Abstract

Sarita. M. Kapgate* and Abhijit. B. Patil

ABSTRACT

The use of plants and plant products as medicines could be traced from the beginning of human civilization. Rigveda written between 4500 - 1600 has the earliest mention of medicinal use of plants in Hindu culture. A large proportion of the world population, especially in the developing countries relies mainly on the herbs as a cheap resource of medicinal drug. Terminalia chebula Retz. (TC) belongs to the family Combretaceae is one of the most important medicinal plants used in all streams of traditional medicines.TC has a wide range of medicinal properties and is an important ingredient of Triphala, a versatile formulation used effectively in various diseases. In Ayurveda TC is a key drug used for rejuvenation with mild laxative effect. TC possesses antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antiviral, antidermatophytic, antimutagenic, Ach inhibition, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, antiulcer activities. Besides it has least adverse effect with no toxicity. Present article is an endeavour to review pharmacological and therapeutic potential of various extracts and isolated phytoconstituents of Terminalia chebula to enhance our knowledge.