Update on Terminalia chebula: biology, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry.

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A comprehensive biological, ethno- pharmacological and phytochemical update review on ayurvedic plant of terminalia chebula (hortoki) of bangladesh
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

A.K.M. Mohiuddin, Maidul Islam, Shahin Mahmud, Md. Aminul Islam Apu, Joyanta Halder, Md. Sadek Hosen Khoka, Hasibul Haque Rakib , Binita Shome and Md. Shariful Islam


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: A comprehensive biological, ethno- pharmacological and phytochemical update review on ayurvedic plant of terminalia chebula (hortoki) of bangladesh

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The review article discusses the medicinal plant Terminalia chebula, commonly known as HORTOKI in Bangladesh, acclaimed as the "king of medicine" in Ayurvedic treatment due to its diverse pharmacological, biological, and phytochemical properties. Despite significant advancements in modern medicine, traditional treatments using herbal remedies remain prevalent, especially in developing countries where a large percentage of the population relies on plant-based medicines. Terminalia chebula, known for its effectiveness in treating various ailments, including cancer, ulcers, and cardiovascular diseases, is increasingly recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits.

Pharmacological Activities

Terminalia chebula exhibits a multitude of pharmacological activities, making it a critical component of traditional medicine. Its constituents show potent antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anticancer properties. Specifically, the chemical compounds such as chebulic acid, gallic acid, and ellagic acid have been identified to possess significant biological effects, which contribute to the plant’s reputation as a therapeutic agent. The plant's extracts have demonstrated efficacy in various tests, underlining its importance in contemporary research aimed at validating traditional medicinal practices.

Phytochemistry

The phytochemical profile of Terminalia chebula includes a variety of bioactive compounds like tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which are responsible for its diverse health benefits. The high concentration of tannins, specifically, contributes to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Notable phytochemicals such as chebulinic acid and punicalagin have been extensively studied for their role in promoting health and preventing chronic diseases. Understanding these compounds is crucial for developing new therapeutic agents derived from natural sources, enhancing the application of Ayurvedic principles in modern pharmacology.

Healing Properties

In addition to its pharmacological properties, Terminalia chebula is known for its diverse healing applications, ranging from wound healing to gastrointestinal health. The plant's extracts aid digestion, enhance liver function, and improve overall body immunity. Furthermore, it has been utilized as a natural remedy for various ailments like ulcers and diabetes, highlighting its significance in both preventive and curative health strategies. Its popularity in traditional medicine across different cultures points to its effectiveness and the growing interest in herbal remedies.

Conclusion

Terminalia chebula stands out as a significant herbal remedy with vast potential in modern medicine, serving as a bridge between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific inquiry. The increasing demand for natural products emphasizes the need for further research into its medicinal properties and active constituents. This review aims to raise awareness about the potential benefits of Terminalia chebula, encouraging further investigation and integration of Ayurvedic practices and phytochemistry into healthcare solutions. As herbal medicine continues to gain traction, plants like Terminalia chebula may offer promising strategies for addressing various health challenges in the modern era.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Terminalia chebula and where is it primarily used?

Terminalia chebula, also known as HORTOKI, is an important medicinal plant used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine in Bangladesh and other Asian and African countries for various diseases.

What are some key pharmacological activities of Terminalia chebula?

Terminalia chebula exhibits a range of pharmacological activities including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective effects, making it a valuable herbal remedy.

What are the active phytochemical constituents of Terminalia chebula?

Important phytochemical constituents include chebulic acid, chebulinic acid, gallic acid, tannins, flavonoids, and ellagic acid, known for their medicinal properties and health benefits.

How does Terminalia chebula contribute to digestive health?

It acts as a mild laxative, digestive aid, and liver stimulant, improving gastrointestinal motility and frequency of stools, which supports overall digestive health.

What role does Terminalia chebula play in modern medicine?

Despite advancements in modern medicine, the herbal treatments gained via Terminalia chebula remain popular for managing conditions and are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential worldwide.

Why is Terminalia chebula referred to as the 'king of medicine'?

Due to its rich composition of active compounds and a wide range of uses in treating various ailments, Terminalia chebula is esteemed as the 'king of medicine' in traditional practices.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Update on Terminalia chebula: biology, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of the effects and mechanisms of action of drugs. In the context of research on Terminalia chebula, it highlights how its many active compounds exhibit various therapeutic properties, such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial effects, making it valuable in traditional and modern medicine.

2) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the biological effects exhibited by various compounds derived from Terminalia chebula. Such activities may include mechanisms that combat diseases or facilitate healing, illuminating the potential applications of this plant in pharmacology and the treatment of health conditions.

