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Journal of Pharmacy Research Vol.4.Issue 3. March 2011
Amol B. Choudhari et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2011,4(3),580-581
580-581
Review Article
ISSN: 0974-6943 Available online through
http://jprsolutions.info
*Corresponding author.
Amol B. Choudhari
Department of Pharmacognosy
Ali-Allana College of Pharmacy, Akkalkuwa
INTRODUCTION
The world healthorganization has estimated that over 75% of the world’s population still
relies on plant derived medicines, usually obtained from traditional healers, for its basic
health care needs1. The arjuna, scientific name Terminalia arjuna, is a lofty evergreen tree
that is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. This tree often grows to a height of about
100 feet or 30 meters and bears yellow blooms and tapering leaves. The bark of the arjuna
tree possesses therapeutic properties and has been used by people for centuries to treat
different conditions. Arjuna is an exceptional herb that aids in facilitating a hale and hearty
heart and diminishes the results of the anxiety and apprehension. In addition, using the
bark of the tree endorses effectual functioning of the cardiac muscles. As a result, arjuna has
been a preferred herb in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical science, for treating as well
as maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system. Primarily, the ingestion of
medications prepared with bark of arjuna ensures usual functioning of the heart, provides
energy to the heart muscles, promotes the functioning of platelets as well as helps in
sustaining a steady blood pressure level2. The present attempt is to review and compile
updated information on various aspects of Terminalia arjuna plant used all over the
world.
Plant Profile
Kingdom :Plantae
Division :Magnoliophyta
Class :Magnoliopsida
Order :Myrtales
Family : Combretaceae
Genus : Terminalia
Species : T. arjuna
Zoological
name : Terminalia arjuna
Phytopharmacological review of Arjuna bark
Amol B. Choudhari*, Seyyed Nazim, Pravin V. Gomase, Ashish S. Khairnar,Afsar Shaikh, , Pritam Choudhari.
Ali-Allana College of Pharmacy Akkalkuwa Dist. Nandurbar 425415. Maharastra,India
Received on: 05-10-2010; Revised on: 14-12-2010; Accepted on:09-02-2011
ABSTRACT
The use of medicinal plant either as a single drug or in combinatin is increasing in the health care of humen being. Medicinal plants can be important source of previously unknown
chemical substances with potential therapeutic effect. Terminalia arjuna bark is commenly known as arjuna bark or arjun and abundently available throughout the india. This plant
contain 15 % tannins , tritepenoid saponins, flavonoids, calcium, aluminium and magnesium salts along with colouring matter and sugers are the other constituents of arjun.
Terminalia arjuna tree possesses wide-ranging therapeutic properties and has the potential to treat numerous medical conditions, especially those pertaining to the heart and circulation
system. This tree is considered to be an excellent hypolipidemic, anticoagulant, hypocholsteremic, antihypertensive, antiviral, antithrombotic, antifungal and antibacterial mean. The
therapeutic properties of the tree regarding cardiovascular health are basically attributed to triterpenoids enclosed by the arjuna tree. Similarly, flavonoids and tannins naturally present
in the herb possess anticancer properties.This review gives a important view mainly on the therapeutic profile , traditional uses, phytochemistry and regarding various parts of the plant.
Key words: Arjuna bark, saponins, cardiotonic.
Fig : Bark of Terminalia arjuna
Plant Discription
Arjuna is the large size deciduous tree. The
height of the Arjuna tree reaches upto 100 feet.
It is the evergreen tree with the yellow flowers
and conical leaves. It has a smooth gray bark.
Fruit is 2.5 -3.5 cm long, fibrous woody, gla-
brous with 5 hard wings, striated with numer-
ous curved veins. It has a buttressed trunk and
a vast spreading crown from which the branches
drop downwards. Its leaves are dull green above
and pale brown beneath. Arjuna flowers between
March to June and fruits between September to
November3,4.
The Leaves:
Leaves are like that of Guava leaves - oblong, 4-6 inch long and 2-3 inch wide, subopposite,
glabrous and often inequilateral. There are two glands near the base of the petiole. The
margin is crenulate with apex at obtuse or subacute angle. The base is rounded or cordate.
Petioles run for 0.5 to 1.3 cm3,4.
Fig : Leaves of Terminalia arjuna
Habitate
Plant of Arjuna is found in every where in Indian planes such as from foot hills of
Himalaya, Bihar, Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. Arjuna plant grows huge3,4.
Bark of Terminalia arjuna:
It is simple, grey and smooth on external surface. The bark is thick, soft and of red color
from inside3,4.
