Medicinal plant ARJUNA
Introduction
Arjuna, commonly referred to as the "Arjun tree," is a tree that is widely planted in India. It has many therapeutic benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
Heart disease risk is decreased with arjuna. It aids in the heart's normal operation by toning and strengthening the cardiac muscles. Strong anti-hypertensive properties of the arjuna tree also help lower excessive blood pressure. Arjuna chaal cooked in milk should be consumed 1-2 times day for the most benefits in cases of cardiac issues.
Arjuna also aids in the treatment of cough, asthma, and diarrhoea.
Arjuna bark, also known as "Arjun chaal," is applied externally to treat a variety of skin conditions include eczema, psoriasis, itching, and rashes.
Arjuna should be avoided if you are taking anticoagulant medication because it thins the blood.
Synonyms
- Terminalia arjuna,
- Partha, Svetavaha,
- Sadad, Sajada,
- Matti, Bilimatti,
- Neermatti,
- Mathichakke,
- Kudare Kivimase,
- Nirmasuthu,
- Vellamaruthi,
- Kellemasuthu,
- Mattimora,
- Torematti,
- Arjon,
- Marudam,
- Maddi.
CLINICAL USES
- Myocardial infarction and angina
In 30 patients with stable angina or post-infarct angina, the anti-ischemic impact of bark powder was assessed (500 mg tds). The authors noted a significant drop in plasma cortisol and serum cholesterol levels, as well as a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP), improvement in ECG abnormalities, and a decrease in mean anginal frequency.[48]
- CHF/hypertension
10 CHF patients received 4 g of arjuna bark powder twice day for a month in one of the earliest investigations. The researchers noticed considerable diuresis, a decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and improvements in the functional class, dyspnea, and general wellbeing.
- Rheumatic heart condition
In a double-blind trial, arjuna's effectiveness in treating decompensated rheumatic heart disease was investigated. Thirty patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease and CHF received 200 mg of arjuna three times each day. The outcomes showed a considerable increase in LVEF, a significant increase in activity time, and a significant decrease in heart size.
- Mitral regurgitation with ischemia
Arjuna was found to dramatically reduce ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) and anginal frequency in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of patients with IMR after acute myocardial infarction. Additionally, diastolic dysfunction showed a considerable improvement (E/A ratio increased from 0.93 to 0.31 to 1.38 to 0.40 at 12 weeks).
- Cardiomyopathy
Along with having anti-ischemic properties, arjuna was discovered to lower LVM and raise LVEF.According to a recent observational study, there was a significant improvement in left ventricular metrics and functional capacity when arjuna was given to patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and low LVEF in addition to their normal medication.
- Aggregation of platelets
The bark extract has been shown to have antithrombotic activities in vitro in 20 patients with angiographically confirmed CAD and 20 age- and sex-matched controls. It also reduced platelet activation. Desensitizing platelets by signal transduction interference or platelet receptor competition are two potential mechanisms.
- Dyslipidemia and oxidative stress
In a trial on 21 individuals with coronary heart disease, the lipid profiles of the patients improved after receiving 1 g of bark powder twice daily with milk for 4 months. Patients also saw symptomatic alleviation after a month of therapy.
The soluble fibers and sitostanol content were said to have a hypocholesterolemic effect, while the flavonoids were said to have an antioxidant effect.Additionally, it was discovered in a study that taking the bark powder for three months while also taking a statin caused a 15% decrease in TC, an 11% decrease in TG, and a 16% decrease in LDL, with just a slight loss in lipoprotein (a) and nitrite levels.
- Lipoprotein
Following the treatment of arjuna, a patient with -thalassemia coupled with hyperlipoproteinemia and metabolic syndrome experienced a significant decrease in lipoprotein(a) levels of 24.71%.
faulty endothelial function.In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study with 18 healthy male smokers and an equal number of non-smoking controls, it was found that giving the hydroalcoholic extract of bark for two weeks caused the endothelial abnormality in smokers to significantly regress.
- Thrombotic disease
The methanol extract was found to have high thrombolytic activity (30.57%) in a recent study to examine the in vitro thrombolytic and membrane-stabilizing action of four Bangladeshi medicinal herbs, including arjuna. Additionally, it greatly reduced RBC hemolysis in both hypotonic solution and heat-induced circumstances. This demonstrated that it has mild thrombolytic activity, but more study is required to identify the secondary metabolites causing the activity.
- The bark has been used to treat fractures, ulcers, leukorrhea, diabetes, anemia, cardiopathy, and cirrhosis. It has also been described as an astringent, demulcent, expectorant, cardiotonic, styptic, antidysenteric, and urinary astringent.
- The eminent old doctor Chakradatta advised giving it as a bark decoction with milk or as a ghrita (a preparation with ghee or butter)
- Bark decoction has been used as an ulcer wash, and bark ashes have been recommended for scorpion stings and snakebite.
