REVIEW ON HERBAL BENEFITS OF TERMINALIA CHEBULA

AbstractThe Ancient Indian civilization is the origin of the 5,000-year-old Ayurvedic treatment system. The WHO estimates thatalmost 80% of people get their main medical treatment mostly from plant-based traditional medicine. We employ a variety ofherbal remedies in the traditional approach to develop contemporary medications. Terminalia chebula (Haritaki), acornerstone of Ayurveda and traditional medicine, has garnered global scientific interest due to its multifaceted therapeuticpotential. This review synthesizes recent advancements in understanding its phytochemical composition, pharmacologicalactivities, and clinical applications. Rich in bioactive compounds such as chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, and tannins, T.chebula exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. Emerging evidencehighlights its role in modulating gut microbiota, enhancing digestive health, and mitigating oxidative stress-relatedpathologies like neurodegenerative disorders and metabolic syndrome. Notably, its synergistic effects in polyherbalformulations underscore its adaptability in integrative medicine. Despite its widespread use, challenges in standardization,bioavailability, and long-term safety necessitate further research. This review critically evaluates preclinical and clinicalstudies from the past decade, addressing gaps in mechanistic understanding and advocating for advanced delivery systems tooptimize therapeutic efficacy. By bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific validation, T. chebula emerges as apromising candidate for drug development, warranting interdisciplinary collaboration to unlock its full potential in globalhealthcare.