Botanical Name: Terminalia myriocarpa Van Heurck & Müll. Arg.
Family: Combretaceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/138
Introduction:
Terminalia myriocarpa, commonly known as East Indian Almond, is a large evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally, its bark has been used in folk medicine for its diuretic, cardiac stimulant, and antioxidant properties. Recent studies have highlighted its potential antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects.
Scientific classification:
- Order: Myrtales
- Family: Combretaceae
- Genus: Terminalia
- Species: myriocarpa
Names in different Indian languages:
- English: East Indian Almond
- Hindi: Panisaj
- Manipuri: Mezok
- Bengali: Panisaj
- Arunachal Pradesh (Local): Hilika
Varieties & Adulterants :
- AD: Other Terminalia species like T. arjuna, T. chebula, and T. bellerica may be used as substitutes or adulterants.
Morphology:
- Habit: Large evergreen tree, up to 40 meters tall
- Bark: Greyish-brown, smooth to slightly fissured
- Leaves: Simple, alternate, oblong to elliptic, with entire margins
- Flowers: Small, greenish-white, in terminal spikes or panicles
- Fruit: Winged drupe, oblong, with two lateral wings
Habitat & Distribution:
Widely distributed in Southeast Asia, including India (especially in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and other northeastern states), Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. Prefers tropical and subtropical climates, often found in mixed deciduous forests.
Chemical composition:
- Phenolic acids: Gallic acid, Cinnamic acid
- Flavonoids: Quercetin, Rutin, Myricetin, Isovitexin, Vitexin, Orientin
- Tannins: Ellagic acid, Flavogallonic acid
- Triterpenoids: Alphitolic acid, Asiatic acid, Arjunic acid
- Others: Methyl gallate, Ethyl gallate, Epigallocatechin gallate
Properties:
- Rasa: Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter)
- Guna: Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
- Virya: Ushna (hot)
- Vipaka: Katu (pungent)
- Karma: Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Jvarahara (antipyretic), Hridaya sthambhana (cardiac tonic), Mehahara (antidiabetic)
Indications:
- Jvara (fever)
- Shotha (inflammation)
- Hridaya roga (heart diseases)
- Prameha (diabetes)
- Yakrit vikara (liver disorders)
- Vrana (wounds)
- Twak vikaras (skin diseases)
External uses:
- Bark extract: Applied topically for chest pain and inflammation
- Leaf paste: Used for wound healing and skin infections
Internal uses:
- Digestive system: Aids in digestion, alleviates diarrhea
- Circulatory system: Acts as a cardiac stimulant, improves blood circulation
- Nervous system: Provides relief in neurological disorders
- Liver: Exhibits hepatoprotective activity
- Urinary system: Acts as a diuretic, beneficial in urinary disorders
Srotogamitwa:
- Dosha: Balances Kapha and Pitta
- Dhatu: Rasa, Rakta
- Srotas: Raktavaha, Mutravaha, Manovaha
Parts used:
Bark, leaves, fruits
Dosage:
- Kwatha (Decoction): 50–100 ml
- Churna (Powder): 3–6 g
- Swarasa (Juice): 10–20 ml
Important Yogas or Formulations:
- Terminalia myriocarpa kwatha – Used traditionally for its antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects
- Bark paste – Applied externally for chest pain and inflammation
Therapeutic Uses:
- Prameha (Diabetes) – Leaf extract exhibits α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, aiding in blood sugar regulation
- Shotha (Inflammation) – Ethanolic leaf extract reduces nitric oxide production, indicating anti-inflammatory potential
- Yakrit vikara (Liver disorders) – Ellagitannins from bark show hepatoprotective effects against CCl₄-induced liver damage
- Jvara (Fever) – Traditional use in reducing fever due to its antipyretic properties
- Vrana (Wounds) – Leaf paste promotes wound healing due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties
IUCN Status – Not Evaluated
Research Updates:
- Antidiabetic Potential (2024) – Leaf extract of T. myriocarpa showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, isolating active compounds such as quercetin and flavogallonic acid, suggesting efficacy in controlling postprandial blood sugar.
- Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity (2021) – Ethanolic extract of leaves significantly reduced nitric oxide production and ROS in RAW 264.7 macrophages, indicating anti-inflammatory potential via NF-κB inhibition.
- Hepatoprotective Effects (2002) – Ellagitannins from bark showed protective action against CCl₄-induced liver damage in rats by reducing oxidative stress markers and improving liver enzyme profiles.
