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Introduction

Ayurveda in literal way means SCIENCE OF LIFE. Which in mythically assumed as medicinal science but originally it is WAY OF LIFE. Ayurveda teaches how to live yet how to protect not cure. From fast many years India has developed into fastest growing economy in the world with drastic change the lifestyle and way of living has changed from SATVIC to RAJSIC EVUM TAMASIC. Accompanied with fast lifestyle came the fast food which ruined our natural immunity, health and balance of elements in the body (VATA-PITTA and KAPHA). As these changes turned into prolonged accumulation of DOSHA’S making world face many deadly diseases like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disorders etc. among them the heart diseases became the most fatal diseases of all time, which takes millions of lives every year. Considering the scenario Ayurveda which is a natural healer to life can be used to at-least prevent and maintain the heart health as PRAYOJAN of Ayurveda itself says;

“Swasthasya swasthya rakshanam….” - (Ch.Su. 30:26)

In simple saying this Sanskrit line of Ayurveda text means PRECAUTION IS BETTER THAN CURE. The healthy should maintain the health, for maintaining health many Ayurveda remedies are mentioned in Ayurveda classics and plant and herbal preparations, derivatives and drugs are written and among every is TARUNI, however what makes it unique is that, it is present in 80% of Indian household and this turns TARUNI into easily available yet accessible also affordable. Also, the beauty and fragrance that TARUNI has, makes it loved by all but above everything the drug TARUNI is packed with all the magical ingredients which makes it SUPER-FOOD and a LIFE GUARD for HEART

AIM: -

1. To findTaruni (iRosa centifolia Linn.) is potential as cardiac tonic.

OBJECTIVES: -

1. To determine the compounds and its action present in TARUNI is good for cardiovascular system and its functions.

Scientific classification of TARUNI (Modern-view)

1. Kingdom: Plantae
2. Clade: Tracheophytes-Angiosperms-Eudicot-Rosids
3. Order: Rosales
4. Family:  Rosaceae
5. Genus: Rosoideae
6. Species: R. centifolia

Ayurvedic classification: Gulaab-Kul or Taruni-Kul.

Different names of Taruni

Gabhaa, Shatapatri, Cabbage rose, hundred leaved Rose, Gulaab, Gul e Surkh, Provence Rose, Paninir etc.

Taruni (action and effect as mentioned in Ayurvedic Literature by different Aacharya’s)

1. BHAVAPRAKASHA: Hridya (cardiac tonic), Grahi (for loose stools), Shukrala (sperm tonic) etc.

1. AACHARYA PRIYAVAT SHARMA: Hridya (cardiac tonic)

1. DHANVANTRI NIGHANTU: Sukrala (sperm tonic), Grahi (relives loose motions), Hridya (cardiac tonic), Varnya (Enhances skin colour).

1. AAUSHADHI NIGHANTU: Jwara (Fever), Pipasa (excessive thirst), Mukhapaka (Stomatitis), Chhardi (relieves vomitting).
2. DR. DINESH MUDHGAL: Varna ropan (healing), Pitta shamak, Hridya etc.

1. KAIYADEV NIGHANTU: Tridoshhar

Classical utilization of Taruni as Pandora’s-box

India; which is today the most populous country in world being rich in culture, heritage and traditions. And traditionally flowering species of plants were abundant and Taruni is very common and famous from medieval times. From royal families to worker class, used Taruni in very different formats as mentioned in several classical books. They used Taruni in perfumery forms, in cooking specifically in preparation of sweets and also for cosmetic purposes. But as Ayurveda history states Taruni was used by Ayurveda Aacharya’s in many different medicinal ways.

Example: In the form of cardiac tonic or for respiratory skin, gastric and reproductive system disorders.

Chemical composition of Taruni

1. Petals: Constituents isolated from flower petals by gas chromatography analysis were Phenyl ethanol glycosides (43%), Geranyl acetate (15.6%), Geraniol (10.5%), Linalool (6.9%), Neroli (5-10%), Citronellyl acetate (0.3%).

It also contains tannins, oloigomeric proantrocyanides, mineral salts, gallic acid & tartaric acid, Pectin (11%), Riboflavin, and purgative glycosides.

1. Hips: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, pectin, vitamin E (tocopherol), fatty acids, phytosterols, flavonoids, phenols, hydroxycinnamic acids.

1. Leaves: Tannins, terpenes, aldehydes, alcohols, vitamin C and minirals

Chemical -compounds inside Taruni petals (modern view)

1. Oloigomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs): Reduces the risk of atherosclerosis (AS) which is one of the important diseases in CVD, and it is closely related to high blood lipids.

1. Tartaric Acid and Gallic acid: A dicarboxylic acid has blood pressure lowering and vaso-dilatory properties at a very low dose.

1. Geranyl Acetate: Found that it has a recovery effect on the heat shock response of gastric mucosa in malnutrition mice.

1. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): It have been shown to improve fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction in heart failure.

