Terminalia Chebula treatment: Constipation Cure or Health Risk?

You may not have heard of Terminalia Chebula, but may have heard of Triphala, the Ayurvedic formula that contains Terminalia Chebula and is used for constipation treatment. Constipation sufferers should pay attention to Terminalia Chebula because it is the part of Triphala that causes its natural laxative effect. It is also has some potential health effects that should make users cautious.

Terminalia Chebula - What is it?

Terminalia Chebula or Haritaki is a tree found in parts of India. It yields small fruits and seeds that are used to treat a variety of ailments. For example, it has been studied for its effects in killing breast cancer, prostate cancer, and osteosarcoma cancer cells. An interesting study in 2001 showed that it prevented anaphylactic shock in rats. It also has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects and is sometimes used as a mouthwash treatment. Constipation related benefits stem from the anthraquinone glycosides contained in its fruit. The small fruit (Himaj), medium –size fruit (Haradaakha) and large fruits (Haradae) all contain anthraquinone levels ranging from .045% to .070%. It is this chemical that causes concern for use as constipation treatment
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Constipation and Terminalia Chebula

Constipation remedies containing anthraquinone glycosides are known as stimulant or purgative laxatives because they induce colon contractions by altering fluid and electrolyte transport. This process is often uncomfortable and is why stimulant laxatives are often associated with cramping and discomfort. The medical community is split as to whether the anthraquinones in products like Terminalia Chebula are safe for regular usage. Here is some of the evidence that may cause pause before using this chemical for treatment:

Constipation sufferers who use anthraquinones have been evaluated in several studies. These studies have found damage in both the nerves of the colon and to the smooth muscle tissue of the colon. In one study, 45 stimulant laxative users were found to have abnormalities in the surface cells of their colon as well as nerve fibers that were in various stages of degeneration. Another study done in Scandinavia found nerve damage and reduced colon motility in chronic stimulant laxative users.

Studies in animals found that large dosages of anthraquinones cause the production of tumors. While these dosages are higher than the amounts a human would take, it still raises concern about long-term use in humans.

Chronic use of constipation remedies containing anthraquinones causes a staining of the colon called melanosis coli or “pseudomelanosis coli”. One study that tracked patients who had this condition over 2 years founds that there was a much higher rate of colon cancer in this group versus those that didn’t have the staining of the colon. Another study confirmed that colons with melanosis coli had a much higher rate of cell death among the surface cells of the colon compared to non-stained colons – possible causing colon wall damage.

An Alternative Natural Laxative

In fairness, there are studies showing that long-term anthraquinone use does not cause colon cancer or permanently damage the colon. But if you would rather be safe than sorry, consider trying a non-stimulant constipation treatment. Constipation can be cured by using a natural laxative like StayRegular that works to support your body. Its proprietary “quad-action” formula relieves constipation by drawing water into the colon with essential minerals, rebalancing the colon’s beneficial bacteria, providing special fiber for stool movement, and supplying the nutrients the body needs to relax into comfortable bowel movements. Try StayRegular today if you’re looking for a long-term solution to chronic constipation that avoids the pitfalls of stimulant herbal laxatives.