Fig : Flower of Terminalia arjuna
Fruits:
The fruits are 1-1.5 inch in diameter and with 5-7 longi-
tudinal lobes.These are glabrous with five to seven wings,
woody and fibrous. Fruit is drupe and is often notched
near the top, marked with oblique upward curving stria-
tions3,4
Flowers:
White or yellowish flowers are found in groups. Flow-
ering occurs in summer and fruits appear in winter or
spring season3,4.
Fig : Fruits of Terminalia arjuna
heart7 . Attempt to isolate the glycoside resulted into finding of an organic acid with a high
melting point, a phytosterol, an organic ester easily hydrolysed by mineral acids, 12%
tannins consisting largely of pyrocatechol tannins, large quantities of calcium and smaller
amounts of aluminium and magnesium salts, colouring matterand sugar 8.
Principal Constituents are ß-sitosterol, ellagic acid, and arjunic acid.
The exact constitution of the bark is under dispute. It is possible that the different results
reported by different investigators is because of the differences in the varieties of Arjuna. One
investigator reported that the bark contained tannin including glucotannic acid 15%, a
coloring matter, a glucosidal body and ash 34% containing sodium, pure calcium carbonates
and traces of alkaline chlorides and traces of alkaline chlorides. Other researchers reported that
they could not find any alkaloid or glucoside in the bark. There was no substance of the
nature of an essential oil. It contained unusually, large quantities of calcium salts with small
amounts of aluminum and magnesium salts; about 12% of tannins, consisting mainly
pyrocatechol tanning; an organic acid with a high melting point and a phytosterol; an
organic ester easily-hydrolyzed by mineral acids; some—coloring matters, and sugars, etc.
The root contains sugar, tannin, coloring matter , a nature of a glucoside and carbonates of
calcium and sodium and traces of chlorides of alkali metals. The total tannin content
amounted to 12% and the content of ash to 30% . It’s bark have found to be rich in high
amounts of Co-enzymes which can prevent heart problems9,10,11.
Following are the chemical ingredients that are found in Arjuna11,12,13,14.
Arjunetosides I , Arjunetosides II , Arjunetosides III , Arjunetosides IV , Arjunine, Arjunetein
analysis of the bark showed evidence of sugar,
tannins(12%), colouring matter, a glycoside, and car-
bonates of calcium, sodium and traces of chloride of
alkali metals 6. Subsequently presence of an alkaloid as
well as a glycoside was confirmed. The glycoside was
capable of increasing the force of contraction of the frog
verylittle colouring matter and tannins5. Later chemical
Chemical Constituents
It was initially reportedthat the bark had 34% ash
content consisting entirely of pure calcium carbonate.
The aqueous extract revealed 23% calcium saltsand
16% tannins, where as the alcoholic extract contained
Journal of Pharmacy Research Vol.4.Issue 3. March 2011
Amol B. Choudhari et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2011,4(3),580-581
580-581
, Saponnins, Arjunone, Arjunolone, Leteilin, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Oligomeric
proanthocyanidins (OPCs) , Phytosterols , Tannins , arjunic acid , arjunolic acid , arjungenin
, arjunglycosides , Phytosterols (β-sitosterol) , Minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc,
and copper are also present11,12,13,14.
Traditional Uses
Following conditions in which Arjuna is extremely beneficial.
•Cardio modulator
•Blood pressure
•Hypo lipedimia
•Hyper lipidemia
•Hypercholesterolemia.
•Reduces stress
•Liver tonic
•Urinary tract toner
Arjuna is very helpful in treating various health related problems. Below are actions of
Arjuna as per the body’s organ system15,16,17,18,19,20.
•Cardiovascular system :
Termialia arjuna is one of the best cardio-protector agents. Since time immemorial, Arjuna
has been an herb of choice in dealing with various forms of heart related problems. It is
highly effective in nurturing the heart and its muscles. It is very helpful in proper contraction
and relaxation of the heart muscles. It is also helpful in maintenance of proper heart beat. It
is also very effective in constricting the blood capillaries that is very essential for proper
working of heart; more over it is helpful in increasing the blood density. It is also helpful in
dilatation of the blood vessels and is very effective in coagulation of the blood in case of any
injuries and otherwise essential for maintaining proper thickness of the blood. This is very
helpful in stimulation of the heart for its working in the most optimized levels. This
property of coagulation is attained by due to the presence of kshaya rasa i.e. astringent taste
in it. In a research conducted indicated that the 70% alcoholic extract of Terminalia arjuna
produced hypotension of peripheral origin and support the claims of its traditional usage as
cardiovascular medicine. The observed effect could be due to adrenergic ß 2-receptor agonis-
tic and/or direct action on the heart. Detailed studies on the active constituents are needed
which might provide new insights in cardiovascular drugs. A report published in Journal of
Research in Education in Indian Medicine (1988) has stated Arjuna to be possessing anti
hypertensive, cardiotonic, diuretic properties. Hypolipidaemic property has been published
in International Journal of Crude Drug Research. It has been shown to increase the HDL-C
levels Indian Medical Gazette (1992) has stated that. Arjuna Bark extract in dose of 500 mgm
with other drugs given for three months improves Treadmill Test and Exercise tolerance
considerably with out any side effects in Angina patients. Arjuna also possesses coenzyme Q
10. This Coenzyme Q10 is being prescribed to cardiac patients for preventing heart attacks.
Its protective cardiovascular effect was due to its combined effects like hypolipidemic effect,
drug dosage dependent reduction in heart rate and blood pressure.
