Last Updated on: 30/10/2026

Use of Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula) for dyslipidemia  

Out of the 13 studies (Haritaki review), two have focussed on metabolic syndrome (dyslipidemia and T2DM); three studies have targeted issues associated with oral cavity; and three studies targeted different skin conditions. In this article we shall focus on the studies focussing on dyslipidemia and T2DM. 

Haritaki & Lipid Profile

We found two studies conducted among patients affected with dyslipidemia and T2DM. Both were randomized controlled trials and conducted in India. 

In the first study, Joshi et al. compared the effect of asanadi ghanavati (1g thrice daily with lukewarm water) and gomutra haritaki (1g thrice daily with lukewarm water) among OP patients with dyslipidemia at IPGT & RA, Jamnagar, Gujrat, India for a duration of 2 weeks. Both groups showed improvement, though between group comparisons remained statistically insignificant. Both the drugs can potentially be used for patients with dyslipidemia with preference of Asanadi ghanvati among patients with dyslipidemia and T2DM.

In the second study conducted by Pingali U. et al., the impact of different dosage of aqueous extract of haritaki was compared with placebo on endothelial dysfunction, systemic inflammation (MDA, GHA, NO) and lipid profile among patients with T2DM at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad. Improvements were observed at both dosages of haritaki when compared to placebo with more benefits observed for higher dosage of haritaki.  

Haritaki for Lipid Profile

Authors/Study Design	Study Title	Diagnosis	Duration/Groups/Numbers	Intervention
Joshi SG, 2014 Randomized Comparative Study	A comparative clinical study of Asanadi Ghanavati and Gomutra Haritaki in Kapha Medo Margavarana (dyslipidemia)	Dyslipidemia	8 weeks A: 30 B: 30 Data: 0 & 8 weeks	A: Asanadi Ghanavati 1g TDS B: Gomutra Haritaki 1g TDS
Pingali U., 2020 RCT	Effect of an aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula on endothelial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study	Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus	Twice Daily for 12 Weeks A: 20 B: 20 C: 20 Data: 0, 12 weeks	A: Terminalia Chebula 250 BD B: Terminalia Chebula 500 BD C: Placebo BD

 

Potential Clinical Applications: 

While considering the clinical applications of the different drugs used in the two studies, we need to have clarity on composition of drugs. As per authors, Gomutra haritaki contains gomutra and haritaki, though composition may vary when different brands available in the market are used. Hence, the benefits obtained in the study should be considered to be related to both the dravya mentioned by the authors in the manuscript. All components of the lipid profile showed positive changes after an intervention of 8 weeks. Changes were statistically significant but clinical relevance remains unestablished as the improvement has not resulted in normal physiological readings after 8 weeks. Overall response rate was good (Approximately 75% of participants reported mild to moderate improvement subjectively, with a larger portion of mild improvement). Comparison was done with another ayurveda medicine asanadi ghanavati and there was no placebo group.   

In the second study, aqueous extract of haritaki (250mg and 500mg) was used, which ensured the standardization of the drug bringing homogeneity to the intervention. As the study targeted patients with T2DM, lipid profile was not necessarily deranged. Despite this lacuna, statistically significant improvements were observed in all the parameters with more benefits for the higher dosage of haritaki. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation also showed improvement. With the available information, it remains difficult to conclude whether the results were clinically relevant or not. As the comparisons discussed are between groups, results may be considered robust in comparison to the study discussed in the previous paragraph. It is also worth keeping in mind the benefits obtained for endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, blood sugar, and inflammation and not just lipid profile. 

Dosing/Duration/Formulation:

First study has used gomutra haritaki 3g/day (in three divided doses) for 8 weeks. In the second study, haritaki was used from 500mg/day to 1g/day (in two divided doses) for a duration of 12 weeks. Treatment guidelines published by the Department of AYUSH, GoI suggest use of 3-6g haritaki for patients with sthaulya (obesity). So, a higher dose of haritaki considered for the study could have brought better results. 

Haritaki for Lipid Profile & T2DM – Conclusions

Study Title	Results	Limitations	Take Home Message
A comparative clinical study of Asanadi Ghanavati and Gomutra Haritaki in Kapha Medo Margavarana (dyslipidemia)	Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in serum cholesterol, HDL and LDL and a non-significant improvement in VLDL and TG. Between group comparison has not shown any significant differences. Overall more than 75% patients reported subjective mild to moderate improvement in both the groups.	1) Short duration of study (2 Weeks) 2) Non documentation of lifestyle factors 3) No comparison with established conventional treatments	Asanadi ghanavati can potentially be useful for patients with T2DM and dyslipidemia. Gomutra haritaki works better for patients with dyslipidemia by enhancing functions of jathragni. No adverse events were reported
Effect of an aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula on endothelial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study	Statistical significant treatment effect was seen on endothelial functioning, NO, MDA, GHA, hsCRP, TC, LDL, HDL, VLDL, TG with results favouring higher doses. No statistical significant difference was observed in vital, hematological, hepatic and renal functions highlighting safety of intervention.	1)Small sample size 2) Short duration of study 3) Non-documentation of lifestyle factors.	Aqueous extract of Terminalia Chebula improves endothelial function, reduces oxidative stress and improves lipid profile among patients with T2DM and hence reduces cardiovascular risk.

Adverse Events/Side Effects: 

No serious adverse events were reported in both the studies, highlighting the safety of the interventions. Mild side effects reported were dyspepsia (reported by three participants with intervention of aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula) and headache (three participants from placebo group). Side effects have not resulted in the discontinuation by any study participant. Though it would be important to keep in mind the core properties of dravyas as detailed in core subject texts. So, haritaki can be considered safe up to doses of 1g/day for 12 weeks. It is worth keeping in mind the core properties of haritaki as detailed in ayurveda texts while considering the side-effect profile of the drug.  

There is currently no study available comparing the efficacy of haritaki with conventional medication like statins. A clinical decision about the use of haritaki for patients suffering from dyslipidemia can be made by a clinician on the basis of their experience and use of the drug for other comorbidities. 

For more on Haritaki click below links:

Haritaki for Skin Conditions

Haritaki for issues of Oral Cavity

References: 

1.Joshi SG, Chandola HM, Dave AR. A comparative clinical study of Asanadi Ghanavati and Gomutra Haritaki in Kapha Medo Margavarana (dyslipidemia). Ayu. 2014 Apr;35(2):152-9. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.146231. PMID: 25558160; PMCID: PMC4279321.

2. Pingali U, Sukumaran D, Nutalapati C. Effect of an aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula on endothelial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Phytother Res. 2020 Dec;34(12):3226-3235. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6771. Epub 2020 Jul 2. PMID: 32618037.

3. Ayurvedic Standard Treatment Guidelines. https://mcimindia.co.in/Files/Downloads_17012023_Ayurvedic%20Standard%20Treatment%20Guildelines.pdf (Google search on 30.12.2026 at 12:40pm