Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Terminalia species, most notably Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Terminalia arjuna, have been used in traditional Ayurvedic, Unani, and folk medicine systems for centuries, often as remedies for infections and as general tonics. Their traditional use as alternatives or complements to antibiotics is based on historical reports of their application in treating wounds, respiratory ailments, digestive infections, and other conditions suggestive of microbial involvement. Traditional formulations such as Triphala (which includes T. chebula and T. bellirica) are cited for their broad health-promoting properties, including infection management.

Modern research has identified several bioactive compounds in Terminalia species, such as tannins, gallic acid, and chebulagic acid, which exhibit antimicrobial activity in vitro against various bacterial and fungal pathogens. However, direct clinical evidence in humans supporting Terminalia as an alternative to standard antibiotics is limited. Most studies are preclinical, using laboratory models or animal subjects, and do not establish efficacy or safety in the context of human infectious disease management. Therefore, while there is a strong basis in traditional use and some supportive laboratory data, robust scientific validation, especially in controlled human trials, is lacking. Thus, the evidence is rated as 2 out of 5.

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