Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Aurvedic Aspects | Biochemical Information
Legends, Myths and Stories | Uses | Formulas or Dosages | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn.
- Terminalia arjuna
Common Names
- Arjuna
- Arjan des Indes
- Arjhan
- Arjun Chal
- Arjun Tree
- White Marudah
- Kakubha
- Kahu
- Indradru
- Partha
- Veeravriksha
- Dhavala
- Kumbuk
- Murudhu
- Nadisraja
- Neer Matti
- Sadado
- Sadaru
- Tella Maddi
Parts Usually Used
The stem bark (primarily), root bark, leaves, fruits, and seeds
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Terminalia arjuna is an evergreen tree in the Combretaceae family that can reach 60-80 feet in height. It has a buttressed trunk and horizontally spreading crown with drooping branches. The tree has smooth, pinkish-gray bark on the external surface, while the inner surface shows longitudinal striation and is pinkish in color. The bark naturally flakes off during April-May.
The leaves are simple, sub-opposite, coriaceous, oblong or elliptic, and often unequal sided with 10-15 pairs of nerves. They are dull green on the upper side and pale brown on the lower side. The flowers are white, bisexual, and arranged in spikes with linear bracteoles. The fruits are ovoid or oblong drupes with 5-7 hard angles or wings, with oblique lines curving upward.
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Where Found
Terminalia arjuna is native to the Indian subcontinent and is distributed throughout sub Indo-Himalayan tracts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Deccan, South Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. It grows mainly along riverside, rivulets, and ponds. The tree is also found in Burma, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and other parts of South Asia. It grows in almost all types of soils but prefers humid, fertile loam and red lateritic soils.
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Medicinal Properties
Terminalia arjuna has been extensively studied and shown to possess numerous therapeutic properties. The primary medicinal properties include cardioprotective, anti-ischemic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, antiatherogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antimutagenic, anti-platelet, antihypertensive, wound healing, gastroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities.
The plant exhibits diuretic, inotropic, and chronotropic effects. Its potent antioxidant activity helps reduce oxidative stress in cardiac cells, preventing damage associated with heart diseases. Arjuna demonstrates anti-apoptotic effects, reducing programmed cell death in cardiac cells during stress conditions. It modulates inflammatory responses by lowering levels of inflammatory cytokines and enhances cardiac function by positively influencing calcium handling and myocardial metabolism.
Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating cardiovascular conditions including angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, hypertension, rheumatic heart disease, ischemic mitral regurgitation, and cardiomyopathy. It also shows promise in diabetes management, wound healing, and periodontal therapy due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
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Ayurvedic Aspects
Terminalia arjuna holds a revered position in Ayurvedic medicine and has been used for over 2,500 years, dating back to the Vedic period. It is extensively referenced in ancient Indian medical texts such as the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Astanga Hridayam. The famous Indian physician Vagbhata was the first to recommend the use of arjuna stem bark powder for treating heart ailments.
Traditional Ayurvedic Uses: In classical Ayurveda, the bark has been described as astringent, demulcent, expectorant, cardiotonic, styptic, and antidysenteric. It has been traditionally used for fractures, ulcers, leukorrhea, diabetes, anemia, cardiopathy, and cirrhosis. The root bark is used for ulcerative stomatitis and gastric ulcers, while the leaves are beneficial for conjunctivitis, inflammation, dyspepsia, diarrhea, and dysentery.
Traditional Preparations: Chakradatta, the great ancient physician, recommended arjuna to be given as a decoction of bark with milk or as a ghrita (preparation with ghee or butter). Important Ayurvedic formulations include Arjunarishta and Arjunaghrita. Traditional healers prepare various preparations using bark powder boiled with water for different conditions.
Energetics in Ayurveda: Arjuna is considered a potent cardiotonic and rasayana (rejuvenative) herb. It is believed to balance the three doshas and has particular affinity for the cardiovascular system. The saponin glycosides are thought to be responsible for its inotropic effects, while flavonoids and phenolics provide antioxidant and vascular protective activities.
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Biochemical Information
Terminalia arjuna contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic potential. The major phytochemical constituents include:
Triterpenoids: Arjunin, arjunic acid, arjunolic acid, arjungenin, terminic acid, terminoltin, and various ursane triterpenoids. These compounds are primarily responsible for the cardioprotective effects.
Glycosides: Arjunetin, arjunoside I and II, arjunoside III and IV, arjunolone, arjunolitin, arjunaphthanoloside, arjunglucoside IV and V, arjunasides A-E, terminoside A, and terminarjunoside I and II.
