Terminalia pallida, locally known as Tella karakkaya, is a highly valued, yet endangered, medicinal tree species. Its significance lies in its powerful therapeutic properties, which have been integrated into traditional healing systems for centuries. This comprehensive explanation details its identity, uses, and importance.
Herb's Introduction
Terminalia pallida Brandis, belonging to the family Combretaceae, is a vital component of traditional Indian medicine, particularly in the Siddha system. This species is an endemic and endangered medicinal tree primarily found in a very restricted area: the Tirumala hills within the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is recognized locally as Tella karakkaya (White Gallnut) due to the color and form of its highly prized fruit, which is known for its wide-ranging therapeutic applications. While other species like Terminalia chebula (Haritaki) are famous throughout India and Nepal, T. pallida holds a unique, specialized position in its native region's pharmacopeia. Its continued use underscores the deep knowledge of local ecosystems held by traditional healers.
Name in Different Countries
Terminalia pallida is not widely known outside of India due to its extremely restricted, endemic geographical range. Its common and vernacular names are therefore concentrated within South India. Category Name Region/Language Scientific Name Terminalia pallida Brandis Botanical/Latin Family Combretaceae Botanical English Common Name White Gallnut, White Chebulic Myrobalan General Telugu Name తెల్ల కరక్కాయ (Tella karakkaya), Tella karaka, Tellakaraka Andhra Pradesh Tamil Names Vellaikkadukkay, Aymalikakkay, Aymalikam, Niraviyam Tamil Nadu/South India Hindi Name सफ़ेद हर्रा (Safed Harra), सफ़ेद हरड़ (Safed Harad) India Kannada Names ಬಿಳಿ ಕರಕ (Bili karaka), ಬಿಳಿ ಹರಡೆ (Bili Harade) Karnataka Malayalam Name വെള്ള കടുക്ക (Vella Katukka) Kerala Export to Sheets
Terminology
The term Terminalia pallida refers to the distinct botanical species within the large Terminalia genus, which is famous for producing "myrobalans" or "karakkayas." The term "Tella karakkaya" literally translates to "White Karakkaya," distinguishing it from the common black or brown myrobalans like Haritaki (T. chebula). It is sometimes listed with the botanical synonym Terminalia brandisii. In traditional systems like Ayurveda and Siddha, the fruits of this genus are often categorized based on their color and size, and T. pallida is valued specifically for its properties as a gentler but effective version of the classic myrobalan group.
Availability
Terminalia pallida is a geographically restricted species, which is a major concern for its conservation status. Geographical Range: It is endemic to the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, particularly found in the sacred hills of Tirumala. It is also sporadically reported in certain parts of Madhya Pradesh, but its main concentration and medicinal use are linked to South India. Conservation Status: The species is classified as endangered, highlighting the fragility of its population due to habitat destruction and unregulated collection for medicinal purposes. Medicinal Plants of Nepal Context: While the second keyword "Medicinal Plants of Nepal" is relevant to the Terminalia genus, Terminalia pallida itself is not native to Nepal. The common and highly important Terminalia species found in Nepal are Terminalia chebula (Harro) and Terminalia bellirica (Barro), which are two of the three components of the famous Ayurvedic formulation, Triphala.
External Look
Terminalia pallida is a moderately sized, semi-evergreen tree with distinct physical characteristics: Size and Trunk: It grows up to 12 meters in height. The bark is typically grayish. Leaves: The leaves are thick and leathery (coriaceous), arranged oppositely, and are relatively large, measuring around 8.5 to 10 cm long and 6 to 8 cm wide. They are hairless (glabrous) and often appear glaucous (bluish-green/waxy). Flowers: The tree produces small, pale yellow flowers arranged in simple, unbranched spikes at the ends of the branches (terminal spikes). Fruit (The Medicinal Part): The fruit is the most valued part, giving the plant its common name. It is a glossy, ovoid drupe measuring approximately 2.5 to 4 cm long and 1.3 to 1.7 cm wide. When dried, the fruit shows very faint ridges, distinguishing it from the strongly ridged fruit of Terminalia chebula. The common name, White Gallnut, refers to the pale appearance of this fruit.
