Importance of Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) and its medicinal formulation in Ayurveda.

Abstract

Herbal medicines are getting popularized these days because of various advantages like less or nil side effects and most of them have therapeutic values. Using of plants with medicinal values for various human ailments is a best method in alternative medicine. Among various medicinal plants Terminalia species are known for their potential uses. Arjuna is introduced into Ayurveda as a treatment for various diseases centuries before. According to different samhitas Arjuna is used in the treatment of different diseases like Dant dhawan (cleaning of teeth), Medoroga (obesity), Kaphaja Prameha, Mutraghat (urinary disorder), Mukharog (mouth disease), Pittaja Prameha, Vataja and Kaphaja prameha. Samhitas says that Arjuna different Ayurvedic formulations like lepa, churna, ghrita, tail, kwath, asava, aristha, dhupa, phanta and modaka etc are found. Arjuna plant has traditionally been used to treat heart diseases for centuries, which is why it got the nickname “Guardian of the heart.” Bark of Terminalia arjuna contains triterpenoids, tannins, phenolic acids, glycosides, antioxidants, magnesium, copper and zinc salts. Presence of these compounds plays an important role in curing cardiac diseases, cancer treatment, urinary tract infections, lung diseases and edema. Hence, in the present review paper an attempt has been made to consolidate medicinal properties of Terminalia species.