodisiac¹^,²
Bladder Support⁸
Cardiovascular Support¹^,⁵
Cholesterol⁵
Crohn’s Disease¹^,²
Cystic Fibrosis¹^,²
Demulcent³^,⁴
Energiser^1,2
Enhances Endurance¹^,²
Expectorant¹^,²
Fluid Retention¹^,²
Gall Bladder Support³^,⁴
Gall Stones³^,⁴
Heart Support / Health⁶^,⁸
High/Good Levels of Phytochemicals / Phytocompounds¹^,²
High/Good Levels of Vitamin C¹^,²
Indigestion¹^,²
Kidney Support⁸
Laxative⁸
Oral Health⁸
Prostate Support⁸
Toothache¹^,²
Toxin Removal¹^,²
Urethritis Support¹^,²
Wound Healing¹^,²

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