Terminalia chebula Medicinal Uses: A Review of in vitro and in vivo Studies

Abstract

Terminalia chebula Retz. (Fam. Combretaceae), commonly called black or chebulic myrobalan, is a species of Terminalia. In Tibet, T. chebula is called the “King of Medicine”. It is well known as ‘Haritaki’ since it can be used to cure all kinds of diseases and is considered sacred to God Siva (Hara). The whole plant possesses high medicinal value. The aim of this article is to review the available scientific information regarding traditional uses, bioactive chemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of T. chebula based on in vitro and in vivo studies. First, in this paper, the studies published on T. chebula from 1980 to 2022 were reviewed, and the biological activity and mechanisms of action of T. chebula were evaluated based on in vitro and in vivo studies. T. chebula presented anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, gastroprotective, anti-microbial, antiparasitic, wound healing, and anti-aging activities. Thus, this review suggests potential applications of T. chebula in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and pharmaceutical industries.