Habitat:

This tree is usually found growing on river banks or near dry river beds in West Bengal and south and central India.1

Morphology Description (Habit):

Arjun Tree is about 20-25 metres tall and usually has a buttressed trunk. It forms a wide canopy at the crown, from which branches drop downwards. It has oblong, conical leaves which are green on the top and brown below; smooth, grey bark; it has pale yellow flowers which appear between March and June; its glabrous, 2.5 to 5 cm fibrous woody fruit, divided into five wings, appears between September and November.1

Parts Used:

Stem Bark, Heartwood and Leaves

Phytochemistry:

Arjuna contains Arjunilic acid, Triterpine glycosides like Arjunetosides I, II, III, IV, Arjunine and Arjunetein. The bark is rich in Saponins, natural anti-oxidants (flavonoids-arjunone, arjunolone, leteilin), gallic acid, ellagic acid, phytosterols, reducing sugars, colouring matter, and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and cobalt.2

As per Ayurveda:

           Rasa (Taste)                 : Astringent

           Guna (Property)           : Light, dry

           Veerya (Potency)         : Cold

           Vipaka (End Result)      : Pungent

Pharmacological Actions:

As per Ayurveda, Arjuna pacifies aggravated Kapha and Pitta.

The primary pharmacological actions of this soothing fruit are summarized as under:

Digestive System: 

i. Exerts gastroprotective and anti-ulcer activities.

ii. Possesses significant hepatoprotective activity.

Endocrinal System:

i. Exerts significant anti-α-amylase activity and protects against post prandial hyperglycamia.3

Cardiovascular System:

i. Possesses significant antioxidant, anti-ischemic, antihypertensive and antihypertrophic properties.4

ii. Possesses hypolipidemic property and significantly impairs the progression of atherosclerosis.

iii. Decreases platelet activation and inhibits platelet aggregation, referring to its antithrombotic property.5

Urinary System: 

i. Plays a pivotal role in inhibition of kidney stones; inhibits the formation of Calcium phosphate and Calcium oxalate crystals.6

Musculoskeletal System: 

i. Strengthens bones and aids in healing of fractures.

Skin and Hair: 

i. Latest researches have revealed that on topical application, Arjuna extract (along with propylene glycol) strengthens the skin barrier and induces sebum production to reduce the signs of dry skin and protect the skin from external challenges.7

Others: 

i. The leaves possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.1

ii. Possesses significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus when used topically in ear infections.

iii. Exerts anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antinociceptive actions.

iv. Also possesses remarkable antitumor activity.

v. Casuarinin, a hydrolyzable tannin isolated from the bark of Terminalia arjuna, exerts significant antiviral activity on herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2).

Indications:

Dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis

(As an adjuvant in) Coronary artery disease (CAD), Ischemic heart disease (IHD), Type-2 Diabetes mellitus, Pre-diabetes, Obesity and Metabolic syndrome

References:

1. Moulisha Biswas, Kaushik Biswas, Tarun K Karan, Sanjib Bhattacharya, Ashoke K Ghosh, and Pallab K Haldar. Evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Terminalia arjuna leaf. Journal of Phytology 2011; 3(1): 33-38.

2. Amol AD. Terminalia arjuna: Phytochemistry, pharmacognosy and pharmacological studies. PharmaTutor, Pharmacy Infopedia.

3. Saha S, Verma R. Inhibitory potential of traditional herbs on α-amylase activity. Pharmaceutical Biology. 2012 Mar;50(3):326-31.

4. Maulik SK, Talwar KK. Therapeutic potential of Terminalia arjuna in cardiovascular disorders. American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs. 2012 Jun 1;12(3):157-63.

5. Malik N, Dhawan V, Bahl A, Kaul D. Inhibitory effects of Terminalia arjuna on platelet activation in vitro in healthy subjects and patients with coronary artery disease. Platelets. 2009 May;20(3):183-90.

6. Chaudhary A, Singla SK, Tandon C. In vitro Evaluation of Terminalia arjuna on Calcium Phosphate and Calcium Oxalate Crystallization. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutial Sciences. 2010 May;72(3):340-5.

7. 7. http://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/ingredient/moisturizer/145983145.html

herbal tea, ayurvedic medicine,herbal products,herbal hair oil,triphala churna,single herbs,herbal beauty products,herbal toothpaste,herbal manufacturers,pain balm

Product Range:

Arjuna , Arjuna Churna , Cardiacare Capsule , Cholestcare Capsule , Diabex Capsule , Diabex Herbal Tea