Research Update:Terminalia Belerica.

  seminal trace...Terminalia extract.Terminalia bellerica Extract,Terminalia chebula extract.Terminalia bellerica fruit dry extract,Terminalia bellerica alcoholic extract,Terminalia Aqueous extract...

 


   Phytochemical info of Terminalia Belerica.

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 Definition:Terminalia Belerica are majorly composed of
 Chemical information disclosed as following table:


   Research Update:Terminalia Belerica.

  Use of an aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula as an anticaries agent: a clinical study.:Indian J Dent Res. 2007 Oct-Dec;18(4):152-6.Carounanidy U, Satyanarayanan R, Velmurugan A.Division of Conservative, Dentistry and Endodontics, Rajah Muthiah Dental College and Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu - 608 002, India.

 Plant-derived medicines have been a part of our traditional health care system, and the antimicrobial properties of plant-derived compounds are well documented. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of an aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula (a medicinal plant) on salivary samples and its potential for use as an anticaries agent in the form of mouthwash. A concentrated aqueous extract was prepared from the fruit of T. chebula . A mouth rinse of 10% concentration was prepared by diluting the extract in sterile distilled water. The efficacy of the mouth rinse was assessed by testing on 50 salivary samples. Salivary samples were collected from subjects assessed to be at high risk for caries. Salivary pH, buffering capacity, and microbial activity were assessed before rinsing, immediately after, and 10 min, 30 min, and 1 h after rinsing. There was an increase in the pH and buffering capacity and decrease in microbial count. An aqueous extract of T. chebula used as a mouth rinse seems to be an effective anticaries agent.

  Effect of T. chebula on mitochondrial alterations in experimental myocardial injury.:Chem Biol Interact. 2007 Sep 20;169(3):145-53. Epub 2007 Jun 20.Suchalatha S, Srinivasan P, Devi CS.Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600025, India. suchalatha03@yahoo.co.in

 Mitochondria play a central role in molecular events leading to tissue damage in ischemia. The present study examines the role of the alcoholic extract of T. chebula (TCE) pretreatment (50 mg/100 g body weight) to attenuate the isoproterenol (ISO) (20mg/100g body wt, sc) induced alterations on heart mitochondrial ultrastucture and function in experimental rats. ISO induced cardiotoxicity was evidenced by a significant rise in the level of lactate, decrease in enzyme activities of tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), mitochondrial respiration, levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and oxidative phosphorylation. TCE intervention significantly attenuated the above alterations by ISO and retained near normal function of the mitochondria. Electron microscopic studies of the mitochondria further support the isoproterenol induced deleterious changes and accredit the protective effect of TCE on mitochondrial structure and energy metabolism.

  Evaluation of the growth inhibitory activities of Triphala against common bacterial isolates from HIV infected patients:Phytother Res. 2007 May;21(5):476-80.

 The isolation of microbial agents less susceptible to regular antibiotics and the rising trend in the recovery rates of resistant bacteria highlights the need for newer alternative principles. Triphala has been used in traditional medicine practice against certain diseases such as jaundice, fever, cough, eye diseases etc. In the present study phytochemical (phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid) and antibacterial activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Triphala and its individual components (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Emblica officinalis) were tested against certain bacterial isolates (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella sonnei, S. flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella paratyphi-B, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella typhi) obtained from HIV infected patients using Kirby-Bauer's disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. T. chebula was found to possess high phytochemical content followed by T. belerica and E. officinalis in both aqueous and ethanol extracts. Further, most of the bacterial isolates were inhibited by the ethanol and aqueous extracts of T. chebula followed by T. belerica and E. officinalis by both disk diffusion and MIC methods. The present study revealed that both individual and combined aqueous and ethanol extracts of Triphala have antibacterial activity against the bacterial isolates tested.

  Hypolipidemic effect of triphala in experimentally induced hypercholesteremic rats.:Yakugaku Zasshi. 2007 Feb;127(2):385-8.

 Hypercholesteremia is one of the risk factors for coronary artery disease. The present study highlights the efficacy of Ayurvedic herbal formulation Triphala (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, and Emblica officinalis) on total cholesterol, Low density lipoprotein (LDL), Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), High density lipoprotein (HDL) and free fatty acid in experimentally induced hypercholesteremic rats. Four groups of rats were employed namely control, Triphala treated, hypercholesterolemia rats (4% Cholesterol + 1% cholic acid + egg yolk) and Triphala pre-treatment in hypercholesteremic rats. Results showed significant increase in the total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, and free fatty acid in hypercholesteremic rats were significantly reduced in Triphala treated hypercholesteremic rats. The data demonstrated that Triphala formulation was associated with hypolipidemic effects on the experimentally induced hypercholesteremic rats.

  Chemomodulatory effects of Terminalia chebula against nickel chloride induced oxidative stress and tumor promotion response in male Wistar rats.:J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2006;20(4):233-9. Epub 2006 Oct 2.

 Nickel, a major environmental pollutant is a known potent nephrotoxic agent. In this communication we report the chemopreventive effect of Terminalia chebula on nickel chloride (NiCl(2)) induced renal oxidative stress, toxicity and cell proliferation response in male Wistar rats. Administration of NiCl(2) (250micromoL Ni/kg body weight) to male Wistar rats resulted in an increase in the reduced renal glutathione content (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), lipid peroxidation (LPO), H(2)O(2) generation, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine with a concomitant decrease in the activity of glutathione peroxidase (p<0.001). Nickel chloride (NiCl(2)) treatment also induced tumor promotion markers, viz., ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and thymidine [(3)H] incorporation into renal DNA (p<0.001). Prophylactic treatment of rats with T. chebula (25mg/kg body weight and 50mg/kg body weight) daily for one week resulted in the diminution of NiCl(2) mediated damage as evident from the down regulation of glutathione content, GST, GR, LPO, H(2)O(2) generation, BUN, serum creatinine, DNA synthesis (p<0.001) and ODC activity (p<0.01) with concomitant restoration of GPx activity. Thus, the present investigation suggests that T. chebula extract could be used as therapeutic agent for cancer prevention as evident from this study where it blocks or suppresses the events associated with chemical carcinogenesis.


  Growth-inhibiting activity of active component isolated from Terminalia chebula fruits against intestinal bacteria.:J Food Prot. 2006 Sep;69(9):2205-9.

 The growth-inhibitory activity of materials derived from the fruit of Terminalia chebula was evaluated against six intestinal bacteria by means of an impregnated paper disk agar diffusion method. The butanol fraction of T. chebula extract had profound growth-inhibitory activity at a concentration of 5 mg per disk. The biologically active component isolated from the T. chebula fruits was identified with a variety of spectroscopic analyses as ethanedioic acid. The growth responses varied in accordance with the bacterial strain, chemical, and dosage tested. In a test with concentrations of 2 and 1 mg per disk, ethanedioic acid had strong and moderate inhibitory activity against Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli, respectively, with no associated adverse effects on the growth of the four tested lactic acid-producing bacteria. Ellagic acid derived from T. chebula fruits exerted a potent inhibitory effect against C. perfringens and E. coli, but little or no inhibition was observed with treatments of behenic acid, P-caryophyllene, eugenol, isoquercitrin, oleic acid, ca-phellandrene, 3-sitosterol, stearic acid, a-terpinene, terpinen-4-ol, terpinolene, or triacontanoic acid. These results may be an indication of at least one of the pharmacological properties of T. chebula fruits.

