Haritaki

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz) is one of the most popular remedies in Ayurveda and is often described as a “King of Medicines”. It is one of the ingredients in the polyherbal ayurvedic remedy Triphala. It is considered to possess potent rejuvenating properties.¹

The fruit of the Haritaki tree or Terminalia chebula Retz is quite nutritious and rich in micronutrients. It is an excellent source of selenium and potassium. It is also rich in essential amino acids and vitamins. However, Haritaki is more appreciated for its medicinal value.²

Terminalia chebula Retz is a deciduous tree that is native to Asia. It grows widely in India, parts of the Middle East, the Mediterranean region, and even parts of China.³

It has numerous beneficial compounds like tannic acid, chebulinic acid, phenols, gallic acid, anthraquinone, terpenoids, glycosides, and many more. Therefore, it has numerous health effects.³

Health Benefits of Haritaki

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

Antimicrobial

Haritaki may help fight some of the most difficult to treat infections. Its antimicrobial activity appears to be due to its content of chebulic acid. Studies show that it has potent antibacterial activity against methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus. It is also active against trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole resistant E. coli infection that causes recurrent urinary infections.⁴
Antioxidant

Triphala, of which Haritaki is an ingredient, is used in a range of diseases, especially to manage metabolic disorders. Studies show that Haritaki is rich in phenolic compounds, terpenes and therefore may demonstrate potent free radical scavenging activity.⁵
Anticancer

Studies show that certain herbs may help protect against cancer. Researchers tested Haritaki extract in labs and found that it may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. They discovered that chebulinic acid, tannic acid, and ellagic acids were responsible for most of Haritaki’s anticancer effects.⁶
Antidiabetic

Triphala is often used to manage diabetes, and it appears that, like its other components, Haritaki also has antidiabetic properties. Studies in mice models show that Haritaki may boost insulin production. Additionally, Haritaki may help protect from diabetes-related complications due to its antioxidant properties.⁷
Immunomodulatory

Many of the effects of Haritaki may be due to its influence on the immune system. Studies show that it affects the immune system in mice. It has an immune-stimulating effect in laboratory mice and increases the count of immune cells. It also has some anti-allergic action.⁸
Cardioprotective

Haritaki appears to lower the concentration of inflammatory enzymes. Further, it seems to prevent lipid peroxidation, therefore preventing artherosclerosis.⁹
Anti-Aging

Due to its broad spectrum of action, Haritaki is thought to prolong lifespan. Haritaki is often incorporated into various Thai remedies for longevity.⁹
Wound Healing

Haritaki lowers inflammation and suppresses free radicals. Therefore, experimental studies in rats show that Haritaki can boost healing processes. Haritaki is also good when applied topically on wounds.³

Side Effects of Haritaki

Haritaki is relatively safe and rarely causes any side effects. Most of its side effects are limited to minor gastric distress. However, its abuse may cause toxicity as it is high in tannins, chebulinic acid and gallic acid. Further, it is essential to know that there are not enough studies to establish its long-term safety.

Properties

Adaptogen¹
Adrenal Support¹
Allergies¹
Anti-Aging¹^,²^,⁵
Anti-Bacterial⁴
Anti-Inflammatory⁸
Anti-Nausea¹
Anti-Parasitic⁴
Antimicrobial⁴
Antioxidant⁵
Antiseptic⁴
Anxiety⁹
Astringent⁴
Atherosclerosis⁹
Cancer Prevention⁶
Cardiovascular Support⁷
Cholesterol⁹
Crohn’s Disease⁸
Cystic Fibrosis⁸
Cystitis⁴
Dementia Prevention⁹
Diabetes / Blood Sugar⁷
Energiser²
Gall Bladder Support²
Haemorrhoids¹^,³
Heart Support / Health⁹
High/Good Levels of Potassium²
High/Good Levels of Selenium²
Hormonal Balance⁵
Immune Booster⁸
Kidney Support²
Laxative⁴
Muscle Spasms²
Nausea¹^,²
Oral Health⁴
Prostate Support²^,⁴
Sedative¹
Sexually Transmitted Diseases⁴
Toothache³
Toxin Removal¹
Urethritis Support³
Urinary Tract Issues³
Wound Healing³

References: