A pharmacognostic, phytochemical and pharmacological review of Terminalia bellerica

Abstract

Terminalia bellerica (T. bellerica) is a tree belonging to the family Combretaceae. In Ayurvedic system of medicine, it is used as “health – harmonizer” in combination with Terminalia chebula and Emblica officnalis. It is a large deciduous tree found all over in Asia, mostly native to Sri Lanka. Traditionally, T. bellerica is used for treatment of various diseases such as conjunctivitis, asthma, migraine, baldness, constipation and weak eyesight. It contains various phytoconstituents such as glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compound, amino acids and saponins which are responsible for various pharmacological activities like anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-salmonella, anti-biofilm, anticancer, hepatoprotective, anti-pyretic and anti-diarrheal. This review article provides comprehensive information on pharmacognostic, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of T. bellerica, as a source for further research studies.