- According to traditional healers from the Kancheepuram area of Tamil Nadu, boiling the powdered bark with water and inhaling it can treat headaches and kill dental worms. Additionally, they apply fruit paste directly on wounds.[
- The Malabar tribe of Kerala uses fresh leaf juice to alleviate earaches and bark powder to treat cardiac conditions.
- Tribes in Malkangiri district chew fresh bark and ingest the juice as an antacid, and tribes in Sundargarh district of Orissa use dry bark powder and rice-washed water to treat blood in urine.
USE OF ARJUNA
1. Fresh Paste of Arjuna Leaves or Bark
a. Consume 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of fresh Arjuna bark paste (Arjuna chaal) or Arjuna leaves.
b. Mix well after adding honey.
c. Distribute evenly over the neck and face.
d. Give it 4-5 minutes to rest.
e. Use tap water to thoroughly wash.
f. To get rid of acne and pimples, use this remedy one to three times per week.
2. Powder made from Arjuna Bark (Arjuna chaal) or Leaves
a. Consume 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of fresh Arjuna bark powder or leaves.
b. Mix well before adding milk.
c. Distribute evenly over the neck and face.
d. Give it 4-5 minutes to rest.
e. Use tap water to thoroughly wash.
f.Use this remedy 1-3 times a week to get rid of hyperpigmentation.
Contemporary Arjuna Research
Scientific study on Arjuna has been greatly influenced by its traditional uses over the years. Several studies investigating arjuna's effects are listed below:
The article is titled "Revisiting Terminalia Arjuna—An Ancient Cardiovascular Drug." Characterization of Polyphenols in Terminalia Arjuna Bark Extract. PubMed Extract. Oct 2014.13. Effects of Ashwagandha and Arjuna on Physical Performance and Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Healthy Young Adults, PubMed Extract, July 2012. "Medicinal Properties of Terminalia Arjuna." PubMed Extract. July 2010. 15. Jan 2017. PubMed Extract.An in vitro study on Terminalia Arjuna, a potential substitute for commercial mouthwashes. Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences Journal, July 2020.17, "Efficacy and Advancement of Terminalia Arjuna in Indian Herbal Drug Research: A Review." ResearchGate. April 2019.18
Is Arjuna Secure?
Arjuna is frequently thought to be secure, making it a ready ally for many. However, it's always crucial to practice caution when using herbs.
Contraindications
It is not advised to take Arjuna when pregnant. Before incorporating arjuna into your daily routine, it's crucial to speak with your doctor if you are pregnant, on medication, or have a medical condition.
Arjuna's drying properties can make constipation worse.
.CONSIDERATIONS AND TOXICITY
There have been reports of mild adverse effects include nausea, gastritis, headaches, bodyaches, constipation, and insomnia. Even after more than 24 months of therapy, there have been no reports of hematological, renal, or metabolic damage. However, Parmar et al. discovered that giving arjuna to euthyroid mice decreased their thyroid hormone levels while increasing their hepatic LPO. Therefore, consuming large amounts of the plant extract is not advised because it may cause hypothyroidism and hepatotoxicity.[47] According to the findings of a recent animal study on acute and oral toxicology, giving animals ethanolic extract at a limit dose of 2000 mg/kg did not cause any form of toxicity or mortality.
CAUTIONS FOR ARJUNA USE
Tips from Professionals:-
- essential scientificA VIEW OF MODERN SCIENCE Blood thinners may interact with arjuna. Therefore, it is typically advised to seek medical advice if you are taking Arjuna together with anticoagulant medications.
- Modern science view of breastfeedingIf you are breastfeeding, it is typically advised to avoid taking Arjuna.
- scientific patients with diabetesA VIEW OF MODERN SCIENCEArjuna could lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is generally advised to periodically check your blood sugar if you are using Arjuna together with anti-diabetic medications.
- pregnancy researchA VIEW OF MODERN SCIENCEGenerally speaking, it is best to steer clear of Arjuna when pregnant.
CONCLUSION
The ongoing fascination with herbal remedies has led to the identification of novel chemical components and pharmacological effects of arjuna. Numerous experimental and clinical research have adequately proven its effectiveness as an anti-ischemic agent, a strong antioxidant, and an antiatherogenic agent. Major gaps in these investigations, however, include the absence of bioavailability studies, phytochemical standardization of the extract, and well-planned trials to assess its long-term adverse effects. Investigating its precise function in primary and secondary coronary prevention is necessary. Additionally, research must be conducted to determine how arjuna affects CYP450 enzymes and how it interacts with medications like statins, aspirin, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blocker.
Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided solely for educational reasons and is not meant to replace professional medical care. The reader should speak with their doctor to evaluate whether the information is appropriate for their circumstance because everyone has different needs.
