Introduction
Terminalia arjuna is native to India and belongs to the genus Terminalia. This tree is not only medicinally valued but in some cultures, Terminalia arjuna is deeply connected with mythology. Terminalia arjuna is mainly used as a cardiotonic in heart failure and cardiomyopathy. Besides this, it is also used for the treatment of different human diseases like anemia, viral diseases, ulcers, and hepatic issues (1).
Botanical description
Arjuna is a large evergreen tree with a big spreading crown and dropping branches. The bark of Terminalia arjuna is having special medicinal values and is grey and smooth in color.
Height
Up to 25 meters
Leaves
Sub-opposite, 5-14 X 2-4.5 cm size, oblong or elliptic-oblong
Flowers
Small, white, and occurs in long-hanging racemes.
Fruits
2-3 cm long, fibrous woody, glabrous with five hard wings.
Importance of Terminalia arjuna in Ayurveda
This plant is extensively used by the ayurvedic physician for its curative property. This plant is very useful in the treatment of any type of pain spermatorrhoea and STD. The bark of this tree is mainly used for the treatment of many types of heart diseases.
Why Terminalia arjuna is medicinally so important?
The bark of Terminalia arjuna contains a very high level of flavonoids, namely arjunolone, and other flavonoids like flavones, baicalein, quercetin, kaempferol, etc. These flavonoids are good for the heart and thus have a positive effect on heart health (2).
Other special compunds present in Terminalia arjuna are Glycosides like Arjunetin, Triterpenoids like arjunin, arjunic acid (3). tannins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, aluminum, etc.
Terminalia arjuna benefits
Every part of this plant is medicinally useful and is having an important position in Ayurvedic and Yunani systems of medicine. Terminalia is useful in alleviating the pain of angina pectoris and in treating heart failure and coronary artery disease.
The bark of Terminalia arjuna is considered to be the most important constituent from a medicinal point of view. The main compounds present in Termenileia arjuna are Polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, saponins, sterols, and minerals are the major constituents. Such amino acids as tryptophan, tyrosine, histidine, and cysteine (4). Terminalia arjuna benefits are as follows.
1. Cardiovascular activity
The water extract from the bark of the plant is good for the heart and research pointed out that it helps in reducing the heart failure rate.
2. Anti-ischemic effects
The bark is also effective in reducing the ischemic effects (5).
3. Hypertension
The bark extracts significantly reduce hypertension among patients (6).
4. Lowers the lipid level
Apart from the blood sugar lowering effect, beneficial change in lipid profile have also been observed when the water extract of the bark of Terminalia arjuna is used (7).
5. Decrease in platelet aggregation
The bark extract has been found to decrease platelet activation and possess antithrombotic properties (8).
6. Fracture healing property
Arjuna bark powder mixed with clarified butter helps in healing broken bones. Not only this the boiled bake when taken can also help in joining the broken bone as the bark is rich in calcium and other minerals (10).
7. Treats swelling gum
Terminalia arjuna is also good for releasing swollen gum tissue. The water extract of this plant helps in treating the bleeding of teeth (10).
Ethnomedical uses of Terminalia arjuna
The bark of this plant acts as an astringent (good for skin and is slightly acidic in nature), demulcent, expectorant, cardiotonic, styptic, anti-dysenteric, and urinary astringent.
The bark ashes are used for treating the snake bit and Scorpio stings. Bark powder is used for the treatment of headaches, and heart problems and as an antacid (9).
