BIOPIRACY Imitations Not Innovations - Biopirateria

64 Biopiracy: Imitations Not Innovations
24. TERMINALIA CHEBULA
Other names: Harad and Harra in Hindi,
Haritaki in Bengali, Hirda in Marathi, Kandakai in
Tamil, Kandukai in Telugu, Chebubulic myrobalan in
English.
Description and location of the plant: A large
deciduous tree, with thick, dark brown bark. It is
found in the outer Himalayas, ascending up to 1600
m, from Kangra to Bengal and throughout the
Central and South India.
Part/s used: Fruits.
Action and indigenous use of the plant: In action it is alternative, astringent,
dentifrice, purgative, and tonic. Useful in apathae, ascites, asthma, bile, trouble,
bleeding and ulceration of the gums, blood pressure, burns and scalds, carious
teeth, cardiac tonic, cooling wash for the eye, cough, dysentery and diarrhoea,
enlarged spleen of liver, fever, flatulence, heart diseases, piles and vaginal discharges,
skin diseases, sores, stomach complaints, ulcers, vomiting and worms.
Modern use in the patent: The patents related to this plant, granted by the
USPTO, include:
US Patent 6,187,313: Composition and method for treating and preventing
Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis, ulcers and cancer.
US Patent 6,136,316: Hepatoprotective compositions and composition for
treatment of conditions related to hepatitis B and E infection.
US Patent 6,080,401: Herbal and pharmaceutical drugs enhanced with
probiotics.
US Patent 5,980,903: Composition for the treatment of viral infections
including HIV.
US Patent 5,916,919: Retrovirus protease inhibitors.
US Patent 5,693,327: Herbal compositions.