  Isolation of chebulic acid from Terminalia chebula Retz. and its antioxidant effect in isolated rat hepatocytes.:Arch Toxicol. 2007 Mar;81(3):211-8. Epub 2006 Aug 24.

 A hepatoprotective compound was isolated from the ethanolic extract of the fruits of Terminalia chebula Retz. by consecutive solvent partitioning, followed by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies. The purified compound was identified as a mixture of chebulic acid and its minor isomer, neochebulic acid, with a ratio of 2:1 by spectroscopic analysis including 1D and 2D NMR and MS spectroscopy. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the protection of rat hepatocytes against oxidative toxicity by chebulic acid obtained from T. chebula Retz. This compound exhibited in vitro a free radical-scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant activity. Also, the specific ESR spectrum for the (*)OOH radical signals consisting of three-line ESR spectra was within the field of 0.27 mT, whereas 2.5 and 0.25 mg/ml of chebulic acid significantly reduced the signal intensity of the ESR spectra to 0.06 mT and 0.11 mT, respectively. Using isolated rat hepatocyte experiment, we demonstrated that the treatment of hepatocytes with chebulic acid significantly reduced the tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced cell cytotoxicity, intracellular reactive oxygen species level, and the ratio of GSSH, oxidized form of glutathione (GSH) to the over total GSH (GSH + GSSG) (4.42%) as compared to that with t-BHP alone (8.33%).

  Preparative isolation of hydrolysable tannins chebulagic acid and chebulinic acid from Terminalia chebula by high-speed counter-current chromatography.:J Sep Sci. 2006 Jul;29(11):1653-7.

 As a chromatographic column, the high-speed counter-current chromatography system was equipped with a preparative HPLC series, enabling the successful isolation of hydrolysable tannins from the fruits of Terminalia chebula, a traditional Chinese medicine. The two-phase solvent system was composed of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (1:20:1:20 v/v). As a result, 33.2 mg chebulagic and 15.8 mg chebulinic acids were obtained in one step from 300 mg of crude extract. Their purities were determined by HPLC to be 95.3 and 96.1%, respectively. The chemical structures were identified by their MS and 1H NMR spectra.

  Antidiabetic and renoprotective effects of the chloroform extract of Terminalia chebula Retz. seeds in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.:BMC Complement Altern Med. 2006 May 7;6:17.

 BACKGROUND: Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae) has been widely used in Ayurveda for the treatment of diabetes. In the present investigation, the chloroform extract of T. chebula seed powder was investigated for its antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using short term and long term study protocols. The efficacy of the extract was also evaluated for protection of renal functions in diabetic rats. METHODS: The blood glucose lowering activity of the chloroform extract was determined in streptozotocin-induced (75 mg/kg, i.p.; dissolved in 0.1 M acetate buffer; pH 4.5) diabetic rats, after oral administration at the doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg in short term study. Blood samples were collected from the eye retro-orbital plexus of rats before and also at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h after drug administration and the samples were analyzed for blood glucose by using glucose-oxidase/peroxidase method using a visible spectrophotometer. In long term study, the extract (300 mg/kg) was administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, daily for 8 weeks. Blood glucose was measured at weekly intervals for 4 weeks. Urine samples were collected before the induction of diabetes and at the end of 8 weeks of treatments and analyzed for urinary protein, albumin and creatinine levels. The data was compared statistically using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Dunnet's t-test. RESULTS: The chloroform extract of T. chebula seeds produced dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose of diabetic rats and comparable with that of standard drug, glibenclamide in short term study. It also produced significant reduction in blood glucose in long term study. Significant renoprotective activity is observed in T. chebula treated rats. The results indicate a prolonged action in reduction of blood glucose by T. chebula and is probably mediated through enhanced secretion of insulin from the beta-cells of Langerhans or through extra pancreatic mechanism. The probable mechanism of potent renoprotective actions of T. chebula has to be evaluated. CONCLUSION: The present studies clearly indicated a significant antidiabetic and renoprotective effects with the chloroform extract of T. chebula and lend support for its traditional usage. Further investigations on identification of the active principles and their mode of action are needed to unravel the molecular mechanisms involved in the observed effects.

  Terminalia chebula (fruit) prevents liver toxicity caused by sub-chronic administration of rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide in combination.:Hum Exp Toxicol. 2006 Mar;25(3):111-8.

 Terminalia chebula Gertn. (Combetraceae) is an important herbal drug in Ayurvedic pharmacopea. In the present study, a 95% ethanolic extract of T. chebula (fruit) (TC extract), which was chemically characterized on the basis of chebuloside II as a marker, was investigated for hepatoprotective activity against anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drug-induced toxicity. TC extract was found to prevent the hepatotoxicity caused by the administration of rifampicin (RIF), isoniazid (INH) and pyrazinamide (PZA) (in combination) in a sub-chronic mode (12 weeks). The hepatoprotective effect of TC extract could be attributed to its prominent anti-oxidative and membrane stabilizing activities. The changes in biochemical observations were supported by histological profile.


  Effect of Triphala on oxidative stress and on cell-mediated immune response against noise stress in rats.:Mol Cell Biochem. 2006 Feb;283(1-2):67-74.

 Stress is one of the basic factors in the etiology of number of diseases. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of Triphala (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Emblica officinalis) on noise-stress induced alterations in the antioxidant status and on the cell-mediated immune response in Wistar strain male albino rats. Noise-stress employed in this study was 100 dB for 4 h/d/15 days and Triphala was used at a dose of 1 g/kg/b.w/48 days. Eight different groups of rats namely, non-immunized: control, Triphala, noise-stress, Triphala with noise-stress, and corresponding immunized groups were used. Sheep red blood cells (5 x 10(9) cells/ml) were used to immunize the animals. Biochemical indicators of oxidative stress namely lipid peroxidation, antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), ascorbic acid in plasma and tissues (thymus and spleen) and SOD, GPx and corticosterone level in plasma were estimated. Cell-mediated immune response namely foot pad thickness (FPT) and leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) test were performed only in immunized groups. Results showed that noise-stress significantly increased the lipid peroxidation and corticosterone level with concomitant depletion of antioxidants in plasma and tissues of both non-immunized and immunized rats. Noise-stress significantly suppressed the cell-mediated immune response by decreased FPT with an enhanced LMI test. The supplementation with Triphala prevents the noise-stress induced changes in the antioxidant as well as cell-mediated immune response in rats. This study concludes that Triphala restores the noise-stress induced changes may be due to its antioxidant properties.

  In vitro antioxidant studies and free radical reactions of triphala, an ayurvedic formulation and its constituents.:Phytother Res. 2005 Jul;19(7):582-6.