Healing Properties
The therapeutic efficacy of Terminalia pallida is attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds, particularly high concentrations of tannins and various phytochemicals, which contribute to the following key properties: Antipyretic: The fruit is traditionally used to reduce fever. Purgative/Laxative: It acts as a mild yet effective purgative, aiding in digestion and relieving chronic constipation, a property common to the Myrobalan family. Anti-inflammatory: The bark is documented to possess anti-inflammatory actions, used to reduce swelling and general inflammation. Antimicrobial/Antibacterial: Scientific studies on the methanol extract of the dried fruit powder have confirmed a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, suggesting its potential in treating bacterial infections. Astringent/Healing: The fruit and its extracts are astringent, which is beneficial for wound healing and treating conditions like ulcers and diarrhea.
Advantages
The medicinal use of Terminalia pallida offers several distinct advantages, particularly within the context of traditional healing: Broad-Spectrum Activity: It is effective against a wide array of ailments, from simple digestive issues like diarrhea and piles to more complex problems like peptic ulcers and venereal diseases, suggesting versatile application. Anti-Infective Potential: The proven antibacterial activity of the fruit makes it a strong natural candidate for combating infections, potentially effective against multiple bacterial strains. Holistic Treatment: Its use in Siddha medicine for combining the root (for venereal diseases/peptic ulcers) and the fruit (for digestive and systemic issues) highlights a traditional approach that uses different parts of the plant synergistically for holistic health. Traditional Validation: Its continued and specific inclusion in traditional texts and practices validates its long-standing therapeutic utility among the communities where it is endemic.
Uses
Different parts of the Terminalia pallida plant are utilized for specific therapeutic purposes: Plant Part Primary Uses Conditions Treated Fruit Astringent, Antipyretic, Purgative, Antibacterial Diarrhea, Piles, Ulcers, Cough, Cold, Fever, General Swellings. Roots (with Fruit Kernel) Anti-ulcer, Anti-syphilitic Peptic Ulcer, Venereal Diseases. Bark Anti-inflammatory Localized Swellings and Inflammation. Fruit (Veterinary) Specific anti-inflammatory/pain relief Laminitis (a serious condition in hoofed animals). Export to Sheets
Using way
The methods of preparation and application are based on traditional knowledge, as modern standardized dosage forms are not widely available: Decoction/Infusion: The dried fruit powder is most commonly prepared as a hot water decoction (boiling the material in water until the volume reduces) or a simple infusion (steeping) for internal consumption, primarily to treat fever, cold, and general body aches. Combination Paste/Powder: For treating serious conditions like venereal diseases and peptic ulcers, the roots are combined with the fruit kernel, ground into a paste or powder, and administered orally. External Application: The bark or fruit may be processed into a paste and applied topically to areas of inflammation, swellings, or ulcers to leverage its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Purgative Use: The dried fruit may be taken alone as a mild purgative to cleanse the bowels. Note: Specific dosage and preparation methods should only be followed under the guidance of a qualified traditional or Ayurvedic practitioner due to the potential potency and classification of the plant.
Conclusion
Terminalia pallida, or Tella karakkaya, stands as a critically important yet vulnerable medicinal resource. Its established traditional uses for a vast range of conditions—from fevers and digestive issues to severe ailments like venereal diseases—are increasingly being supported by scientific evidence, particularly regarding its potent antibacterial activity. As an endemic and endangered species, the narrative of T. pallida is a stark reminder of the intrinsic value and conservation urgency of biodiversity hotspots like the Eastern Ghats. Future efforts must focus on sustainable harvesting, cultivation, and detailed pharmacological studies to harness its full therapeutic potential while ensuring the survival of this indispensable medicinal tree.
