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Arjun
(Terminalia arjuna)
Part Used: Stem bark
Habitat:
The tree grows throughout the greater part of the Indian subcontinent,
Burma and Sri Lanka. It is particularly found in the sub-Himalayan tracts.
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 2010, 11, 000-000
Introduction:
In the Rigveda, the word Arjuna is used (R.V.1/122/5) for the first time. Both
Carakacharya and Sushrutacharya have mentioned this plant in their
Samhitas, but have not indicated its use for heart diseases. It was
Vagbhattacharya who for the first time mentioned the use of Arjuna in the
treatment of heart diseases and the same was endorsed by Cakradattam and
Bhavamisram. Ayurveda recommends different formulation of the bark
powder of arjuna.
Mechanism of Action:
The saponin glycosides might be responsible for the inotropic effects of
Terminalia, while the flavonoids and OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins)
provide free radical antioxidant activity and vascular strengthening or
strengthening the circulatory system.
Alternative Medicine Review Volume 3, Number 6 1998
Medicinal Uses:
Various preclinical and clinical studies have been done on arjuna to prove its
medicinal benefits. It is useful in angina pectoris, mild hypertension,
dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, blood thinning, as a diuretic and protecting
cardiovascular disease or other diseases of heart.
Lipid Lowering Effect Studies suggest that arjuna reduces blood lipids.
The inhibition of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis, increased fecal bile acid
excretion, and stimulation of receptor-mediated catabolism of LDL
cholesterol are responsible for arjunas lipid lowering effects.
Alternative Medicine Review Monographs, Page 413
Clinical Studies:
Few clinical studies related to Coronary Artery Disease are mentioned below :
Coronary Artery Disease
1. According to a clinical study published in the journal of Physicians
association of India, 2001, Terminalia arjuna tree bark powder has
significant antioxidant action that is comparable to vitamin E. In addition, it
also has a significant hypocholesterolemic effect.
J Assoc Physicians India. 2001 Feb;49:231-5.
Conclusion:
T. arjuna has been extensively studied by the scientists for its medicinal
benefits especially related to the heart. According to the ancient and
scientific literatures, arjuna can be used to lower the cholesterol levels and
prevent coronary heart disease.