# Bibhitaki

> Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) is classified in Ayurveda as Kasahara (Anti-tussive), Keshya (Hair tonic), from the Combretaceae family. Parts used: fruit. One of three fruits in Triphala.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Terminalia bellirica
- **Family:** Combretaceae
- **Ayurvedic category:** Kasahara (Anti-tussive), Keshya (Hair tonic)

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Bibhitaki |
| Common Names | Belleric Myrobalan, Baheda |
| Hindi | Baheda, Bibhitaki |
| Sanskrit | Bibhitaki, Vibhitaka |
| Latin/Botanical | *Terminalia bellirica* |

## Parts Used

- Fruit

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Kashaya | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosha Effects

| Dosha | Effect |
|-------|--------|
| **Vata** | Decreases |
| **Pitta** | Decreases |
| **Kapha** | Decreases |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Bellericanin
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- Gallic acid
- Ellagic acid
- [Lignans](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lignans)

## Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

- [Expectorant](/reference/expectorant/)
- Anti-tussive
- Astringent
- Anti-diarrheal
- Hair tonic
- Anti-microbial

## How is it used traditionally?

One of three fruits in [Triphala](/herb/triphala/). Specifically acts on Kapha and is best for Kasa (cough) and Swara (voice). Used in eye disorders (Netra Roga) and hair formulations.

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

- Charaka Samhita
- Sushruta Samhita
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

## Recommended Dosage

Fruit powder: 3-6g/day; As part of [Triphala](/herb/triphala/): 2-4g/day

## Safety, contraindications and cautions

- Pregnancy
- Severe debility

## What is it made of?

**Part(s) Analyzed:** Fruit

### Tannins

- Bellericanin (1-2%)
- Gallic acid
- Ellagic acid
- Chebulagic acid
- Ethyl gallate

### Triterpenoids

- Belleric acid
- Beta-sitosterol

### Lignans

- Termilignan
- Thannilignan

### Fatty Acids

- Palmitic acid (35%)
- Oleic acid (24%)
- Linoleic acid (31%)

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC-PDA (tannins), GC-MS (fatty acid profile), UV spectrophotometry

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Tablet, Capsule, Kashayam (decoction), Kwath Ghana (solid extract), Avalehya (confection), Arishta (fermented)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 500mg-1g standardized extract; 50-100ml decoction; as part of [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) (equal parts with [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) and Amalaki)

**Bioavailability:** Gallic acid shows good oral bioavailability (40-60%). Ellagic acid has lower bioavailability (10-15%) due to poor solubility, but gut microbial conversion to urolithins improves systemic availability. [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) undergo partial hydrolysis in the gut, releasing absorbable phenolic acids. Belleric acid bioavailability enhanced by lipid co-administration. Hot water extraction (decoction) improves phenolic availability compared to cold preparations.

**Optimal Timing:** At bedtime with warm water for bowel regulation; before meals for metabolic conditions; as Triphala, at bedtime or early morning

**Standardized Extract:** Fruit extract standardized to gallic acid NLT 10%; total tannins NLT 25%; belleric acid NLT 1.5%. Triphala extract ratio: 1:1:1 by weight.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (tablet/capsule); 5 years (properly stored whole dried fruit)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place in airtight containers. Hygroscopic powder requires moisture protection. Whole dried fruits store best. Temperature below 30°C.

**Marker Compounds:** Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Belleric acid (bellericanin), Chebulagic acid, Beta-sitosterol, Ethyl gallate, Galloyl [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose), Lignans

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (1:16 reduced to 1:4) for Kashayam
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50) for balanced tannin-flavonoid extract
- Hot water extraction for polyphenol-rich fractions
- Ethyl acetate fractionation for belleric acid isolation
- Spray drying for instant decoction powder

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Haritaki and Amalaki in Triphala (synergistic Tridosha balancing)
- With [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for respiratory Kapha conditions
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for lipid-lowering formulations
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for immunomodulation
- With [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) for voice and throat health

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/bibhitaki/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Ashtanga Hridaya)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.