Herb library · Herb · Terminalia chebula
Haritaki
The dried fruit of an Indian tree, the chebulic myrobalan, and one of the three fruits of triphala. Human research is mostly on triphala as a whole; trials of haritaki on its own are single and small.
Traditional use
Highly valued in Ayurveda, where its Sanskrit names include Haritaki, Abhaya and Pathya, and it was called a life-giver and the physician's favorite. Charaka's Samhita calls it the best of all things at the outset of an illness. Dutt's 1877 compilation from Sanskrit medical works records that the ancient Hindu physicians prized it as an alterative and tonic, that Sanskrit writers described seven varieties, and that one fruit a day was taken with a different companion in each season, salt in the rains, sugar in autumn, ginger and long pepper in the cold, honey in spring and treacle in the hot months. It is one of the three fruits of triphala, the Ayurvedic formula of amla, haritaki and bibhitaki. The fruit was also a major Indian export for tanning and dyeing. Today it is sold alone or in triphala for digestion and bowel regularity, as a mouthrinse, and for general wellness.
What studies show
- Limited
Gum inflammation (as triphala mouthrinse): a 2020 meta-analysis of 7 randomized trials found triphala mouthrinse did about as well as chlorhexidine for plaque and gum inflammation in people with gingivitis, but the trials differed a lot from one another.
- Limited
Cholesterol, blood sugar and weight (as triphala): a 2021 review of 12 trials found triphala might improve these under certain conditions, and says large, well-designed trials are needed to confirm it.
- Insufficient
Haritaki alone: single small trials have looked at blood vessel function in people with type 2 diabetes (60 people) and uric acid levels (110 people), with favorable results that have not been repeated.
Be careful of
Cautions
- NoteIn triphala trials no serious side effects were reported and liver and kidney tests did not change; one study noted loose stools, constipation, changed taste, nausea, skin effects and tiredness in a few people.
- ConditionStudied for blood sugar, cholesterol and uric acid. If you take medicine for any of these, talk with your clinician before adding it.
- PregnancyNCCIH advises talking with your clinician before using Ayurvedic products while pregnant or nursing.
- NoteSome Ayurvedic preparations include metals. The FDA warns that this makes some Ayurvedic products potentially harmful, and a 2015 survey found high lead or mercury levels in some of the supplements tested.
- Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.
From the old books
What herbals and dispensaries of the past printed. History, in their words.
“Of all things that are regarded as beneficial at the outset of treating a disease, the best is Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalaus).”
“It has received the names of Pránadá, or life-giver, Sudhá or nectar, Bhishakpriya or physician’s favourite and so forth.”
“A mythological origin has also been attributed to the tree. “It is said that when Indra was drinking amrita in heaven a drop of the fluid fell on the earth and produced the plant.””
Sources
- Effect of triphala mouthrinse on plaque and gingival inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (2020) (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
- Effects of Triphala on Lipid and Glucose Profiles and Anthropometric Parameters: A Systematic Review (2021) (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
- Effect of an aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula on endothelial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus (2020) (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-, and positive-controlled clinical pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of standardized aqueous extracts of Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellerica in subjects with hyperuricemia (2016) (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
- Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth (opens in a new tab) · NCCIH · read September 25, 2026
Reviewed September 25, 2026.