Belleric myrobalan
Terminalia bellirica
Other names: ba ru ra / barura, Belleric myrobalan
Edible plantPhoto credit: Jan Ainali
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Low at traditional doses; astringent/tannin-rich. No serious toxicity established.
Contraindications: Caution in pregnancy and dehydration (purgative tendency of the combined formula). Confirm with clinician.
Interactions: Tannin-mediated reduced drug/mineral absorption if co-administered; theoretical additive antidiabetic effect.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Caution — purgative tendency of combined formula.
Evidence level
Documented in systematic traditional medicine literature.
Preparations
powder/decoction/pill · fruit
Part used: fruit
Traditional use: with arura and kyurura as digestive, tonic and 'blood/bile-clearing' combination; individually for cough, throat and digestive complaints
Proposed mechanism: Tannins, gallic/ellagic acid, lignans — preclinical antioxidant/hepatoprotective (T. bellirica and Triphala)
Dosage note (descriptive only): Component of three-fruits/Triphala combination
Associated conditions
Edibility
Edible parts: Fruit used as food-medicine.
Toxic lookalike warning
Dried Terminalia fruits easily confused with each other and with other market drupes; require botanical confirmation before any use.
Nutritional notes
Tannins, gallic/ellagic acid, lignans; antioxidant functional role.
Healing traditions
Sources (2)
- Garang et al. 2025, Front Pharmacol (PMID 40963683)
- Zhao et al. 2026, Oral Health Prev Dent (PMID 42205105)