3) Terminalia chebula:
Terminalia chebula is a significant medicinal plant known as the 'king of medicine' in Ayurveda. It possesses a diverse range of pharmacological and phytochemical properties, making it widely utilized in traditional medicine systems in Bangladesh and beyond for treating numerous ailments.

4) Science (Scientific):
Scientific relates to systematic study and experimentation. Research into Terminalia chebula’s pharmacological properties utilizes scientific methods to validate traditional claims, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of its therapeutic potentials.

5) Water:
Water is a crucial solvent in the extraction of phytochemicals from plants like Terminalia chebula. It is commonly used in herbal medicine preparation, allowing the soluble medicinal compounds to be absorbed easily by the human body, thus enhancing the plant's therapeutic effects.

6) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants with potential health benefits. In Terminalia chebula, diverse phytochemicals such as tannins, flavonoids, and acids contribute significantly to its pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and antibacterial effects vital for its use in traditional medicine.

7) Medicine:
Medicine refers to various substances or treatments used to prevent or relieve illness, and encompasses both modern pharmaceuticals and traditional herbal treatments. Terminalia chebula serves as a vital part of Ayurvedic medicine, providing therapeutic effects that address multiple health issues.

8) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Anti-bacterial refers to the ability of a substance to prevent the growth of bacteria. The anti-bacterial properties of Terminalia chebula contribute significantly to its therapeutic applications in treating infections caused by pathogenic bacteria.

9) Disease:
Disease pertains to a state of ill health that can arise from various causes, which traditional medicine aims to address. Terminalia chebula is studied for its effectiveness in treating various diseases, including cancer and ulcers, showcasing its relevance in health care.

10) Male:
Male typically denotes the male sex in biological terms. In scientific studies involving Terminalia chebula, male subjects may be used in experimental models to assess the plant's pharmacological effects, providing specific insights into its efficacy and safety across different demographics.

11) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or intestines. Terminalia chebula is noted for its antiulcerogenic properties, making it valuable in traditional medicine as a treatment for ulcer-related discomfort and health complications.

12) Drug:
Drug signifies a substance used for medical treatment. Terminalia chebula, through its diverse bioactive compounds, serves as a natural drug in traditional practices, indicating the potential of herbal remedies to offer effective therapeutic solutions alongside conventional pharmaceuticals.

13) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of phytochemicals known for their antioxidant properties. In Terminalia chebula, flavonoids contribute to various pharmacological activities, including reducing inflammation and supporting overall health, thus affirming the plant's role in herbal medicine.

14) Aureus:
Aureus refers primarily to Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium that can cause infections. Terminalia chebula is recognized for its antibacterial activity against strains such as aureus, emphasizing the potential for herbal remedies to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

15) Powder:
Powder refers to a finely ground form of a substance. Terminalia chebula can be processed into a powder, which is often used in traditional medicine formulations to enhance convenience and efficacy when preparing herbal remedies.

16) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid within the human body, responsible for transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste. Some studies suggest that Terminalia chebula may have effects on blood purification and glucose regulation, highlighting its significance in managing metabolic health.

17) King:
King in this context signifies the title given to Terminalia chebula indicating its status as a highly regarded plant in Ayurvedic practices. The term reflects its extensive medicinal benefits and the respect it commands among medicinal botanicals.

18) Life:
Life represents the biological and physiological aspects of organisms. The pharmacological properties of Terminalia chebula are significant for enhancing the quality of life, providing health benefits that address various health issues affecting human wellbeing.

19) Developing:
Developing pertains to the process of evolving or enhancing something. Research in Terminalia chebula reflects a developing interest in herbal medicine, highlighting its potential to serve as a sustainable and effective therapeutic option in modern health care practices.

20) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the understanding and information gained through experience or education. The study of Terminalia chebula contributes to increasing knowledge about traditional medicinal practices and the scientific validation thereof, vital for the advancement of herbal medicine.

21) Bengali:
Bengali denotes the ethnic group native to Bangladesh and parts of India, where Terminalia chebula is known as HORTOKI. Its significance in Bengali herbal tradition showcases the deep-rooted cultural appreciation for natural remedies in health care.

22) Samtosha (Samtosa, Santosa, Santosha, Santosh):
Santosh refers to a place in Tangail, Bangladesh, where researchers associated with the study of Terminalia chebula are based. This local context underscores the plant's relevance in traditional medicine practices within the cultural landscape of the region.

23) Cancer:
Cancer is a serious health condition characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. The pharmacological studies on Terminalia chebula suggest potential anticancer properties, indicating its use in supportive therapies for this widespread disease.

24) Table:
Table in this context refers to a systematic collection of data, such as the findings related to the pharmacological activities of Terminalia chebula. Such tables aid in summarizing research results, making it easier to compare effects and compounds.

25) Tree:
Tree denotes the large perennial plant from which Terminalia chebula is derived. As a natural source of various medicinal compounds, the tree is integral to providing the pharmacological benefits highlighted in the research.

