Abstract Terminalia bellerica is an important traditional Indian medicinal plant used in various ailments and rituals. The use of different parts of this plant like leaves and fruits as a medicament for treatment of various conditions is well documented in literature. Terminalia bellerica Roxb. (Combretaceae) is one of the ingredients of ayurvedic purgative medicament of ‘Triphala’ available in the Indian market for the treatment of dyspepsia, diarrhea, dysentery, inflammation of the small intestine biliousness, flatulence, liver disease and leprosy. It is the rich source of the presence of β-sitosterol, gallic acid, ellagic acid, galactose, ethyl gallate, chebulagic acid, mannitol, glucose, galactose, fructose and rhamnose in plant fruit extracts. The present review clarified the main active ingredients and pharmacological effects of Terminalia bellerica as a promising plant as a result of effectiveness and safety.
Keywords Terminalia bellerica, Gallic acid, Ethnopharmacology, Traditional use.