HARITAKI (TERMINALIA CHEBULA) AS A NEUROPROTECTIVE AGENT: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), a cornerstone herb in Ayurvedic medicine, has long been revered for its broad-spectrum therapeutic properties, particularly its effects on the nervous system. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe Haritaki as a "Medhya Rasayana" - a cognition-enhancing and rejuvenating agent - highlighting its role in maintaining neurological health and mental clarity. In recent decades, modern scientific research has begun to validate these traditional claims, uncovering a wide range of neuroprotective mechanisms including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuroregenerative effects. This comprehensive review aims to bridge classical Ayurvedic knowledge with current biomedical findings by exploring the pharmacological actions of Haritaki in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive dysfunction, and central nervous system disorders. The review also evaluates in vitro and in vivo studies, molecular pathways involved, and potential clinical applications. By integrating ancient wisdom with contemporary evidence, this review synthesizes traditional Ayurvedic insights with contemporary scientific findings, highlighting Haritaki's multifaceted role in neuroprotection.