Mechanisms
Improvement of cardiac muscle function and subsequent improved pumping activity of the
heart seems to be the primary benefit of Terminalia. It is thought the saponin glycosides
might be responsible for the inotropic effect of Terminalia, while the flavonoids and OPCs
provide free radical antioxidant activity and vascular strengthening.21 A dose-dependent
decrease in heart rate and blood pressure was noted in dogs given Terminalia intravenously.22
Recently, two new cardenolide cardiac glycosides were isolated from the root and seed of
Terminalia.23,24. The main action of these cardenolides is to increase the force of cardiac
contraction by means of a rise in both intracellular sodium and calcium.
•Local action:
Arjuna, is one of the best blood coagulants. It is wide used in stopping external hemorrhages
as it has the power to coagulate blood and constrict the blood vessel locally to stop the blood
let. It is applied on the wound to get the instant results. Arjuna is also one of the most
powerful herbal supplements that is known for its healing powers. Good prognoses have
been seen in cases of wounds and injuries especially in cases like bone, ligaments and
cartilaginous injuries. It is also applied on the wounds to attain early healing and recovery
from it.
•Digestive system:
It is also beneficial in maintaining proper condition in our digestive tract. Due to its
astringent properties it is very helpful in treating up of the diarrhea and dysenteric condition
in the body. It regulates the peristaltic movements in the body and does no allow dehydra-
tion leading to loose stools. Arjuna is kshaya in nature that is extremely helpful in condition
like bleeding piles and dysentery. It is a general health tonic and a good reedy in improving
liver condition especially cirrhosis of liver.
•Respiratory system:
Arjuna is also considered beneficial in expelling out the extra amount of mucus that some
how gets accumulated in the respiratory tract. It is also helpful in preventing the accumula-
tion of the mucus thereby helpful in toning up of the respiratory tract. It is also helpful in
keeping away with the infections in the lungs and also facilitates the increase in the lung
capacity.
•Nervous system:
It is also considered a good nervine tonic. Though it is a matter of research but good results
have been seen. It provides strength to the nervous system and also strengthens the reflexes.
•Reproductive system:
Arjuna being astringent in nature helps in thickening of the serum and the sperm that is very
essential for the proper fertilization of the ovum. It is also helpful in increasing the sperm
count and also is helpful in increasing the over all stamina of the body.
•Endocrinal system:
It is also very helpful in regulating the hormonal system of the body. It is extremely helpful
in maintaining the proper stimulation to the endocrine glands.
•Excretory system:
It is helpful in polyurea condition and is also helpful regularizing the increased urine
frequency. It helps in toning up of urinary tract. it is also helpful in fading away the infection
in the body.
•Skin :
It is very useful in treating all kinds of skin related problems. Due to its cold potency it is
highly recommended in skin ailments. Ailments like eczema, itching, rashes scars and
serious skin conditions like psoriasis can also be treated with the regular use of Arjuna.
Studies were conducted to establish the effects of Terminalia Arjuna bark extract on apoptosis
of human hepatoma cell line HepG2. The action of Terminalia arjuna (T. arjuna) extract on
human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) and its possible role in induction of apoptosis was
conducted and was found that T. Arjuna induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells in vitro.
Apoptosis of HepG2 cells may be due to the DNA damage and expression of apoptotic
proteins. Depletion of GSH may be involved in the induction of apoptosis of HepG2 cells.
•General action:
Arjuna has also been found effective as an antioxidant as it has certain properties that acts as
scavengers in scavenging according to various studies conducted in searching the reason for
such a property. Researches were conducted to evaluate the antioxidant properties or Arjuna
and then compare it with another antioxidant i.e. vitamin E. for this random controlled
experiments were conducted.
REFERENCES
1. Herrera DM, Abdala S, Benjumea D, Luis JG, Diuretic activity of some Withania aristata Ait.
Fraction, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2008, 117, 496-499.
2. http://www. herbs2000.com
3. http://www.neeroga.com
4. Kokate CK, Purohit AP, Gokhale SB, Text book of pharmacognosy, Nirali prakashan, forty first
edn, 2008.
Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared