ABSTRACT
Plants are an immense concern for drug discovery exploration and a major source of our modern medicine. It is anticipated that about 25% of modern medicines are derived from a plant source. The medicinal value of these plants lies in chemical substances that produce a definite physiological action on the human body. Through this chapter, an effort has been made to highlight the conventional uses with a summary of phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of the traditional medicinal plant Terminalia bellerica (bahera). The plant is used as a laxative, astringent, anthelmintic, and antipyretic. Fruits are useful in the treatment of hepatitis, bronchitis, asthma, dyspepsia, piles, diarrhea, coughs, hoarseness of voice, eye diseases, scorpionsting and as a hair tonic. It has been reported to have biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, antiviral, immune-regulatory, and expectorant. Chemically, it is composed of triterpene, saponin, flavonoids, polysaccharides, pectins, simple sugars, amino acids, mineral salts, asparagines, essential oil, fat, gums, mucilage (rhizome), protein, resins, starches, sterols, volatile oils, tannins, and glycosides. Overall, in this chapter, the potential benefits and uses of T. bellerica have been discussed in detail, providing references to studies that have used this plant.
