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| Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna Tree) |
Arjuna (Terminalia
arjuna) is one of the sacred trees of India which has been used on
several religious occasions as well as in Ayurvedic formation since
ancient times. It was introduced into
Ayurveda as a treatment for heart diseases, wounds, hemorrhages and
ulcers by Vagbhata (He is one of the three classic
writers of Ayurveda, along with Charaka & Sushruta who wrote
the Ashtanga Sangraha and the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita).
Arjuna is known by its various names such
as Arjan, Dhanvi, Koha,
Kahu, White Marudah, Orjun, Yerra maddi, Sadada,
Indradruma, Kakubha, Karvirak and many more.
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| The Bark has been used in various Ayurvedic formulations |
Arjuna is
a large size deciduous tree common throughout India, especially in the sub
Himalayan tracts and the Eastern India. Terminalia chebula, T. bellrica and T.
ciliata are the other species of Arjuna tree found in
India. Arjuna bark is rich tannins,
triterpenoid saponins (arjunic acid, arjunolic acid, arjungenin,
arjunglycosides), flavonoids (arjunone, arjunolone, luteolin), gallic acid,
ellagic acid, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), phytosterols (b-sitosterol), minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper. It has an abundance of
Co-enzyme Q- 10 which helps to strengthens the heart muscles and prevent heart
diseases.
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| Arjuna leaves are used to cover sores & ulcers externally |
In Ayurveda and the Siddha system of medicine, the plant is used in the treatment
of cardiac diseases, chronic fever, Diabetes mellitus, polyurea, fractures,
obesity, leucorrhoea, leprosy, worm
infestation, abdominal disorders, skin disorders, and ulcers. The
bark is said to be alexiteric, styptic, tonic, anthelmintic, & useful in
treating anemia, asthma, tumours, leucoderma, excessive perspiration, and more. Arjuna is also useful in controlling blood pressure levels, and acts as an antidote to poisons. It is also reputed
to have astringent, hypotensive, hemostatic, diuretic,
prostaglandin-enhancing, coronary-risk-modulating properties, & is
useful in protection against NSAID-induced gastric ulcers. Arjuna leaves
are used to cover ulcers & sores externally, while its juice is used
for curing earache (Otalgia). In addition, Arjuna has shown its effectiveness
against the antiviral and antibacterial ailments as well.
