Ayurvedic and Modern aspect of Terminalia chebula Retz. Haritaki An Overview

Due to globalization the Ayurvedic science has been reached to every corner of the world. This science of life is well accepted today by many of countries and positive response to Ayurvedic is increasing day to day. The use of herbal drugs for prevention and treatment of various health ailments has been practice since time immemorial Terminalia chebula Retz. (Family-Combretaceae) is traditionally recommended by the Indian Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of several disorders. According to Ayurveda, due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating), and Vayasthapana (age-sustaining) actions it provides long healthy life and fights against variety of diseases. It is endowed with diverse pharmacological activities like antidiabetic, anti arthritic, Hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti plasmodia activity etc. It contains many important Phytochemicals such as chebulic acid, Gallic acid, ellagic acid, tannic acid, amino acids, flavonoids like luteolin, rutins and quercetin etc. It also consists of nutrients such as vitamin C, protein, amino acids and minerals. The present review is an effort to highlight the various traditional uses as well as Phytochemical and pharmacological activities reported so far from Haritaki which will surely help researchers to explore it at molecular level and pharmaceutical industries to develop a new product