Synonym: Chebulic myrobalan, Harde, Haritaki

Biological source: It consists of dried, ripe, and fully matured fruits of Terminalia chebula Retzr

Family Combretaceae.

Geographical source: Myrobalan tree is found in the sub-Himalayan tracks from Ravi to West Bengal, Assam and in all deciduous forests of India, specifically in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Assam.

Macroscopic characters:

Colour: Fruits are yellowish-brown

Taste: Astringent, slightly bitter and sweetish at the end

Size: 20 to 25 mm long and 15 to 25 mm wide

Shape: Ovate and wrinkled longitudinally

Uses:

Myrobalan is used mainly as an

• • Astringent,

  • Laxative, stomachic and tonic.

  • The laxative property of myrobalan is due to anthracene derivative present in the pericarp. it is also an anthelmintic.

  • Fruit pulp is used to cure bleeding.

  • It is an ingredient of ayurvedic preparation 'Triphala', used for treatment of variety of ailments.

  • Commercially, it is used in dyeing and tanning industry and also in treatment of water used for locomotives.

  • Myrobalan is also used in treatment of piles and external ulcers.

References:

1. Trease D. & Evans W.C.: Text Book of Pharmacognosy: W.B. Saunders.

2. Tyler V. E. Brady L. R. & Robbers J. E.: Pharmacognosy; Lea Feibger, USA.

3. Wallis T. E.; Text Book of Pharmacognosy; CBS Publishers, Delhi.

4. Kokate C. K., Purohit A. P. & Gokhale S. B.: Pharmacognosy; Nirali Publications, Pune.

5. Harbone J. B.: Phytochemical Methods: A guide to modern techniques Analysis: Chapman & Hall, London.

6. Bruneton J.: Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants: Intercept Limited.