Arjuna Benefits | Cardiovascular & Heart Health
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) symbolises purity, integrity, courage and loyalty and is nicknamed "Guardian of the Heart."
Arjuna Pharmacology
Botanical Name
Terminalia arjuna
Other Common Names
White Marudah, White Murdh, Arjuna Myrobalan, Orjun & Sadada
Part Used
Bark
Main Therapeutic Compounds
Tannins, triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids & phytosterols
Herbal Actions
Cardioprotective
Cardiotonic
Antioxidant
Arjuna Herbal Benefits
Heart Health || Lymph Tonic || Kidney Health || Liver Support
Heart Health
Arjuna contains many potent antioxidants, including gallic acid, ellagic acid and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). These compounds protect the heart from damaging oxidative stress, reverse damage to the heart muscle and encourage cardiac healing.
In Ayurveda, Arjuna is traditionally used as a lymph tonic for the heart. Arjuna bark prevents congestion of the lymph system around the heart and keeps the lymph moving and draining, which encourages healthy arterial blood flow and healthy muscular contractions.
Liver and Kidney Repair
The antioxidants found in Arjuna also work to increase superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione. This action protects the liver and kidneys against oxidative stress and may be beneficial in managing liver cirrhosis.
Arjuna Typical Use
Tea & Infusion
1-6 grams daily usually in capsule form.
Tincture & Liquid Extract
Typical use of Arjuna tincture is 2.5 - 8.5mls daily in divided doses, or as directed by your practitioner.
Herbal Combinations
Combines well with Hawthorn Berries, Dan Shen, Ginkgo, Astragalus & Motherwort.
Cautions & Safety
Not recommended during preconception, pregnancy and lactation.
Caution is advised in people with low thyroid function and on a strict low oxalate diet.
If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical medications, please consult your primary healthcare practitioner prior to use.
References
Chevallier A. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. New York, NY: DK Publishing, 1996.
Dwivedi S, Jauhari R. Beneficial effects of Terminalia arjuna in coronary artery disease. Indian Heart J 1997;49:507-10.
Ram A, Lauria P, Gupta R, et al. Hypocholesterolaemic effects of Terminalia arjuna tree bark. J Ethnopharmacol 1997;55:165-9
Gupta R, Singhal S, Goyla A, Sharma VN. Antioxidant and hypocholesterolaemic effects of Terminalia arjuna tree-bark powder: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Assoc Physicians India. 2001;49:231-235.
Maulik SK, Wilson V, Seth S, Bhargava B, Dua P, Ramakrishnan S, Katiyar CK. Clinical efficacy of water extract of stem bark of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. Ex DC.) Wight & Arn. In patients of chronic heart failure: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2016 Oct 15;23(11):1211-9.
DISCLAIMER
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