Arjuna Herb: Terminalia Arjuna Benefits, How To Eat, And Precautions

The Terminalia arjuna – a multi-virtuous evergreen tree called Arjuna, has been utilized by Ayurvedic medicine practitioners for more than three centuries. Traditionally, the benefits of Terminalia arjuna are known for its myriad and valuable medicinal properties.

Arjuna is a well-known medicine in Ayurveda. In all the symptoms related to heart diseases, especially in disorders arising due to functional disorders and mechanical disturbances, its use has been described by the Ayurvedic practitioners as a great success. There is a considerable difference of opinion between ancient and modern scholars in the views of Terminalia arjuna. Nevertheless, gradually proved by promising researchers.

Scientific Family: Combretaceae

Terminalia Arjuna Quick Fact:

All the plant parts – especially the stem bark, root bark, twigs, leaves, and seeds are rich sources of bioactive compounds such as triterpenoids, glycosides, phenols, tannins, alkaloids, B-Sitosterol, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, and antioxidants including gallic acid, ellagic acid, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins. These compounds have been shown to support heart health and treat heart-related issues.

Also Known As: White Marudah, White Murdh, Arjuna Myrobalan, Orjun, Yerra Maddi, Sadada

How it works

Terminalia arjuna is widely popular for anti-ischemic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and antiatherogenic activities, that have protective effects on the cardiovascular system. In addition, arjuna has useful phytoconstituents – triterpenoids, β-sitosterol, flavonoids, and glycosides. Triterpenoids and flavonoids are widely recognized in alternative health practices for their beneficial antioxidant cardiovascular properties.

Types

1. Terminalia arjuna
2. Terminalia bellarica
3. Terminalia chebula

Potential Benefits of Terminalia Arjuna

Arjuna and its medicinal properties have been associated with potential health benefits, including:

High in Antioxidants

Many nutrients present in arjuna bark are rich in fruticosa antioxidant properties, including flavonoids, triterpenoids, glycosides and phenolic acids. Antioxidants are substances that protect the cells of the body from damage.

Its bark is rich in glycosides and flavonoids, tannins and minerals. These antioxidant is responsible for suppressing the growth and spread of colon, liver, and cancer.

Whats more, Its antioxidant elements keep our heart healthy by preventing the damages in the heart cells.

Promote Heart Health

Traditionally, Terminalia Arjuna considered very effective for heart related problems. It contains an element called triterpenoid which proves to be effective in keeping heart problems away.

Research on animal research has shown that the bark of Terminalia Arjuna may reduces cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose — These three are the main factors for heart disease.

A human study found that taking 3 grams of T. arjuna bark powder for 1 month can strengthening the cardiac muscles, reduce blood pressure and favourably modify lipid profile.

Reduce cancer risk

Animal and test-tube studies suggest that Terminalia Arjuna have anticancer properties.

Arjuna bark contains a component called casuarinin which helps in inhibiting the growth of breast cancer virus. Its antioxidant properties make it more effective.

The consumption of Arjun bark is very beneficial for women who are suffering from breast cancer.

Angina

Chest pain is called angina, which is caused by not getting enough blood to the heart. This can feel like pressure on the chest with a heart attack. Angina is also called angina pectoris or ischemic chest pain. This is a symptom of heart disease.

The results showed that the use of arjuna extract was found to reduce the frequency of angina attacks by 50 percent or more.

May blood sugar control

The use of T. arjuna can suitable for people with diabetes, its extract may lowered fasting blood sugar levels.

The host of plant is rich in benificial plant compounds including tannins, saponins and flavonoids — helps in controlling blood sugar by increasing kidney and liver function.

Other potential benefits

1. Fights damage by neutralizing free radicals and reduce inflammation.
2. Fights lipid disorders.
3. Promotes wound healing.
4. Treating vaginal infections.
5. Helps relieve problems in the stomach.
6. Relieve respiratory disorders.
7. Its bark chebula is used for dysentery.

How to Eat

Terminalia arjuna is available in following forms:

• Arjuna tree bark wood
• Arjuna bark (Terminalia arjuna) powder
• Arjuna’s Fruit
• Arjuna’s gum

Talking about the consumption of Terminalia arjuna, it can be used for consumption in the form of powder, tea, juice and decoction. At the same time, if desired, its powder and decoction available in the market can be used as directed by a Herbal Practitioner.

Precautions

Generally, conjumind T. Arjuna as a medicine can be considered completely safe. However, if you have a serious physical problem, you may need to consult your doctor before consuming it.

• It is not safe for lactating women, yet if you have not any problem with its consumption, then atleast do not consume it while breastfeeding.

• Children and pregnant women should avoid its consumption, as it also contains a small percentage of alcohol from natural fermentation.

• Consuming Arjuna bark in excess can cause problems like constipation and abdominal pain.

• If you are going under high blood pressure and blood sugar level, then do not consume Terminalia Arjuna bark without doctor’s advice.

Conclusion

Arjuna tree also known as Terminalia arjuna. It is a medicinal plant — has cardioprotective and heart-strengthening properties.

It is high in antioxidants and may support heart health, improve blood sugar control and provide other potential benefits

Due to limited research on its safety, it should be especially avoided by children and pregnant and lactating women.