Myrobalan (scientific name Terminalia chebula) is a plant native to India and Southeast Asia, and is considered one of the three major fruits in Ayurveda. It is also one of the main ingredients of "Triphala," known as a rejuvenating medicine. In Buddhism, it is symbolically regarded as a "panacea" plant inserted in the medicine jar held in the left hand of Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha).
It is rich in various plant-derived components such as tannins, phenolic acids, lignans, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. It also contains a high amount of ellagic acid, which is beneficial for beauty and health. Based on these components, multifaceted physiological activities such as antioxidant effects, skin condition support, anti-aging care, and metabolic balance regulation are suggested.
Traditionally, it has been used for a wide range of purposes, including bleeding care, carminative effects, dysentery, liver function support, digestion promotion, diarrhea relief, pain relief, deworming, antibacterial effects, and skin trouble care. Recent research reports its effects such as antioxidant properties, skin beautification support, wound care, antibacterial effects, metabolic balance support, anti-inflammatory effects, cholesterol balance regulation, and gut environment support in basic research and some clinical studies.
Characteristics of Myrobalan
- Scientific name: Terminalia chebula
- Classification: Combretaceae, Terminalia genus
- Alias: Haritaki
- Appearance: Light green fruit
- Origin: India to South Asia
- Taste: Strong sourness, bitterness, and astringency
Main Active Ingredients (Examples Reported)
- Tannins: Chebulic acid, Chebulaginic acid, Corilagin
- Phenolic acids: Gallic acid, Ellagic acid
- Flavonoids: Quercetin derivatives, Luteolin derivatives
- Lignans: Lignans
- Triterpenoids: Arjunolic acid derivatives
- Organic acids: Shikimic acid, Citric acid
- Others: Polysaccharides, Minerals
Expected Effects
- Antioxidant support: It is suggested that it may contribute to maintaining the health of the cellular environment by reducing oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species.
- Skin beautification and skin condition support: It is suggested that it may contribute to maintaining skin texture, reducing redness, balancing sebum, improving skin brightness, and supporting wound healing.
- Anti-aging care support: It is suggested that it may contribute to reducing cellular aging stress and maintaining healthy aging.
- Blood sugar balance support: It is suggested that it may contribute to maintaining healthy blood sugar control.
- Oral and periodontal condition support: It is suggested that it may contribute to stabilizing the oral environment and maintaining gum health.
- Anti-inflammatory and joint support: It is suggested that it may contribute to reducing inflammatory load and maintaining joint comfort.
- Gut and digestive support: It is suggested that it may contribute to maintaining a balanced gut environment and healthy digestive function.
- Lipid and metabolic balance support: It is suggested that it may contribute to maintaining healthy cholesterol and lipid balance.
