Terminalia chebula

Terminalia chebula (family Combretaceae) is a deciduous tree native to South Asia whose dried fruit (often called “chebulic” or “haritaki”) has been used for millennia in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Modern research focuses on its rich polyphenolic profile, which underpins its use as a dietary supplement aimed at supporting digestive health, antioxidant status, and metabolic balance.

• Key Constituents: Hydrolyzable tannins:
  • Chebulic acid – C₁₄H₁₀O₈, IUPAC: 2‑(3,4‑dihydroxy‑5‑methoxy‑phenyl)‑2‑hydroxy‑2‑(3,4‑dihydroxy‑phenyl)acetic acid (MW 306.24 g/mol).
  • Chebulinic acid – C₂₂H₂₀O₁₄, IUPAC: 3,4‑dihydroxy‑5‑methoxy‑cinnamic acid 4‑O‑β‑D‑glucopyranoside (MW 602.51 g/mol).
  • Gallic acid – C₇H₆O₅ (MW 170.12 g/mol) and ellagic acid – C₁₄H₆O₈ (MW 302.19 g/mol).
• Molecular Properties: These molecules possess multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups, enabling strong hydrogen‑bonding and metal‑chelating capacities, which underlie their antioxidant and enzyme‑inhibitory activities.
• Standardization: The extracts are typically standardized to 30–45 % total tannins (by HPLC).

• Origin: The fruit is harvested from mature Terminalia chebula trees grown primarily in India (Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh), Nepal, and Myanmar.
• Harvest: Harvest occurs when the fruit turns golden‑brown (≈ 8 months after flowering).
• Extraction: Commercial supplements use water‑ethanol (50–70 %) extraction followed by spray‑drying to produce a standardized powder.
• Quality Standards: High‑quality products are certified GMP, ISO‑9001, and often USP‑verified for tannin content, free from heavy metals (< 10 ppm Pb) and pesticide residues (per WHO limits).
• Sustainable Sourcing: Sustainable sourcing emphasizes wild‑harvest with regulated yield and certified organic options to preserve forest ecosystems and ensure batch‑to‑batch phytochemical consistency.