1. Phenyl-ethanol Glycosides: It creates stronger heart muscle contractions.

1. Mineral salts: Potassium helps regulate heart muscle and nerve function

1. Pectin: Pectin consumption (15 g/day over a period of 4 weeks) has been shown to slightly reduce blood LDL cholesterol levels by 3–7%

1. Iron compounds: essential for heart oxygen travel

1. Riboflavin: Reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular disease.

1. Linalool: Reduces BP and acts as antidepressant.

Ayurvedic view

1. Rasa: Madhur, Tikta, Kashaya
2. Gunaa: Laghu, Snigdha
3. Veerya: Sheeta
4. Vipaka: Madhur

Heart-Health according to Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, heart health depends on balancing the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The heart (Hridaya) is the seat of Ojas (vital energy) and Prana (life force), essential for overall well-being. 

Ayurveda emphasizes holistic care—nourishing the body, mind, and soul—to keep the heart strong and resilient. In Ayurveda, Taruni (Shatapattra) is a revered heart tonic known for its cooling, rejuvenating, and emotionally uplifting properties. It balances Pitta dosha, which, when aggravated, can cause high blood pressure, stress, inflammation, and emotional disturbances—all of which affect heart health.

Benefits of Rose for Heart Health

1. Cooling & Soothing – Rose calms the mind and reduces stress, preventing emotional strain on the heart.

2. Supports Circulation – It helps improve blood flow and strengthen heart muscles. 3. Rich in Antioxidants – Contains flavonoids and vitamin C, which protect the heart from oxidative stress.

 3. Balances Blood Pressure – Acts as a mild diuretic, helping regulate blood pressure naturally.

4. Uplifts Mood – Supports emotional well-being, reducing anxiety and depression, which can indirectly impact heart health.

Simple home-made preparations of Taruni petals

1. Taruni -Tea

Tea is wholesomely loved by masses mostly in India. And for making the daily tea time healthier the normal tea can be substituted with healthier option being Taruni-Tea. Which can be easily made by boiling some water with Taruni fresh petals now just strain it and have it.

1. Jam can be curated from Taruni petals also known as Gulkand

For making the yummiest jam, pluck some fresh Taruni petals. And cleanse them properly. After washing pat, it dries with muslin cloth. Subsequently softly grate them. Now, put one layer Taruni petals in a jar and alternate with jaggery syrup. Alternate this sequence. As of close the vessel and place it near sun-raise for at least a week.

1. Taruni Petal juice

The Taruni syrup or juice is very refreshing in summer times. Also, it is very easy to prepare domestically. For the syrup: Mix some dried-finely powdered Taruni petals in jaggery and add adequate amount of water.

1. Taruni Petal-Powder

Without complicating the process. The Taruni petal powder can be prepared at home by desiccating the petals in daylight and milling it with the help of mortar and pestle.  Anupanam: Ghee or Honey.

Some of its Ayurvedic uses of Taruni are as followes;

Pravala pishti

Medicine prepared from Coral and Taruni- water. It is used in Ayuredic treatment of cardiac functions.

Mukta pishti

Medicine prepared from Pearl adding Taruni-water, it relaxes the cardiac system.

Manikya pishti

Medicine prepared from Ruby stone with Taruni-water. Which helps to strengthen the heart muscles and maintains the proper blood supply throughout the body.

RESULT: -

After studying the composition, uses and formulation made from Taruni and also considering the literature present in Ayurveda regarding the mechanisms and action of drug. The Taruni can be considered as potential heart tonic.

Discussion

Cabbage rose (Rosa centifolia) has been traditionally valued for its therapeutic properties, particularly in promoting heart health. Recent research has identified several bioactive compounds in R. centifolia that contribute to its cardioprotective effects.

Cardiac protective Mechanisms:

Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxation: Studies have shown that R. centifolia petal extract induces relaxation of the aorta in rats, mediated by the endothelium. This effect is partly due to the activation of nitric oxide synthase, leading to increased nitric oxide production, a critical factor in vascular health.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The extract has demonstrated the ability to suppress the accumulation of inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in endothelial cells, suggesting a protective role against vascular inflammation.

Antioxidant Activity: The high flavonoid content contributes to the plant’s antioxidant capacity, protecting cardiovascular tissues from oxidative damage. And antioxidant maintains the overall health of body.

Conclusion

Taruni - The symbol of Healer and Heart, the connection of cabbage rose is not just with heartfelt-emotions but directly with the heart.  It is regarded as the king of flowers. As not its beauty but the benefits of its multiple functions outweigh other flowers. The beauty of Taruni can comfort people; the fragrance of it can relax a stressed-out-soul yet body; the ingredients of rose is natural source of nutrients, especially a potential heart tonic. Traditional Ayurvedic texts recommend rose-infused water, Gulkand (rose jam), and herbal decoctions for cooling the body, reducing stress, and enhancing heart function. Regular consumption of cabbage rose preparations may reduce palpitations, balance Pitta dosha, and promote emotional well-being, making it a valuable natural heart tonic.

Taruni’s fragrance calms the restless soul, A balm to make the broken whole. In cup and tincture, sweet and mild. It soothes the heart, the lost and the wild.