Introduction
Terminalia arjuna, commonly known as Arjun Terminalia, is a tree that is widely found throughout India and is often grown as an avenue tree. It belongs to the Combretaceae family. In Ayurvedic medicine, Terminalia arjuna is known by various names such as Arjuna, Dhananjaya, Kaakubha, Kakubha, Aartagala, Indravriksha, Paartha, Virataru, and Viravriksha. In Unani medicine, it is known as Arjun Siddha Marudam.
Medicinal Uses
Terminalia arjuna bark has been traditionally used as a cardioprotective and cardiotonic in the treatment of angina and poor coronary circulation. It is also used as a diuretic in cirrhosis of the liver and for symptomatic relief in hypertension. Externally, the bark is used in the treatment of skin diseases, herpes, and leukoderma. Additionally, powdered bark is prescribed with milk for fractures and contusions with excessive ecchymosis, as well as for urinary discharges and strangury. The fruit of Terminalia arjuna has deobstruent properties.
Chemical Constituents
According to The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, the powder of Terminalia arjuna stembark is recommended for emaciation, chest diseases, cardiac disorders, lipid imbalances, and polyuria. The bark extract of Terminalia arjuna contains various compounds such as arjunolic acid, terminic acid, arjunetin, arjunosides I-IV, flavones, tannins, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which possess strong antioxidant properties.
Health Benefits
In a study conducted on 58 male patients with stable angina and provokable ischemia on treadmill exercise, the administration of Terminalia arjuna bark extract improved clinical and treadmill exercise parameters, similar to the effects observed with isosorbide mononitrate. Another study demonstrated that arjunolic acid provided significant cardiac protection in rats with isoproterenol-induced myocardial necrosis. Furthermore, the alcoholic extract of Terminalia arjuna bark was found to increase the levels of endogenous antioxidants in the rat heart and prevent myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury caused by isoproterenol. Cardiac lipid peroxidation in male Wistar rats was also reduced by 38.8% when treated with a dose of 90mg/kg of an aqueous freeze-dried extract of the bark.
In addition to its cardiac benefits, Terminalia arjuna bark powder has been shown to have various other effects. Oral administration of the powder in normal rats resulted in an increase in circulating histamine, a slight increase in 5-HT and catecholamines, an increase in HDL cholesterol, and a decrease in total lipid, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Casuarinin, a hydrolyzable tannin isolated from Terminalia arjuna bark, exhibited anti-herpes virus activity by inhibiting viral attachment and penetration. Furthermore, a 50% ethanolic extract of the bark showed a significant increase in the tensile strength of incision wounds.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of Terminalia arjuna stembark is 3-6g of powder. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Terminalia arjuna, also known as Arjun Terminalia, is a tree commonly found in India with various medicinal uses. Its bark has been used in traditional medicine for its cardioprotective, diuretic, and skin-healing properties. It contains several compounds with strong antioxidant effects, providing benefits for heart health and reducing oxidative stress. Additionally, Terminalia arjuna bark has shown effects on histamine, cholesterol, and wound healing. However, more research is needed to fully understand and confirm these effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Terminalia arjuna?
Terminalia arjuna, commonly known as Arjun Terminalia, is a tree found in India with various medicinal uses.
What family does Terminalia arjuna belong to?
Terminalia arjuna belongs to the Combretaceae family.
What are the traditional uses of Terminalia arjuna bark?
Terminalia arjuna bark has traditionally been used as a cardioprotective and cardiotonic for angina and poor coronary circulation. It is also used as a diuretic and for skin diseases.
What are the names of Terminalia arjuna in Ayurvedic medicine?
Terminalia arjuna is known as Arjuna, Dhananjaya, Kaakubha, Kakubha, Aartagala, Indravriksha, Paartha, Virataru, and Viravriksha in Ayurvedic medicine.
What are the names of Terminalia arjuna in Unani medicine?
Terminalia arjuna is known as Arjun Siddha Marudam in Unani medicine.
What compounds are found in Terminalia arjuna bark extract?
Terminalia arjuna bark extract contains compounds such as arjunolic acid, terminic acid, arjunetin, arjunosides I-IV, flavones, tannins, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins.
How does Terminalia arjuna bark extract affect heart health?
Studies have shown that Terminalia arjuna bark extract can improve clinical and exercise parameters in patients with angina. It also provides cardiac protection and reduces lipid peroxidation.
What other effects does Terminalia arjuna bark powder have?
Terminalia arjuna bark powder has been shown to increase circulating histamine, HDL cholesterol, and wound tensile strength. It also exhibits anti-herpes virus activity.
How should Terminalia arjuna stembark be consumed?
The recommended dosage of Terminalia arjuna stembark is 3-6g of powder. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal treatment.
Can Terminalia arjuna be used for liver cirrhosis?
Terminalia arjuna is used as a diuretic in cirrhosis of the liver and can provide symptomatic relief in hypertension, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Does Terminalia arjuna have antioxidant properties?
Yes, Terminalia arjuna bark extract contains compounds with strong antioxidant properties, helping to reduce oxidative stress.
Does Terminalia arjuna affect cholesterol levels?
Oral administration of Terminalia arjuna bark powder has been shown to decrease total lipid, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels.
What is the effect of Terminalia arjuna on wound healing?
A 50% ethanolic extract of Terminalia arjuna bark has shown significant improvement in the tensile strength of incision wounds.
Is Terminalia arjuna safe to consume?
Terminalia arjuna has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal treatment to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Is Terminalia arjuna bark effective for skin diseases?
Terminalia arjuna bark is traditionally used in the treatment of skin diseases, herpes, and leukoderma, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Can Terminalia arjuna be used for fractures or contusions?
Terminalia arjuna bark powder is prescribed with milk for fractures and contusions with excessive ecchymosis, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
How does Terminalia arjuna affect histamine levels?
Oral administration of Terminalia arjuna bark powder has been shown to increase circulating histamine levels.
Does Terminalia arjuna have any effects on serotonin and catecholamines?
Terminalia arjuna bark powder has been shown to cause a slight increase in 5-HT and catecholamine levels when administered orally.
Are there any side effects of Terminalia arjuna?
Terminalia arjuna is generally safe when consumed in recommended dosages, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to monitor for any potential.
