Terminalia Bellerica Fruit Extract
Also known as: Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn.) Roxb., Bahera, Beleric myrobalan, Terminalia bellerica
Overview
Terminalia bellerica fruit extract is derived from the dried fruit of the Terminalia bellerica tree, a plant native to South Asia. It is a significant component of the traditional Ayurvedic formulation Triphala, where it is often combined with Terminalia chebula and Phyllanthus emblica. Traditionally, it has been valued for its astringent, antipyretic, purgative, and respiratory benefits. Modern research is exploring its potential in areas such as antidiabetic effects, hepatoprotection, anti-inflammatory properties, and hair growth promotion. While preclinical studies show promising results, high-quality human clinical trials specifically on T. bellerica extract are limited, and systematic reviews or meta-analyses are currently lacking.
Benefits
Terminalia bellerica fruit extract shows promising, albeit preliminary, benefits across several health areas. For antidiabetic effects, a rat model of type 2 diabetes demonstrated that aqueous extract significantly reduced blood glucose, improved glucose tolerance, decreased insulin resistance, and enhanced lipid profiles over six weeks at doses of 500 and 1,000 mg/kg. This effect was linked to increased pancreatic SIRT1 expression, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity. Regarding hair growth, in vitro and in vivo models simulating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) indicated that oral administration promoted hair growth by reversing testosterone-induced inhibition, with effects superior to finasteride in mice, including increased hair follicle numbers and upregulation of proliferation markers. Metabolomic analysis also reveals a rich phytochemical profile, including unique polyphenols and metabolites, contributing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which support its traditional use and complementary therapeutic effects within formulations like Triphala.
How it works
The mechanism of action for Terminalia bellerica is multifaceted, primarily attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, including polyphenols and other bioactive compounds. Its antidiabetic effects are thought to involve the modulation of insulin sensitivity, potentially through the upregulation of SIRT1 in pancreatic tissue, which plays a role in glucose metabolism and beta-cell function. For hair growth promotion, the extract appears to counteract testosterone-induced inhibition of dermal papilla cell proliferation, enhancing cell cycle proteins and proliferation markers. The general systemic benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects, are likely due to the collective action of its diverse phytochemicals. Specifics regarding bioavailability and absorption are not yet fully elucidated but are likely influenced by the complex matrix of compounds present in the extract.
Side effects
Based on the currently available research, primarily preclinical studies, Terminalia bellerica fruit extract has not reported significant safety concerns or adverse effects. The referenced animal and in vitro studies did not indicate any toxicity. However, human safety data are limited, and comprehensive clinical trials specifically assessing the safety profile of isolated T. bellerica extract are needed. Traditional Ayurvedic use suggests a generally good tolerability, but this is not equivalent to modern clinical safety assessments. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications from high-quality clinical data. Individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking medications should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use, as the full spectrum of potential interactions and adverse effects in humans is not yet established.
Dosage
Currently, there are no firmly established standardized dosing guidelines for isolated Terminalia bellerica fruit extract from clinical trials. Animal studies investigating antidiabetic effects used doses of 500–1,000 mg/kg, but human equivalent doses have not been determined. When consumed as part of the traditional Ayurvedic formulation Triphala, the typical human dosage ranges from 500 mg to 1,500 mg daily. However, this dosage applies to the combined formulation, not specifically to isolated T. bellerica. Further clinical validation is required to establish safe and effective dosing for standalone T. bellerica extract, considering factors like extract standardization, form, and individual health conditions. Upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption of isolated extract are also not yet defined.
FAQs
Is T. bellerica effective for diabetes?
Preclinical studies in rats show promising glucose-lowering and insulin-sensitizing effects, but human clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy.
Can it promote hair growth?
Animal and cell studies indicate potential for promoting hair growth and reversing hair loss in models of androgenetic alopecia.
Is it safe?
Traditional use and preclinical data suggest safety, but comprehensive human clinical safety data are currently insufficient.
How should I take it?
It's often consumed as part of Triphala. For isolated extract, there's no clinical consensus on dosage; consult a healthcare professional.
Research Sources
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/09731296241238852 – This animal study investigated the antidiabetic effects of aqueous T. bellerica fruit extract in type 2 diabetic rats. It found that doses of 500 and 1,000 mg/kg significantly improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, and reduced glycohemoglobin, suggesting a potential role in diabetes management through SIRT1 upregulation.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-80544-6 – This metabolomic profiling study used LCMS to identify unique polyphenols and metabolites in T. bellerica. It highlighted the distinct phytochemical composition of T. bellerica compared to other Triphala fruits, supporting its complementary therapeutic contributions within traditional formulations, particularly its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10699269/ – This preclinical study explored the hair growth-promoting effects of T. bellerica extract in vitro and in vivo. It demonstrated that the extract promoted hair follicle proliferation and effectively reversed testosterone-induced hair growth inhibition in human cells and mice, showing superior effects to finasteride in mice by upregulating proliferation markers.
