European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

TRADITIONAL DESCRIPTIONS ON HARITAKI AND ITS THERAPEUTIC IMPORTANCE: A SCIENTIFIC REVIEW

Dr. Amol Sheshrao Patil*, Dr. Dattatraya B. Chavan and Dr. Vijaykumar Gawai

ABSTRACT

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is traditional drug and possesses many therapeutic uses; the classical Ayurveda literatures described sources, features and therapeutic uses, etc. of Haritaki. Haritaki prevent and cure many diseases including digestive, respiratory and metabolic problems, etc. It is considered „King of Medicines‟ and descriptions of this plant is also available in Nighantus as well as in Ayurveda materia medica. The fruit of plant used as chief ingredient in an important Ayurveda formulation Triphala. This plant helps in fungal infections, wound healing and helps to cure inflammations, etc. Plant possesses astringent, rejuvenative, stomachic and purgative, etc. properties. Ayurveda described different varieties of Haritaki based on their habitat and shape. This review emphasizes some key aspects of Haritaki in a view to explore medicinal importance of plant.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Haritaki, Triphala, Terminalia chebula.