 The aqueous extract of the fruits of Emblica officinalis (T1), Terminalia chebula (T2) and Terminalia belerica (T3) and their equiproportional mixture triphala were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity. gamma-Radiation induced strand break formation in plasmid DNA (pBR322) was effectively inhibited by triphala and its constituents in the concentration range 25-200 microg/mL with a percentage inhibition of T1 (30%-83%), T2 (21%-71%), T3 (8%-58%) and triphala (17%-63%). They also inhibited radiation induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes effectively with IC(50) values less than 15 microg/mL. The extracts were found to possess the ability to scavenge free radicals such as DPPH and superoxide. As the phenolic compounds present in these extracts are mostly responsible for their radical scavenging activity, the total phenolic contents present in these extracts were determined and expressed in terms of gallic acid equivalents and were found to vary from 33% to 44%. These studies revealed that all three constituents of triphala are active and they exhibit slightly different activities under different conditions. T1 shows greater efficiency in lipid peroxidation and plasmid DNA assay, while T2 has greater radical scavenging activity. Thus their mixture, triphala, is expected to be more efficient due to the combined activity of the individual components.

  Antioxidant effects of aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula in vivo and in vitro.:Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Sep;28(9):1639-44.

 The ripe fruit of Terminalia chebula RETZIUS (T. chebula RETZ) (Combretsceae), which is a native plant in India and Southeast Asia, has traditionally been used as a popular folk medicine for homeostatic, antitussive, laxative, diuretic, and cardiotonic treatments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of an aqueous extract of fruit of T. chebula on the tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative injury observed in cultured rat primary hepatocytes and rat liver. Both treatment and pretreatment of the hepatocytes with the T. chebula extract (TCE) significantly reversed the t-BHP-induced cell cytotoxicity and lactate dehydrogenase leakage. In addition, TCE exhibited in vitro ferric-reducing antioxidant activity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl free radical-scavenging activities. The in vivo study showed that pretreatment with TCE (500 or 1000 mg/kg) by gavage for 5 d before a single dose of t-BHP (0.1 mmol/kg i.p.) significantly lowered the serum levels of the hepatic enzyme markers aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase and reduced the indicators of oxidative stress in the liver, such as the glutathine disulfide content and lipid peroxidation, in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathologic examination of the rat livers showed that TCE reduced the incidence of liver lesions, including hepatocyte swelling and neutrophilic infiltration, and repaired necrosis induced by t-BHP. Based on the results described above, we speculate that TCE has the potential to play a role in the hepatic prevention of oxidative damage in living systems.

  Radiation protection by Terminalia chebula: some mechanistic aspects.:Mol Cell Biochem. 2005 Sep;277(1-2):43-8.

 BACKGROUND: Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae) has been widely used in Ayurveda for the treatment of diabetes. In the present investigation, the chloroform extract of T. chebula seed powder was investigated for its antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using short term and long term study protocols. The efficacy of the extract was also evaluated for protection of renal functions in diabetic rats. METHODS: The blood glucose lowering activity of the chloroform extract was determined in streptozotocin-induced (75 mg/kg, i.p.; dissolved in 0.1 M acetate buffer; pH 4.5) diabetic rats, after oral administration at the doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg in short term study. Blood samples were collected from the eye retro-orbital plexus of rats before and also at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h after drug administration and the samples were analyzed for blood glucose by using glucose-oxidase/peroxidase method using a visible spectrophotometer. In long term study, the extract (300 mg/kg) was administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, daily for 8 weeks. Blood glucose was measured at weekly intervals for 4 weeks. Urine samples were collected before the induction of diabetes and at the end of 8 weeks of treatments and analyzed for urinary protein, albumin and creatinine levels. The data was compared statistically using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Dunnet's t-test. RESULTS: The chloroform extract of T. chebula seeds produced dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose of diabetic rats and comparable with that of standard drug, glibenclamide in short term study. It also produced significant reduction in blood glucose in long term study. Significant renoprotective activity is observed in T. chebula treated rats. The results indicate a prolonged action in reduction of blood glucose by T. chebula and is probably mediated through enhanced secretion of insulin from the beta-cells of Langerhans or through extra pancreatic mechanism. The probable mechanism of potent renoprotective actions of T. chebula has to be evaluated. CONCLUSION: The present studies clearly indicated a significant antidiabetic and renoprotective effects with the chloroform extract of T. chebula and lend support for its traditional usage. Further investigations on identification of the active principles and their mode of action are needed to unravel the molecular mechanisms involved in the observed effects.

  Phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of some food and medicinal plants.:Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2005 Jun;56(4):287-91.

 Terminalia chebula Gertn. (Combetraceae) is an important herbal drug in Ayurvedic pharmacopea. In the present study, a 95% ethanolic extract of T. chebula (fruit) (TC extract), which was chemically characterized on the basis of chebuloside II as a marker, was investigated for hepatoprotective activity against anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drug-induced toxicity. TC extract was found to prevent the hepatotoxicity caused by the administration of rifampicin (RIF), isoniazid (INH) and pyrazinamide (PZA) (in combination) in a sub-chronic mode (12 weeks). The hepatoprotective effect of TC extract could be attributed to its prominent anti-oxidative and membrane stabilizing activities. The changes in biochemical observations were supported by histological profile.


  Immunomodulatory activity of triphala on neutrophil functions.:Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Aug;28(8):1398-403.

 Stress is one of the basic factors in the etiology of number of diseases. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of Triphala (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Emblica officinalis) on noise-stress induced alterations in the antioxidant status and on the cell-mediated immune response in Wistar strain male albino rats. Noise-stress employed in this study was 100 dB for 4 h/d/15 days and Triphala was used at a dose of 1 g/kg/b.w/48 days. Eight different groups of rats namely, non-immunized: control, Triphala, noise-stress, Triphala with noise-stress, and corresponding immunized groups were used. Sheep red blood cells (5 x 10(9) cells/ml) were used to immunize the animals. Biochemical indicators of oxidative stress namely lipid peroxidation, antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), ascorbic acid in plasma and tissues (thymus and spleen) and SOD, GPx and corticosterone level in plasma were estimated. Cell-mediated immune response namely foot pad thickness (FPT) and leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) test were performed only in immunized groups. Results showed that noise-stress significantly increased the lipid peroxidation and corticosterone level with concomitant depletion of antioxidants in plasma and tissues of both non-immunized and immunized rats. Noise-stress significantly suppressed the cell-mediated immune response by decreased FPT with an enhanced LMI test. The supplementation with Triphala prevents the noise-stress induced changes in the antioxidant as well as cell-mediated immune response in rats. This study concludes that Triphala restores the noise-stress induced changes may be due to its antioxidant properties.

  Chemical identification of the sources of commercial Fructus Chebulae.:Phytochem Anal. 2005 Jul-Aug;16(4):246-51.

 Twenty-eight commercial samples of Fructus Chebulae were collected from local herbal markets in Taiwan and were determined to have been derived from Terminalia chebula Retz. and Terminalia chebula Retz. var. parviflora Thwaites, which differ markedly in external appearance. Ten tannin-related constituents [gallic acid (1), chebulic acid (2), punicalagin (4), chebulanin (7), corilagin (8), neochebulinic acid (9), ellagic acid (11), chebulagic acid (12), chebulinic acid (13) and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (14)] were identified and quantified by HPLC. Samples derived from T. chebula. var. parviflora, which are typically round-shaped, generally contained higher concentrations of 13 and 14 but lower levels of 12 compared with those from T. chebula, which are largely oval-shaped. The ratio of the concentration of 14 to that of 4 may serve as a potential parameter for differentiating samples from the two origins (T. chebula, ratio 0.6 +/- 0.3; T. chebula. var. parviflora, ratio 3.4 +/- 2.2). Levels of the three major bioactive constituents 12-14 were found to provide good references for the quality assessment of Fructus Chebulae. The ratio of the concentration of 12 to that of 14 may offer a guideline for determining quality as well as origin of the drug (lower-grade T. chebula, ratio 12.4 +/- 6.0; medium-grade T. chebula, ratio 8.8 +/- 7.9; higher-grade T. chebula, ratio 3.2 +/- 0.8; T. chebula var. parviflora, ratio 1.6 +/- 0.7).

  Anti-inflammatory activities of Aller-7, a novel polyherbal formulation for allergic rhinitis.:Int J Tissue React. 2004;26(1-2):43-51.

 Allergic rhinitis is an immunological disorder and an inflammatory response of nasal mucosal membranes. Allergic rhinitis, a state of hypersensitivity, occurs when the body overreacts to a substance such as pollens or dust. A novel, safe polyherbal formulation (Aller-7/NR-A2) has been developed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis using a unique combination of extracts from seven medicinal plants including Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Albizia lebbeck, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinale and Piper longum. Since inflammation is an integral mechanistic component of allergy, the present study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of Aller-7 in various in vivo models. The efficacy of Aller-7 was investigated in compound 48/80-induced paw edema both in Balb/c mice and Swiss Albino mice, carrageenan-induced paw edema in Wistar Albino rats and Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar Albino rats. The trypsin inhibitory activity of Aller-7 was also determined and compared with ovomucoid. At a dose of 250 mg/kg, Aller-7 demonstrated 62.55% inhibition against compound 48/80-induced paw edema in Balb/c mice, while under the same conditions prednisolone at an oral dose of 14 mg/kg exhibited 44.7% inhibition. Aller-7 significantly inhibited compound 48/80-induced paw edema at all three doses of 175, 225 or 275 mg/kg in Swiss Albino mice, while the most potent effect was observed at 225 mg/kg. Aller-7 (120 mg/kg, p.o.) demonstrated 31.3% inhibition against carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in Wistar Albino rats, while ibuprofen (50 mg/kg, p.o.) exerted 68.1% inhibition. Aller-7 also exhibited a dose-dependent (150-350 mg/kg) anti-inflammatory effect against Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar Albino rats and an approximately 63% inhibitory effect was observed at a dose of 350 mg/kg. The trypsin inhibitory activity of Aller-7 was determined, using ovomucoid as a positive control. Ovomucoid and Aller-7 demonstrated IC50 concentrations at 1.5 and 9.0 microg/ml, respectively. These results demonstrate that this novel polyherbal formulation is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that can ameliorate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

  Studies on the aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula as a potent antioxidant and a probable radioprotector.:Phytomedicine. 2004 Sep;11(6):530-8.

 Aqueous extract of a natural herb, Terminalia chebula was tested for potential antioxidant activity by examining its ability to inhibit gamma-radiation-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes and damage to superoxide dismutase enzyme in rat liver mitochondria. The antimutagenic activity of the extract has been examined by following the inhibition of gamma-radiation-induced strand breaks formation in plasmid pBR322 DNA. In order to understand the phytochemicals responsible for this, HPLC analysis of the extract was carried out, which showed the presence of compounds such as ascorbate, gallic acid and ellagic acid. This was also confirmed by cyclic voltammetry. The extract inhibits xanthine/xanthine oxidase activity and is also an excellent scavenger of DPPH radicals. The rate at which the extract and its constituents scavenge the DPPH radical was studied by using stopped-flow kinetic spectrometer. Based on all these results it is concluded that the aqueous extract of T. chebula acts as a potent antioxidant and since it is able to protect cellular organelles from the radiation-induced damage, it may be considered as a probable radioprotector.

  Cytoprotective effect on oxidative stress and inhibitory effect on cellular aging of Terminalia chebula fruit.:Phytother Res. 2004 Sep;18(9):737-41.

 The ethanol extract from the fruit of Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae) exhibited significant inhibitory activity on oxidative stress and the age-dependent shortening of the telomeric DNA length. In the peroxidation model using t-BuOOH, the T. chebula extract showed a notable cytoprotective effect on the HEK-N/F cells with 60.5 +/- 3.8% at a concentration of 50 microg/ml. In addition, the T. chebula extract exhibited a significant cytoprotective effect against UVB-induced oxidative damage. The life-span of the HEK-N/F cells was elongated by 40% as a result of the continuous administration of 3 microg/ml of the T. chebula extract compared to that of the control. These observations were attributed to the inhibitory effect of the T. chebula extract on the age-dependent shortening of the telomere, length as shown by the Southern blots of the terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) of DNA extracted from subculture passages.


  Determination of hydrolyzable tannins in the fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz. by high-performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis.:J Sep Sci. 2004 Jun;27(9):718-24.

 A RP-HPLC method for determining fourteen components (gallic acid, chebulic acid, 1,6-di-O-galloyl-D-glucose, punicalagin, 3,4,6-tri-O-galloyl-D-glucose, casuarinin, chebulanin, corilagin, neochebulinic acid, terchebulin, ellagic acid, chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-D-glucose) in the fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz. is described. The separation was achieved within 80 min using a binary gradient with mobile phases consisting of a pH 2.7 phosphoric acid solution and an 80% CH3CN solution. Capillary electrophoretic analyses were also attempted, and it was found that CZE (25 mM Na2B4O7, 5 mM NaH2PO4, pH 7.0) was an efficient method for the separation of gallotannins, while an MEKC method (25 mM Na2B4O7, 5 mM NaH2PO4, 20 mM SDS, pH 7.0, and 10% acetonitrile) provided a better separation for most of the tannins examined. The HPLC and CE methods developed were both successfully applied to the assay of tannins in commercial samples of Chebulae Fructus.

  Protective effect of Terminalia chebula against experimental myocardial injury induced by isoproterenol.:Indian J Exp Biol. 2004 Feb;42(2):174-8.

 Cardioprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Terminalia chebula fruits (500 mg/kg body wt) was examined in isoproterenol (200 mg/kg body wt) induced myocardial damage in rats. In isoproterenol administered rats, the level of lipid peroxides increased significantly in the serum and heart. A significant decrease was observed in the activity of the myocardial marker enzymes with a concomitant increase in their activity in serum. Histopathological examination was carried out to confirm the myocardial necrosis. T. chebula extract pretreatment was found to ameliorate the effect of isoproterenol on lipid peroxide formation and retained the activities of the diagnostic marker enzymes.

  Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of Terminalia chebula.:Biol Pharm Bull. 2003 Sep;26(9):1331-5.

 Allergic rhinitis is an immunological disorder and an inflammatory response of nasal mucosal membranes. Allergic rhinitis, a state of hypersensitivity, occurs when the body overreacts to a substance such as pollens or dust. A novel, safe polyherbal formulation (Aller-7/NR-A2) has been developed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis using a unique combination of extracts from seven medicinal plants including Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Albizia lebbeck, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinale and Piper longum. Since inflammation is an integral mechanistic component of allergy, the present study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of Aller-7 in various in vivo models. The efficacy of Aller-7 was investigated in compound 48/80-induced paw edema both in Balb/c mice and Swiss Albino mice, carrageenan-induced paw edema in Wistar Albino rats and Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar Albino rats. The trypsin inhibitory activity of Aller-7 was also determined and compared with ovomucoid. At a dose of 250 mg/kg, Aller-7 demonstrated 62.55% inhibition against compound 48/80-induced paw edema in Balb/c mice, while under the same conditions prednisolone at an oral dose of 14 mg/kg exhibited 44.7% inhibition. Aller-7 significantly inhibited compound 48/80-induced paw edema at all three doses of 175, 225 or 275 mg/kg in Swiss Albino mice, while the most potent effect was observed at 225 mg/kg. Aller-7 (120 mg/kg, p.o.) demonstrated 31.3% inhibition against carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in Wistar Albino rats, while ibuprofen (50 mg/kg, p.o.) exerted 68.1% inhibition. Aller-7 also exhibited a dose-dependent (150-350 mg/kg) anti-inflammatory effect against Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar Albino rats and an approximately 63% inhibitory effect was observed at a dose of 350 mg/kg. The trypsin inhibitory activity of Aller-7 was determined, using ovomucoid as a positive control. Ovomucoid and Aller-7 demonstrated IC50 concentrations at 1.5 and 9.0 microg/ml, respectively. These results demonstrate that this novel polyherbal formulation is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that can ameliorate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

  Statistical optimization of tannase production from Penicillium variable using fruits (chebulic myrobalan) of Terminalia chebula.:Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2004 Feb;39(Pt 1):99-106.

 Aqueous extract of a natural herb, Terminalia chebula was tested for potential antioxidant activity by examining its ability to inhibit gamma-radiation-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes and damage to superoxide dismutase enzyme in rat liver mitochondria. The antimutagenic activity of the extract has been examined by following the inhibition of gamma-radiation-induced strand breaks formation in plasmid pBR322 DNA. In order to understand the phytochemicals responsible for this, HPLC analysis of the extract was carried out, which showed the presence of compounds such as ascorbate, gallic acid and ellagic acid. This was also confirmed by cyclic voltammetry. The extract inhibits xanthine/xanthine oxidase activity and is also an excellent scavenger of DPPH radicals. The rate at which the extract and its constituents scavenge the DPPH radical was studied by using stopped-flow kinetic spectrometer. Based on all these results it is concluded that the aqueous extract of T. chebula acts as a potent antioxidant and since it is able to protect cellular organelles from the radiation-induced damage, it may be considered as a probable radioprotector.

  Supercritical-CO2 fluid extraction of the fatty oil in Terminalia chebula and GC-MS analysis:Zhong Yao Cai. 1997 Sep;20(9):463-4. Chinese.

 The ethanol extract from the fruit of Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae) exhibited significant inhibitory activity on oxidative stress and the age-dependent shortening of the telomeric DNA length. In the peroxidation model using t-BuOOH, the T. chebula extract showed a notable cytoprotective effect on the HEK-N/F cells with 60.5 +/- 3.8% at a concentration of 50 microg/ml. In addition, the T. chebula extract exhibited a significant cytoprotective effect against UVB-induced oxidative damage. The life-span of the HEK-N/F cells was elongated by 40% as a result of the continuous administration of 3 microg/ml of the T. chebula extract compared to that of the control. These observations were attributed to the inhibitory effect of the T. chebula extract on the age-dependent shortening of the telomere, length as shown by the Southern blots of the terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) of DNA extracted from subculture passages.


  Influence of Terminalia chebula on dermal wound healing in rats.:Phytother Res. 2002 May;16(3):227-31.

 The effects of topical administration of an alcohol extract of the leaves of an evergreen plant, Terminalia chebula, on the healing of rat dermal wounds, in vivo, was assessed. T. chebula treated wounds healed much faster as indicated by improved rates of contraction and a decreased period of epithelialization. Biochemical studies revealed a significant increase in total protein, DNA and collagen contents in the granulation tissues of treated wounds. The levels of hexosamine and uronic acid in these tissues, also increased upto day 8 post-wounding. Reduced lipid peroxide levels in treated wounds, as well as ESR measurement of antioxidant activity by DPPH radical quenching, suggested that T. chebula possessed antioxidant activities. The tensile strength of tissues from extract-treated incision wounds increased by about 40%. In addition, T. chebula possessed antimicrobial activity and was active largely against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella. These results strongly document the beneficial effects of T. chebula in the acceleration of the healing process.

  Inhibition of cancer cell growth by crude extract and the phenolics of Terminalia chebula retz. fruit.:J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Aug;81(3):327-36.Saleem A, Husheem M, H?rk?nen P, Pihlaja K.Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland. amsale@utu.fi

 A 70% methanol extract of Terminalia chebula fruit, was studied for its effects on growth in several malignant cell lines including a human (MCF-7) and mouse (S115) breast cancer cell line, a human osteosarcoma cell line (HOS-1), a human prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) and a non-tumorigenic, immortalized human prostate cell line (PNT1A) using assays for proliferation ([(3)H]-thymidine incorporation and coulter counting), cell viability (ATP determination) and cell death (flow cytometry and Hoechst DNA staining). In all cell lines studied, the extract decreased cell viability, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced cell death in a dose dependent manner. Flow cytometry and other analyses showed that some apoptosis was induced by the extract at lower concentrations, but at higher concentrations, necrosis was the major mechanism of cell death. ATP assay guided chromatographic fractionation of the extract yielded ellagic acid, 2,4-chebulyl-beta-D-glucopyranose (a new natural product), and chebulinic acid which were tested by ATP assay on HOS-1 cell line in comparison to three known antigrowth phenolics of Terminalia, gallic acid, ethyl gallate, luteolin, and tannic acid. Chebulinic acid (IC(50) = 53.2 microM +/- 0.16) > tannic acid (IC(50) = 59.0 microg/ml +/- 0.19) > and ellagic acid (IC(50) = 78.5 microM +/- 0.24), were the most growth inhibitory phenolics of T. chebula fruit in our study.

  Inhibition of HIV-1 integrase by galloyl glucoses from Terminalia chebula and flavonol glycoside gallates from Euphorbia pekinensis.:Planta Med. 2002 May;68(5):457-9.

 The bioassay-directed isolation of Terminalia chebula fruits afforded four human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase inhibitors, gallic acid ( 1) and three galloyl glucoses ( 2 - 4). In addition, four flavonol glycoside gallates ( 5 - 8) from Euphorbia pekinensis containing the galloyl moiety also showed the inhibitory activity at a level comparable to those of 2 - 4. By comparison with the activities of the compounds not bearing this moiety, it is proposed that the galloyl moiety plays a major role for inhibition against the 3'-processing of HIV-1 integrase of these compounds.

  The in vitro antimutagenic activity of Triphala--an Indian herbal drug.:Food Chem Toxicol. 2002 Apr;40(4):527-34.

 A study to evaluate an antimutagenic potential of water, chloroform and acetone extracts of Triphala has been made in an Ames histidine reversion assay using TA98 and TA100 tester strains of Salmonella typhimurium against the direct-acting mutagens, 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine (NPD) and sodium azide, and the indirect-acting promutagen, 2-aminofluorene (2AF), in the presence of phenobarbitone-induced rat hepatic S9. A combination drug 'Triphala' - a composite mixture of Terminalia bellerica, T. chebula and Emblica officinalis, has been used in traditional system of medicine for the treatment of many malaises, such as heart ailments and hepatic diseases. The drug was sequentially extracted with water, acetone and chloroform at room temperature. The study revealed that water extract was ineffective in reducing the revertants induced by the mutagens. The results with chloroform and acetone extracts showed inhibition of mutagenicity induced by both direct and S9-dependent mutagens. A significant inhibition of 98.7% was observed with acetone extract against the revertants induced by S9-dependent mutagen, 2AF, in co-incubation mode of treatment. Various spectroscopic techniques, namely 1H-NMR, normal 13C-NMR, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT-90 and DEPT-135), UV and IR, are under way to identify the polyphenolic compounds from an acetone extract.

  Total phenolics concentration and antioxidant potential of extracts of medicinal plants of Pakistan.:Z Naturforsch [C]. 2001 Nov-Dec;56(11-12):973-8.Saleem A, Ahotupa M, Pihlaja K.Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Finland. amsale@utu.fi

 Thirty-seven plant organs, traditionally used as drugs, collected in Pakistan, were extracted with 70% acetone and analyzed for their total phenolics concentration and antioxidant potential. Seven extracts showed more than 85% inhibition of lipid peroxidation in vitro as compared with blank. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (IC50 = 233.6 microg/l +/- 28.3) was the strongest antioxidant in our test system. The IC50 results indicate that the extracts of Nymphaea lotus L. flowers, Acacia nilotica (Linn.) Delile beans, Terminalia belerica Roxb. fruits, and Terminalia chebula Retz. (fruits, brown) were stronger antioxidants than alpha-tocopherol, while Terminalia chebula Retz. (fruit coat), Terminalia chebula Retz. (fruits, black) and Ricinus communis L. leaves were weaker antioxidant extracts than alpha-tocopherol and BHT. Total phenolics concentration, expressed as gallic acid equivalents, showed close correlation with the antioxidant activity. High performance liquid chromatographic analysis with diode array detection at 280 nm, of the seven extracts indicated the presence of hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonol aglycones and their glycosides as main phenolics compounds. This information, based on quick screening methods, enables us to proceed towards more detailed chemical and pharmacological understanding of these plant materials.


  Antibacterial activity of black myrobalan (Terminalia chebula Retz) against Helicobacter pylori:Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2001 Jul;18(1):85-8.Malekzadeh F, Ehsanifar H, Shahamat M, Levin M, Colwell RR.Department of Microbiology and Biological Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

 The effect of ether, alcoholic and water extracts of black myrobalan (Teminalia chebula Retz) on Helicobactor pylori were examined using an agar diffusion method on Columbia Agar. Water extracts of black myrobalan showed significant antibacterial activity and had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacteriocidal concentration (MBC) of 125 and 150 mg/l, respectively. The extract was active after autoclaving for 30 min at 121 degrees C. Plant powder (incorporated in agar) gave higher MIC and MBC values (150 and 175 mg/l, respectively). Water extracts of the black myrobalan at a concentration of 1-2.5 mg/ml inhibited urease activity of H. pylori. The results show that black myrobalan extracts contain a heat stable agent(s) with possible therapeutic potential. Other bacterial species were also inhibited by black myrobalan water extracts.

  Inhibitory action of water soluble fraction of Terminalia chebula on systemic and local anaphylaxis.:J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Feb;74(2):133-40.

 We investigated the effects of the water soluble fraction of Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae) (WFTC) on systemic and local anaphylaxis. WFTC administered 1h before compound 48/80 injection inhibited compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic shock 100% with doses of 0.01-1.0 g/kg. When WFTC was administered 5 or 10 min after compound 48/80 injection, the mortality also decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis was inhibited by 63.5+/-7.8% by oral administration of WFTC (1.0 g/kg). When WFTC was pretreated at concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 1.0 g/kg, the serum histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. WFTC (0.01-1.0 mg/ml) also significantly inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) by compound 48/80. However, WFTC (1.0 mg/ml) had a significant increasing effect on anti-dinitrophenyl IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from RPMC. These results indicate that WFTC may possess a strong antianaphylactic actio

  Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthesis by the herbal preparation Padma 28 in macrophage cell line.:Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2000 Nov;78(11):861-6.Moeslinger T, Friedl R, Volf I, Brunner M, Koller E, Spieckermann PG.Institute of Physiology, Vienna, Austria. thomas.moeslinger@univie.ac.at

 Padma 28 is a mixture of herbs used in traditional Tibetan medicine with anti-inflammatory activities. We investigated the effects of Padma 28 on nitric oxide (NO) production by the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lipopolysaccharide stimulated mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7). Padma 28 (0-900 microg/mL) induced a concentration dependent inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthesis. iNOS protein expression showed a concentration dependent reduction as revealed by immunoblotting when cells were incubated with increasing amounts of Padma 28. Padma 28 decreased iNOS mRNA levels as shown by RT-PCR. Aqueous extracts from costi amari radix (costus root, the dried root of Saussurea lappa) and the outer cover of myrobalani fructus (the dried fruit of Terminalia chebula), constituents of the complex herb preparation Padma 28, were found to inhibit inducible nitric oxide synthesis by decreasing iNOS protein and iNOS mRNA levels. The inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthesis might contribute to the anti-inflammatory activities of Padma 28

  Potential of the aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula as an anticaries agent.:J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Dec 15;68(1-3):299-306.

 The aqueous extract from Terminalia chebula was tested for its ability to inhibit the growth and some physiological functions of Streptococcus mutans. The extract strongly inhibited the growth, sucrose induced adherence and glucan induced aggregation of S. mutans. Mouthrinsing with a 10% solution of the extract inhibited the salivary bacterial count and salivary glycolysis. Mouthrinsing with the extract significantly reduced total bacterial counts and the total streptococcal counts in the saliva samples obtained up to and including 3 h after rinsing, compared with the counts obtained prerinsing or after placebo rinsing. The extract successfully inhibited glycolysis of salivary bacteria for up to 90 min postrinsing.

  Antimutagenicity of hydrolyzable tannins from Terminalia chebula in Salmonella typhimurium.:Mutat Res. 1998 Nov 9;419(1-3):169-79.

 A tannin fraction (TC-E) from the dried fruit pulp of Terminalia chebula was obtained by successfully extracting with 95% ethyl alcohol and ethyl acetate. TC-E was subjected to silica gel chromatography which yielded four fractions, viz., TC-EI, TC-EII, TC-EIII and TC-EIV. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and 13C-NMR revealed that TC-EI was gallic acid (GA) derivative while the other fractions were tannin in nature. TC-E and its fractions were evaluated for their antimutagenic potential against two direct-acting mutagens, 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine (NPD) and 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4NQNO), and S9-dependent mutagen, 2-aminofluorene (2AF) in TA98 and TA100 strains of Salmonella typhimurium. The study revealed that the extract (TC-E) and its fractions were highly significant against S9-dependent mutagen, 2AF. The effect was found to be more or less corresponding with the nature of the fractions, as the monomeric TC-EI (a GA derivative) was least effective as compared to other fractions which were oligomeric, and the order of their effectiveness as per their IbD50 value being TC-EIV (8.9 micrograms)>TC-EIII (17.8 micrograms)>TC-EII (45 micrograms)>TC-EI (320 micrograms) in TA98; TC-EIV being 40 times more effective than TC-EI in inhibiting his+ revertants. A similar effect was noticed in TA100 too, where TC-EI was the least effective and TC-EII had the maximum effect. A similar result was noticed when the antimutagenicity of GA (a monomeric) was compared with tannic acid (TA, an oligomeric). However, chebula tannins were found to be partly effective against NPD but not at all effective against 4NQNO.


  Cytomegalovirus infection and its possible treatment with herbal medicines.:

 Medicinal herbs, Geum japonicum, Syzygium aromaticum, Terminalia chebula, and Rhus javanica, with anti-herpes simplex virus therapeutic activity, inhibited replication of human cytomegalovirus(CMV) and murine CMV(MCMV) in vitro. These anti-CMV activities were examined in an MCMV infection model using immunosuppressed mice. Geum japonicum, Syzygium aromaticum, and Terminalia chebula significantly suppressed MCMV yields in lungs of treated mice compared with water treatment. Efficacy of oral treatment with 750 mg/kg/day of Geum japonicum-extract was similar to that of the intraperitoneal administration with 2 mg/kg/day of ganciclovir in increasing the body weight of infected mice and reducing the virus yield in the lungs. These herbs may be beneficial for the prophylaxis of CMV diseases in immunocompromized patients.

  Immunosuppressive effects of gallic acid and chebulagic acid on CTL-mediated cytotoxicity.:Biol Pharm Bull. 1997 Sep;20(9):1017-9.

 Gallic acid (GA) and chebulagic acid (CA) were isolated from the extract of a herbal medicine, kashi (myrobalans: the fruit of Terminalia chebula) as active principles that blocked the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated cytotoxicity. GA and CA inhibited the killing activity of CD8+ CTL clone at IC50 values of 30 microM and 50 microM, respectively. Granule exocytosis in response to anti-CD3 stimulation was also blocked by GA and CA at the equivalent concentrations.

  Extraction and purification of effective antimicrobial constituents of Terminalia chebula RETS. against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.:Biol Pharm Bull. 1997 Apr;20(4):401-4.

 Examination of the EtOH extract of the fruiting bodies of Terminalia chebula RETZ. led to the isolation of two potent antimicrobial substances against even methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. On the basis of spectroscopic evidence, the two isolates have been identified as gallic acid and its ethyl ester.

  Effect of oral administration of Terminalia chebula on gastric emptying: an experimental study.:J Postgrad Med. 1997 Jan-Mar;43(1):12-3.

 Terminalia chebula is a commonly advocated agent in Ayurveda for improving gastrointestinal motility. Charles Foster rats (150-200 gms of either sex) were divided into four groups as follows--Group 1 (n = 15) normal animals; Group II (n = 6) rats administered metoclopramide (1.35 mg/kg); Group III (n = 8) rats given atropine (0.45 mg/kg). These agents were injected intramuscularly, 30 mins before the experiment. Rats from Group IV (n = 8) were administered Terminalia chebula (100 mg/kg/day for 15 days orally). Metoclopramide and atropine have established prokinetic and antikinetic activities respectively and are therefore included for comparison. All rats were then given a test meal of methyl cellulose (1.5%) mixed with phenol red (50 mg/100 ml) orally and gastric emptying was measured 20 mins later. Gastric emptying of normal rats (Group I) was found to be 51.6 +/- 7.79%. Metoclopramide significantly increased the gastric emptying (76.33 +/- 12.37%; p < 0.01) and atropine inhibited the motility (% gastric emptying being 7.26 +/- 19.76%; p < 0.01). Terminalia chebula was found to increase the percent gastric emptying (86.57 +/- 6.65%; p < 0.01). Thus from this study it appears that Terminalia chebula can serve as an useful alternative to prokinetic drugs available today.

  Activity of a crude extract formulation in experimental hepatic amoebiasis and in immunomodulation studies:J Ethnopharmacol. 1996 Nov;54(2-3):119-24.

 The activity of a crude extract formulation was evaluated in experimental amoebic liver abscess in golden hamsters and in immunomodulation studies. The formulation comprises the following five plants-Boerhavia diffusa, Tinospora cordifolia, Berberis aristata, Terminalia chebula and Zingiber officinale. The formulation had a maximum cure rate of 73% at a dose of 800 mg/kg/day in hepatic amoebiasis reducing the average degree of infection (ADI) to 1.3 as compared to 4.2 for sham-treated controls. In immunomodulation studies humoral immunity was enhanced as evidenced by the haemagglutination titre. The T-cell counts remained unaffected in the animals treated with the formulation but cell-mediated immune response was stimulated as observed in the leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) tests.


  Prophylactic treatment of cytomegalovirus infection with traditional herbs.:Antiviral Res. 1996 Oct;32(2):63-70.

 Hot water extracts of four traditional herbs, Geum japonicum, Syzygium aromaticum, Terminalia chebula and Rhus javanica, which have been shown to have anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) activity in vivo, were examined for anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) activity in vitro and in vivo in this study. They inhibited replication of human CMV and murine CMV (MCMV) in vitro. These anti-CMV activities in vivo were examined in an MCMV infection model using immunosuppressed mice. Mice were subcutaneously treated with various doses of cyclosporine, and immunosuppression and MCMV infection were monitored by suppression of antibody production and virus yield in the lung, respectively. Each herbal extract was orally administered to mice treated with 50 mg/kg of cyclosporine from a day before intraperitoneal infection, and the efficacy of herbs was evaluated by the reduction in the virus yield in the lung. Among them Geum japonicum, Syzygium aromaticum, and Terminalia chebula significantly suppressed MCMV yields in lungs of treated mice compared with water treatment. Efficacy of oral treatment with 750 mg/kg per day of Geum japonicum extract was similar to that of the intraperitoneal administration of 2 mg/kg per day of ganciclovir in increasing the body weight of infected mice and reducing the virus yield in the lungs. These herbs may be beneficial for the prophylaxis of CMV diseases in immunocompromised patients.

  Inhibitory effects of Egyptian folk medicines on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reverse transcriptase..:

 Extracts of 41 medicinal plants used in Egyptian folk medicine were screened for their inhibitory effects on human immunodeficiency virus-1 reverse transcriptase. The extracts of fruits of Phyllanthus emblica, Quercus pedunculata, Rumex cyprius, Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia horrida showed significant inhibitory activity with IC50 < or = 50 micrograms/ml. Through a bioassay guided-fractionation of the methanol extract of the fruit of P. emblica, putranjivain A (1) was isolated as a potent inhibitory substance with IC50 = 3.9 microM, together with 1,6-di-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (2), 1-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (3), kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-glucoside (4), quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucoside (5) and digallic acid (6). The inhibitory mode of action by 1, 2 and 6 was non-competitive with respect to the substrate but competitive with respect to a template-primer. Furthermore, the stereochemistry of 1 was established in this paper by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

 PIP: The fundamental role played by reverse transcriptase (RT) in the replication of retroviruses has made this enzyme a key target in the chemotherapy of HIV infection. Since the replicative cycle of HIV is interrupted by RT inhibitors, the inhibition of HIV RT is currently considered as a useful approach in the prophylaxis and intervention of AIDS. The MeOH and water extracts of 41 medicinal plants used in Egyptian folk medicine were evaluated for their HIV-1 RT inhibitory effects, and inhibitory substances were identified from the fruit of Phyllanthus emblica that showed a potent inhibitory activity to HIV-1-RT. The enzyme activity was determined by the amount of tritium labeled-substrate incorporation into a polymer fraction in the presence of a template-primer. Of the plant materials tested, the fruits of Phyllanthus emblica L. (MeOH extract), Quercus pedunculata (MeOH and water extracts), Rumex cyprius (MeOH and water extracts), Terminalia bellerica (MeOH and water extracts), Terminalia chebula (MeOH and water extracts), and Terminalia horrida (MeOH extract) showed significant inhibitory activity with IC50 of 2-49 mcg/ml. However, in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA), the inhibitory potency of most of the extracts, except for P. emblica (MeOH extract) and T. chebula (water extract), was appreciably reduced by nonspecific binding of their ingredients with BSA. Through a bioassay guided-fractionation of the methanol extract of the fruit of P. emblica, putranjivain A (1) was isolated as a potent inhibitory substance with IC50 = 3.9 mcM, together with 1,6-di-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (2), 1-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (3), kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-glucoside (4), quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucoside (5), and digallic acid (6). The inhibitory mode of action by 1, 2, and 6 was noncompetitive with respect to the substrate but competitive with respect to a template-primer. Furthermore, the stereochemistry of 1 was established in this paper by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

  The antiamoebic effect of a crude drug formulation of herbal extracts against Entamoeba histolytica in vitro and in vivo.:J Ethnopharmacol. 1995 Jan;45(1):43-52.

 The antiamoebic effect of a crude drug formulation against Entamoeba histolytica was studied. In the traditional system of medicine in India, the formulation has been prescribed for intestinal disorders. It comprises of five medicinal herbs, namely, Boerhavia diffusa, Berberis aristata, Tinospora cordifolia, Terminalia chebula and Zingiber officinale. The dried and pulverized plants were extracted in ethanol together and individually. In vitro amoebicidal activity was studied to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of all the constituent extracts as well as the whole formulation. The formulation had a MIC of 1000 micrograms/ml as compared with 10 micrograms/ml for metronidazole. In experimental caecal amoebiasis in rats the formulation had a curative rate of 89% with the average degree of infection (ADI) reduced to 0.4 in a group dosed with 500 mg/kg per day as compared with ADI of 3.8 for the sham-treated control group of rats. Metronidazole had a cure rate of 89% (ADI = 0.4) at a dose of 100 mg/kg per day and cured the infection completely (ADI = 0) when the dosage was doubled to 200 mg/kg per day. There were varying degrees of inhibition of the following enzyme activities of crude extracts of axenically cultured amoebae: DNase, RNase, aldolase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, alpha-amylase and protease.

  Antimutagenic activity of Terminalia chebula (myroblan) in Salmonella typhimurium:

 Antimutagenicity of water and chloroform extracts of dried myroblan Terminalia chebula was determined against two direct acting mutagens, sodium azide and 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine (NPD) in strains TA100 and TA1535, and TA97a and TA98 of Salmonella typhimurium respectively and S9-dependent mutagen 2-aminofluorene (2-AF) in TA97a, TA98 and TA100 strains. Water extract reduced NPD as well as 2-AF induced his+ revertants significantly but did not have any perceptible effect against sodium azide included his+ revertants in TA100 and TA1535 strains of S. typhimurium. The pre-incubation studies, where the extract was incubated at 37 degrees C for 30 min with the said mutagen prior to plating, enhanced the inhibitory effect. Autoclaving the water extract reduced the inhibitory effect but the reduction in the effect was not significant. No inhibitory effect was observed in any of the strains and against any of the test mutagens with chloroform extract.

  Effect of ayurvedic medicines on beta-glucuronidase activity of Brunner's glands during recovery from cysteamine induced duodenal ulcers in rats.:

 Biochemical and histochemical studies revealed decreased beta-glucuronidase activity in the Brunner's glands of duodenal ulcerated rats. The enzyme activity showed gradual increase during recovery. Rats treated with a mixture of Ayurvedic medicines (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Terminalia chebula, Piper longum and Shanka Bhasma) recovered faster with concomitant increase in beta-glucuronidase activity in the Brunner's glands. It can be concluded that Ayurvedic medicines used do not act as antacid but improve the secretory status of Brunner's glands involved in the protection against duodenal ulcer.


  Screening of in vitro antibacterial activity of Terminalia chebula, Eclapta alba and Ocimum sanctum.:Indian J Med Sci. 1989 May;43(5):113-7.

 Study of in vitro antibacterial activity of extracts from the plants T. chebula, E. alba and O. sanctum was carried out by the disk diffusion technique. All showed such activity against human pathogenic Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The activity against Salmonella organisms was shown only by T. chebula; against Shigella organisms by T. chebula and E. alha; but not by O. sanctum. The widest spectrum of antibacterial activity was shown by T. chebula. It was also most potent. The antibacterial spectrum of E. alba was in between that of T. chebula and O. sanctum. The narrowest spectrum of antibacterial activity was also most potent. The antibacterial spectrum of E. alba was in between that of T. chebula and O. sanctum. The narrowest spectrum of antibacterial activity was observed in O. sanctum.

  The Ayurvedic medicines Haritaki, Amala and Bahira reduce cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits.:Int J Cardiol. 1988 Nov;21(2):167-75.

 Four groups of 25 rabbits each, were studied to determine the effect of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis) and Bahira (Terminalia belerica) on cholesterol-induced hypercholesteolaemia and atherosclerosis. The control group was fed with cholesterol alone; the Haritaki group received Haritaki and cholesterol; the Bahira group received Bahira and cholesterol; and the Amla group received Amla and cholesterol for 16 weeks. Cholesterolaemia was significantly less (P less than 0.001) in the Haritaki group (166 mg/dl), the Bahira group (240 mg/dl) and the Amla group (205 mg/dl) than in the control group (630 mg/dl). The Haritaki group had significantly less cholesterolaemia (P less than 0.001) as compared to the Bahira and Amla groups. Aortic sudanophilia was significantly less (P less than 0.001) in the Haritaki group (6%), the Bahira group (16%), and the Amla group (12%) than in the control group (38%). The cholesterol contents of the liver and aorta, respectively, were significantly less in the Haritaki group (46 mg/100 g, 28 mg/100 g), the Bahira group (78 mg/100 g, 72 mg/100 g) and the Amla group (46 mg/100 g, 42 mg/100 g), than in the control group (604 mg/100 g, 116 mg/100 g). Among the drug-fed groups, the Haritaki group had significantly lower degrees of sudanophilia and cholesterol content of aorta and liver (P less than 0.001) as compared to the Bahira and Amla groups. Although all three drugs reduced serum cholesterol, aortic sudanophilia and cholesterol contents of liver and aorta, their effects were in ascending order of magnitude. The drugs did not influence serum triglyceride levels, euglobulin clot lysis time or platelet adhesiveness.(


  Scientific References:

  1.Research Update:Terminalia Belerica