Terminalia chebula is a tree that grows throughout India, Burma, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius. Its fruit is called Haritaki and is used in Ayurvedic medicine.
The fruit of the Terminalia chebula tree contains chemicals that might have pain-relieving affects. It might also reduce blood sugar.
People use Terminalia chebula for aging skin, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse Terminalia chebula with other Terminalia species, including Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia arjuna. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using Terminalia chebula for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Terminalia chebula is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects from Terminalia chebula might be.
When applied to the skin: Terminalia chebula is possibly safe when used for up to 40 days. There isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects from Terminalia chebula might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Terminalia chebula is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Terminalia chebula is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Surgery: Terminalia chebula might interfere with blood sugar control during surgery. Stop taking Terminalia chebula at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
The body breaks down chlorzoxazone to get rid of it. Terminalia chebula might decrease how quickly the body breaks down chlorzoxazone. Taking Terminalia along with chlorzoxazone might increase the effects and side effects of chlorzoxazone.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Terminalia chebula might lower blood sugar levels. Taking Terminalia chebula along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
The body breaks down omeprazole to get rid of it. Terminalia chebula might decrease how quickly the body breaks down omeprazole. Taking Terminalia chebula along with omeprazole might increase the effects and side effects of omeprazole.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Terminalia chebula might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Terminalia chebula has most often been used by adults in doses of 400-600 mg by mouth daily for up to 3 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Abhaya, Badamier chebule, Bala Harade, Black yrobalan, Chebulic Myrobalan, Chebulische, Gall nut, Gallnut, Halela Zard, Hara, Harad, Harade, Harada, Harra, Harro, He li le, He Zi, Indian gall nut, Indian gallnut, Indian gall-nut, Ink nut, Jangalii harro, Kadukka, Kadukkai, Kadukkaya, Karkchettu, Manja lawai, Mirobalanos índicos, Mirobaran no ki, Myrobalan, Myrobolan Chébule, Myrobalanenbaum, Pathya, Rispiger, Terminalia Chebulic, Thuulo harro.
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