Flavonoids and Phenolics: Arjunone, luteolin, baicalein, ethyl gallate, gallic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, pelargonidin, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, catechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin, and ellagic acid derivatives. These compounds provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Tannins: Pyrocatechols, punicallin, punicalagin, terchebulin, terflavin C, castalagin, casuariin, and casuarinin. Tannins contribute to wound healing, astringent, and antimicrobial properties.
Minerals and Trace Elements: High concentrations of calcium (3133 μg/g), magnesium (4000 μg/g), aluminum, zinc (119 μg/g), copper (19 μg/g), and silica.
Amino Acids: Tryptophan, tyrosine, histidine, and cysteine are present as major amino acid constituents.
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Legends, Myths and Stories
The name “Arjuna” is derived from the great warrior prince Arjuna from the Indian epic Mahabharata, symbolizing strength and protection. In Sanskrit, Arjuna means “bright” or “shining,” reflecting the tree’s significance in providing strength and vitality to the heart.
In traditional Indian culture, the Arjuna tree is considered sacred and is often planted near temples and along riverbanks. The tree is believed to have divine protective qualities, and its presence near water bodies is thought to purify the environment.
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Uses
Terminalia arjuna has extensive therapeutic applications, particularly in cardiovascular health:
Cardiovascular Applications:
- Angina pectoris and chest pain
- Myocardial infarction recovery
- Congestive heart failure
- Hypertension and blood pressure management
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Ischemic mitral regurgitation
- Cardiomyopathy
- Coronary artery disease
- Atherosclerosis prevention
- Endothelial dysfunction
Other Medical Applications:
- Dyslipidemia and cholesterol management
- Diabetes and blood sugar regulation
- Wound healing and tissue repair
- Gastrointestinal disorders and ulcers
- Periodontal therapy and oral health
- Respiratory conditions as expectorant
- Antimicrobial infections
- Anti-inflammatory conditions
- Antioxidant support
- Blood disorders and anemia
Traditional Uses: Historically used for fractures, urinary tract infections, snake bites, scorpion stings, headaches, earaches, and as a general tonic for overall health and vitality.
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Formulas or Dosages
General Dosing Guidelines:
- Bark powder: 1-2 grams daily, typically divided into 2-3 doses
- Standardized extract: 500 mg three times daily for up to 3 months
- Decoction: 20-30 ml of bark decoction twice daily
- For cardiovascular conditions: 500 mg extract every 8 hours
Specific Clinical Applications:
- Angina and stable coronary disease: 500 mg three times daily
- Heart failure: 4 grams bark powder twice daily
- Hypertension: 25 ml Arjuna Kwatha (decoction) twice daily
- Cholesterol management: 500 mg twice daily with conventional therapy
- Post-myocardial infarction: 500 mg twice daily for 3 months
Traditional Preparations:
- Arjunarishta: Fermented preparation for heart conditions
- Arjunaghrita: Ghee-based preparation for cardiac health
- Milk decoction: Bark boiled with milk for heart ailments
- Powder with honey: For respiratory conditions
How Sold
Terminalia arjuna is available in various commercial forms including capsules, tablets, powdered bark, liquid extracts, tinctures, and standardized herbal preparations. It is commonly found in health food stores, Ayurvedic medicine shops, and online retailers. The herb is often sold as single-ingredient supplements or as part of cardiovascular support formulations.
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Warning
General Safety: Terminalia arjuna is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months, but should not be used without medical supervision due to its significant effects on the heart.
Side Effects: Mild side effects may include nausea, gastritis, headache, body ache, constipation, and insomnia. No serious hematological, renal, or metabolic toxicity has been reported with appropriate dosing.
Drug Interactions:
- Blood-thinning medications: May increase risk of bleeding due to anti-platelet effects
- Liver metabolism: May affect medications processed by CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 enzymes
- Diabetes medications: May enhance blood sugar lowering effects
Special Precautions:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Safety not established; avoid use
- Bleeding disorders: Use with caution due to potential blood-thinning effects
- Surgery: Discontinue at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery
- Thyroid function: High doses may affect thyroid hormone levels
- Liver conditions: Monitor liver function with prolonged use
Monitoring: Regular monitoring of cardiovascular parameters, liver function, and blood clotting times is recommended during extended use, especially when combined with conventional cardiac medications.
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Resource Links
National Library of Medicine – Terminalia arjuna: An overview of its magical properties
National Library of Medicine – Revisiting Terminalia arjuna – An Ancient Cardiovascular Drug
WebMD – Terminalia Arjuna – Uses, Side Effects, and More
ScienceDirect – Therapeutic potential and industrial applications of Terminalia arjuna bark
