Terminalia chebula is a tree with a rounded crown and spreading branches. Its principle constituents contain chebulagic, chebulinic acid and corilagin. Its fruits have laxative, stomachic, tonic and alterative properties. It is also known as an adaptogen and hepatoprotective drug.
The fruit is astringent, tonic, purgative, carminative, alterative, stomachic, febrifuge, antiasthmatic. It is used in hemorrhoids, ophthalmia, sore throat, dental caries, bleeding and ulcerated gums, and diseases of the spleen. Chebulin isolated from the dried fruits possesses antispasmodic activity resembling that of papaverine. The fruit is antiviral, coagulant and hypoglycemic.
It acts as a gentle laxative and helps in smooth evacuation.
