Phytochemistry and medicinal potential of the Terminalia bellirica Roxb. (Bahera)

Abstract

Terminalia bellirica Roxb., known as Bahera or Beleric or bastard myrobalan, belonging to the family Combretaceae of order Rosales, is a large deciduous tree common on plains and lower hills in Southeast Asia where it is also grown as an avenue tree. Glucoside, tannins, gallic acid, ellagic acid, ethyl galate, gallyl glucose, chebulanic acid are the main active phytoconstituents of medicinal importance. These phytoconstituents are responsible for many of the pharmacological roles. Different parts of the tree have various medicinal activities viz., antisecretory, analgesic, antihypertensive, antidiarrhoeal activity, antimicrobial activity antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiulcer, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, angiogenesis, antidepressant-like and anti-urolithiatic activity. This affects the LDL oxidation and macrophage inflammatory response and also nephrotoxic effects. Also having antipsychotic potential helpful in preventing delaying clot formation and have immunostimulant activity. Their traditional uses include relief in a cough, asthma, indigestion, dental problems, sore throat and wounds. The review also records some tissue culture investigations made for micropropagation and genetic diversity of T. bellirica.