Aralu (Aralu)
Large deciduous tree; bark light grey, granular, fibrous fracture; leaves pinnate with coarsely toothed leaflets; flowers yellowish-green in panicles.
Botanical name: Ailanthus excelsa. Also known as: Katvanga, Mahanimba, Dirghavrinta, Tree of Heaven, Indian Tree of Heaven.
Properties
Scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and pro-inflammatory cytokines, Stimulation of gastric emptying and intestinal peristalsis, Cytoprotection of gastric mucosa via mucus secretion, Broad-spectrum inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase
Dosage
Churna: 1-3g; Kwatha: 50-100ml; Swarasa: 10-20ml
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya
- Virya: Sheeta
- Vipaka: Katu
Benefits
- Terminalia chebula (Aralu) demonstrates significant clinical efficacy across multiple health domains
- It also serves as a potent metabolic regulator, reducing blood pressure and glucose levels in patients with metabolic syndrome (PMID: 32661106)
- Deepana (Appetizer)
- Pachana (Digestive)
- Sangrahi (Absorbent)
Traditional uses
- Atisara (Diarrhea)
- Grahani (Malabsorption)
- Arsha (Piles)
- Krimi (Intestinal worms)
- Shwasa (Asthma)
Dosha effects
- vata: aggravating
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Aralu Twak Churna: Standard preparation as per API.
- Aralu Kwatha: Standard preparation as per API.
- Panchavalkala Kwatha: Standard preparation as per API.
- Pushyanuga Churna: Standard preparation as per API.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Acute diarrhea or dysentery
- Severe dehydration
- Extreme physical exhaustion
- Pitta-dominant inflammatory conditions
Side effects
- May cause mild abdominal cramping or excessive laxation if dosage exceeds recommended limits; use with caution in patients with chronic depletion.
Interactions
- Antidiabetic drugs (potential synergistic hypoglycemia)
- Anticoagulants (theoretical increased bleeding risk)
- Diuretics (potential electrolyte imbalance)
- Hepatotoxic drugs (potential protective or metabolic interference)
Clinical evidence
Terminalia chebula (Aralu) demonstrates significant clinical efficacy across multiple health domains. RCTs indicate its primary benefits in joint health, where standardized extracts significantly improve mobility and comfort in healthy and overweight populations (PMID: 31636124, PMID: 28208601). It also serves as a potent metabolic regulator, reducing blood pressure and glucose levels in patients with metabolic syndrome (PMID: 32661106). Furthermore, its traditional use for digestive health is validated by trials showing marked improvements in functional constipation and overall quality of life (PMID: 30107182, PMID: 22131759).
Ayurvedic karmas
- Deepana (Appetizer)
- Pachana (Digestive)
- Sangrahi (Absorbent)
- Krimighna (Anthelmintic)
- Arshoghna (Anti-hemorrhoidal)
Classical clinical indications
- Atisara (Diarrhea)
- Grahani (Malabsorption)
- Arsha (Piles)
- Krimi (Intestinal worms)
- Shwasa (Asthma)