Terminalia bellirica (Terminalia bellirica)

Other names: topper, bibhitaki, vibhitaki, baheda, bedda nut

The myrobalanus, also known as the apex, bibhitaki, vibhitaki, baheda or bedda nut, is a plant native to Southeast Asia and is occasionally found in Australia. This tree grows up to 50 metres in height and is characterised by the presence of fruits that take the form of orange-yellow berries. The fruits of the apex tree are light brown in colour, oval in shape and up to three centimetres in size. They are known for their medicinal properties, which are used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

The fruits of the myrobalan are mainly used in medicine and cosmetics. They have astringent, laxative, cleansing and tonic effects. They are often found in various tea blends where they act as detoxifying and purifying elements. In Ayurveda, the apex fruit is used as part of triphala, a traditional herbal remedy used to restore and harmonize the body. In cosmetics, they are used to prepare facial masks and tonics with anti-aging effects. The extract of the apex is also used in the manufacture of some whitening toothpastes, as it has the ability to remove stains and provide natural teeth whitening. It is also used in the food industry where it is added to some types of ice cream as a natural flavouring.