26) Viru:
Viru refers to viruses, which are microscopic infectious agents. Terminalia chebula's antiviral properties offer potential therapeutic avenues against viral infections, marking its significance in modern and traditional treatment methods.

27) Human body:
Human body signifies the organism being treated with medicinal substances. The interactions of Terminalia chebula's phytochemicals within the human body showcase its therapeutic potential and the importance of integrating herbal remedies into health regimens.

28) Anti-aging:
Anti-aging designates treatments aimed at reducing the effects of aging. Terminalia chebula’s rich content of antioxidants signifies its potential applications in cosmetics and wellness products targeting age-related health issues.

29) Leprosy:
Leprosy refers to a chronic infectious disease that affects skin and nerves. Terminalia chebula has historical significance in traditional medicine for its potential antiviral properties, suggesting its relevance in managing chronic infections like leprosy.

30) Species:
Species denotes a group of organisms that can interbreed. Terminalia chebula is a unique species within the Combretaceae family, distinguished for its medicinal properties recognized in various traditional health systems.

31) Mineral:
Minerals are essential nutrients required by the body for various physiological functions. Terminalia chebula contains various minerals which contribute to its overall nutritional value, enhancing its role as a dietary supplement.

32) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene reflects cleanliness practices that prevent disease. Terminalia chebula’s therapeutic properties contribute to hygiene practices in traditional health systems, demonstrating the connection between herbal remedies and public health.

33) Mahmud:
Mahmud is a common name and could refer to one of the authors involved in the research on Terminalia chebula. Collaborative efforts among researchers signify the shared responsibility in advancing knowledge in herbal medicine.

34) Family:
Family classifies a group of related plants. Terminalia chebula belongs to the Combretaceae family, highlighting its botanical relationships and enhancing awareness of its ecological and medicinal significance.

35) Medium:
Medium describes the size dimensions of organisms, indicating Terminalia chebula is a medium-sized tree. This aspect impacts its growth conditions, harvesting, and applications in traditional medicine.

36) Fever:
Fever is an elevated body temperature often indicating infection. Terminalia chebula’s potential to act on various pathogens underscores its traditional use in managing symptoms associated with fever.

37) Genu:
Genu typically refers to the knee region or the genus in taxonomy. In this context, it may pertain to classifications related to Terminalia chebula, thus emphasizing its biological and taxonomical significance.

38) Bird:
Bird may refer to a wildlife context where Terminalia chebula exists in its natural habitat, illustrating the importance of plants in supporting biodiversity and ecological interactions.

39) Ripe:
Ripe indicates the maturity of fruit or plants. The medicinal properties of Terminalia chebula may be particularly enhanced when the fruits are harvested at their ripe stage, which affects potency and efficacy.

40) Rich (Rch):
Rich refers to the abundance of compounds in Terminalia chebula. The plant is rich in phytochemicals, which are vital for its wide-ranging therapeutic applications and underscore its importance in herbal medicine.

41) Line:
Line may indicate a lineage or referral to specific data points in research. In discussing Terminalia chebula, it may denote instructions or methodologies that follow established lines of scientific inquiry in traditional and modern practices.

Other Science Concepts:

[back to top]

Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Update on Terminalia chebula: biology, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Terminalia chebula, Keyword, King of Medicine, Natural product, Traditional medicine, Herbal medicine, Ayurvedic treatment, Wound healing, Ayurvedic system, Digestive aid, Developing countries, Antibacterial activity, Antioxidant activity, Pharmacological activities, High performance liquid chromatography, Phytochemical analysis, Oxidative stress, Reactive oxygen species, Wound healing activity, Hypolipidemic activity, Antimicrobial activity, Immunomodulatory activity, Hepatoprotective activity, Antimicrobial agent, Anti Hyperglycemic effect, Botanical Description, Pharmacological review, Ethanolic extract, Pharmacological studies, Antioxidant activities, Anti-ulcer activity, Antitumor effect, Cytoprotective activity, Terminalia chebula Retz, Anti-diabetic activity, Ethnopharmacological properties, Antibiotic activity, Antioxidant status, Experimental diabetes, Immunomodulatory functions, Pharmaceutical Research, Typhoid fever, Cancer cell line, Antifungal properties, Antidiabetic effect, Antidiabetic activities, Antiulcerogenic activity, Advanced glycation endproducts, Liver toxicity, Antiproliferative effect, Capillary electrophoresis, Biochemical studies, Antiplasmodial activity, Geographical variation, Biochemical constituents, Cytoprotective effect, Cardioprotective effect, Bioactive component, Phytoconstituent, Health organization, Aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula, Anticlastogenic effect, Phytochemical constituent, Dermal wound.

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: