Haritaki
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula (Black Myrobalan)) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 100 participants, researched for Digestive Health, Antimicrobial & Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant & Metabolic.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Digestive Health
ModerateAntimicrobial & Anti-inflammatory
ModerateAntioxidant & Metabolic
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Digestive Health
T. chebula effects on bowel function in chronic constipation
Study Type
Comparative clinical study
Purpose
T. chebula effects on bowel function in chronic constipation
Dose
500mg powder twice daily
Participants
40 adults with chronic constipation
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Significantly improved stool frequency, consistency, and constipation symptoms. No adverse effects noted. Confirms laxative/digestive tonic activity.
How They Measured It
Stool frequency, Bristol scale, constipation symptom score
Gastrointestinal motility effects of T. chebula extract
Study Type
GI pharmacological study
Purpose
Gastrointestinal motility effects of T. chebula extract
Dose
200-400mg/kg extract
Participants
Animal GI motility models
Duration
Acute
Results
Significantly enhanced GI motility and charcoal transit dose-dependently. Mechanism involves cholinergic receptor stimulation.
How They Measured It
Charcoal meal transit, intestinal transit time, smooth muscle contractility
Antimicrobial & Anti-inflammatory
T. chebula mouthwash against salivary Streptococcus mutans in dental patients
Study Type
Clinical trial - oral antibacterial
Purpose
T. chebula mouthwash against salivary Streptococcus mutans in dental patients
Dose
T. chebula mouthwash
Participants
60 adults
Duration
2 weeks
Results
Significantly reduced S. mutans counts comparable to chlorhexidine mouthwash. Natural antibacterial alternative for oral health confirmed.
How They Measured It
Salivary S. mutans counts, plaque index, gingival index
Antibacterial activity of T. chebula against GI pathogens with antibiotic synergy
Study Type
Antimicrobial study
Purpose
Antibacterial activity of T. chebula against GI pathogens with antibiotic synergy
Dose
Methanolic extract at various concentrations
Participants
In vitro microbiology
Duration
N/A
Results
Potent antibacterial against GI pathogens. Additive interactions with conventional antibiotics. Gallic acid and ellagic acid identified as primary antibacterial compounds.
How They Measured It
MIC, disk diffusion, FIC indices against Shigella, Salmonella
T. chebula for anti-arthritic properties in adjuvant arthritis model
Study Type
Anti-arthritic study
Purpose
T. chebula for anti-arthritic properties in adjuvant arthritis model
Dose
200-400mg/kg extract
Participants
Adjuvant arthritis animal model
Duration
21 days
Results
Significantly reduced paw swelling, joint inflammation, and cartilage degradation markers. Anti-arthritic activity via COX-2 inhibition and antioxidant properties.
How They Measured It
Paw swelling, joint histology, inflammatory markers
Antioxidant & Metabolic
Diverse pharmacological perspectives of T. chebula
Study Type
Comprehensive pharmacological review
Purpose
Diverse pharmacological perspectives of T. chebula
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antiproliferative, cardioprotective, antiarthritic properties. Tannins, gallic acid, chebulagic acid, and ellagic acid are key bioactives.
How They Measured It
Systematic literature review
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of T. chebula in diabetes
Study Type
Antidiabetic study
Purpose
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of T. chebula in diabetes
Dose
200-400mg/kg extract
Participants
Diabetic animal model
Duration
28 days
Results
Significant alpha-glucosidase inhibition comparable to acarbose. Reduced postprandial hyperglycaemia confirmed in diabetic animals.
How They Measured It
Alpha-glucosidase inhibition, postprandial blood glucose
Development of T. chebula in clinical research
Study Type
Clinical development review
Purpose
Development of T. chebula in clinical research
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and cardioprotective activities. Multiple validated clinical applications documented.
How They Measured It
Systematic review of clinical studies
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Haritaki research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Haritaki (Terminalia chebula (Black Myrobalan)), involving 100 total participants. Research covers Digestive health & gut function, Antioxidant & anti-aging, Antimicrobial and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (2 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Haritaki has been researched for: Digestive health & gut function, Antioxidant & anti-aging, Antimicrobial, Diabetes & metabolic health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 2 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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