The Vayasthapan Karma (Age Sustaining Action) Of Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula Retz.)- A Review

Ageing is a natural ongoing process of unfavourable progressive changes correlated with deterioration in vitality and ending in death. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.) belonging to the family Combretaceae is the main herb used in Ayurvedic system of medicine since ages. The chapter 4 of Charak Samhita Sutrasthan deals with 50 different groups of 10 herbs with common action. The last of these groups is Vayasthapan Mahakashay i.e. the plants that prevent aging process and maintain the youth. One of the constituents of this group is Abhaya i.e. Haritaki which has an immense therapeutic significance. The plant is also documented to possess beneficial effects such as Rasayana (rejuvenating), Medhya (brain tonic) and Deepan (appetizer). It is very effective in the treatment of various ailments. By the virtues of Agnideepan (stimulating Agni), Aampachan(digesting Aam) and Srotas-shodhana i.e. cleaning the channels by detoxifying the metabolic waste, it supports the nourishment of Dhatus and mind as well as boosts energy. It performs the functions of Dhatwagnideepan in addition to Dhatwagniposhan and helps to improve physical and mental health. It prevents degeneration, extends youth and delays aging or rather reverse the aging process. Following various claims for management of several diseases, efforts have been made by researchers to validate the efficiency of this plant regarding anti-aging potential through scientific biological screening. A analysis of literature in this regard exposed distinguished pharmacological activities of Haritaki like Anti-oxidant, Free radical-scavenging, Cyto-protective, Immuno-modulatory, Anti-mutagenic, Anti-carcinogenic, Radio-protective, Chemo-preventive, Chemo-modulatory, Cardio-protective, Hepato-protective, Nephro-protective, Adaptogenic, Anti-bacterial, Anti-amoebic, Anti-protozoal, Anti-fungal, Anti-viral, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-allergic activity. Its chemical investigation has also shown the presence of important medicinal virtues. The present attempt is to emphasize data about Ayurvedic aspect and phytochemical and relevant pharmacological study for justification of Anti-aging property of Haritaki. The interpretation of phyto-chemical and pharmacological study of this plant confirms the submissions made in the Ayurvedic classics about its Vayasthapan i.e. age sustaing action. The future research on the basis of this compiled information with the use of radiotracers and nuclear imaging techniques to know the action of this marvel drug at the molecular level can pinpoint unexplored potential of it for the treatment of degenerative disorders and give a key for the existing problem of premature aging..