Terminalia species, particularly Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Terminalia arjuna, are prominently featured in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Unani for supporting liver health, including conditions believed to correspond to hepatitis. In these systems, Terminalia fruits are considered to possess "hepatoprotective" or "liver-strengthening" properties and are commonly included in polyherbal formulations like Triphala. Traditional texts recommend their use for jaundice, liver enlargement, and other symptoms consistent with hepatitis, citing their purported ability to cleanse the liver and promote bile flow.

From a scientific perspective, there is some preliminary evidence suggesting hepatoprotective effects of Terminalia extracts in animal models. Studies have reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver enzyme-modulating activities for extracts of Terminalia species, which could theoretically support liver health. However, robust clinical trials in humans with hepatitis are lacking, and there is no conclusive evidence that Terminalia can treat viral hepatitis or significantly improve clinical outcomes in affected patients. Most of the scientific support comes from in vitro or animal studies rather than human clinical trials.

In summary, the use of Terminalia for hepatitis is primarily justified by a long history of traditional practice, with limited but suggestive preclinical evidence. Its efficacy and safety as a treatment for hepatitis in humans remain insufficiently validated by modern scientific research.