Evidence supporting the use of: Terminalia
For the body system: Spleen
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Terminalia species, particularly Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellerica, have a long history of use in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, where they are valued for their effects on digestion and overall vitality. In traditional systems, the spleen is associated with the digestive process and the transformation of food into energy. Terminalia is frequently included in herbal formulas (such as Triphala) intended to "tonify the spleen," enhance digestion, and support nutrient assimilation. These uses are based on centuries-old medical philosophies rather than modern biomedical understanding of the spleen, which is primarily recognized for its immunological and hematological functions.
Although some laboratory research has identified antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties in Terminalia extracts, contemporary scientific studies have not specifically demonstrated benefits to the spleen or its function as defined in modern physiology. To date, there is no direct clinical evidence linking Terminalia with measurable improvements in spleen health or function in humans. The continued association of Terminalia with spleen support is thus rooted in traditional frameworks rather than rigorous scientific validation.
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