Taxonomy: It is called Haritaki in bangle and hindi. In English it is called Myrobalon, Chebulic, Indian gallnut & Scientific Name is Teminalia chebula.
Parts Used in Medicine: Fruits
Phytochemicals: Major chemical contents are tannin, anthraquinones, chebulinic acid, chebulic achi, chebulagic acid, ellagic acid and gallic acid. Othe minor chemicals are glucose, sorbitol, polyphenollc compounds, triterpene glycosides, flavonoids, reducing sugar and starch.
Organolaptic tests:
Sight/ observation: Observe the fruits structure specially shape, size, average weight, age etc. It i ribbed and nut-like fruits. The fruit is drupe-like, 2-4.5 cm long and 1.2-2.5 cm broad, blackish, with five longitudinal ridges. The fruits are smooth ellipsoid to ovoid drupes, yellow to orange-brown in colour, with a single angled stone.
Taste: It is stringent and slightly bitter.
Tensillty: It is hard.
Physical Test:
Water Behavior: Dried fruits sink in water and powder mixes whthin 20 seconds in water.
Moisture Content: Dried fruits contain about 14% w/w moisture
PH of water extract: PH of 5% w/v water extact is 2.0-1.0
Reaction of the chemicals with Crud powder:
It shows dark brown clour in alkaline solution, pink colur in Sulfuric acid solution, orange colour in Nitric acid solution & Yellowish colour in alcoholic solution.
Qualitative Analysis:
Tannin Test: Add few drops of 5% FeCl3 soln. Into 1ml of 5% extract. The resultant soln, form dark blue colour and it will yellowish ppt. ater adding of dill. H2SO4
Phenol test: Add few drops of 10% FeCl3 soln. into 1ml of 5% extract. The resultant color is dark blue.
Pharmacology: It is used in preparing ‘Triphala’. Haritaki has iaxative, purgative. astromgemt amd dru [rp[ertoes/ The [aste pf ots friot os effective in reducing swelling, hastening the healing process and cleansing the wounds and ulcers. The paste gives relief to the eyelids, in case of conjunctivitis. It serves as a good astringent for loose gums, bleeding and ulceration in gums. Regular consumption of haritaki powder fried in ghee, promotes longevity and boosts energy. It responds well to gastrointestinal ailments, tumors, ascites, piles, enlargement of liver-spleen, worms and colitis. Its powder, when mixed with honey and ghee, is and effective remedy for anemia. Its decoction. when taken along with honey, is of great help in hepatitis and obesity. Haritaki helps in improving appetite and helps indigestion. It is a good nervine and helps in nervous weakness and nervous irritability and promotes the receiving power of the five senses. Shince it is anti-inflammatory and astringent, it is helpful in urethral discharges like spematorrhea and vaginal discharges like leucorrhea.
Presentation: Haritaki is used in various herbal & Unani medicines. Such as Hazmi (Tablet & Syrup), Hemorin tablet, Hemopil tablet, Etrifal Ustukhudus, Etrfal Badian, Etrifal Shahtara etc.