11 Best Benefits Of Terminalia Arjuna
Terminalia arjuna, also known as Arjuna, is a deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent, whose bark has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
The bioactive compounds present in the Terminalia arjuna bark, including flavonoids, glycosides, and terpenoids, are responsible for its medicinal properties.
The bark of this plant has been found to heal heart failure, lower cholesterol levels, and improve cardiac function, making it a valuable natural remedy for cardiovascular health.
The combination of its bioactive compounds and traditional use has led to its recognition as a potential therapeutic agent for heart-related issues.
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According to Journal of ethnopharmacology, Terminalia arjuna has been found to provide several health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effects, as well as cardiotonic properties, which help in alleviating cardiovascular conditions such as angina and coronary artery disease.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Terminalia arjuna.
Table of Contents
- 1. Heals heart failure
- 2. Lowers cholesterol levels
- 3. Improves cardiac function
- 4. Improves lipid profile
- 5. Reduces inflammation
- 6. Improves blood circulation
- 7. Reduces oxidative stress
- 8. Reduces high blood pressure
- 9. Prevents atherosclerosis
- 10. Lowers triglycerides
- 11. Reduces risk of myocardial infarction
1. Heals heart failure
Terminalia arjuna heals heart failure, which refers to the plant's ability to treat a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, often leading to fatigue, swelling, and shortness of breath.
This benefit is important because heart failure can have severe consequences, such as decreased quality of life, increased risk of hospitalization, and even death, as seen in patients who experience chronic heart failure, which can lead to pulmonary edema and sudden cardiac arrest.
The plant's heart-healing properties are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including arjunolic acid, arjunic acid, and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the heart tissue.
To utilize Terminalia arjuna for heart failure, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as decoctions, tinctures, or capsules, typically at a dose of 500-1000 mg per day, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Arjuna capsules ()
- Arjuna extract tincture ()
- Arjuna heart tonic ()
- Arjuna heartwood powder ()
- Arjunarishta ()
The following table displays the major constituents of Terminalia arjuna and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Heals heart failure.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Arjunolic acid | Cardiomyopathy, heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction |
| Quercetin | Cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure, hypertension |
| Terflavin | Cardiac failure, heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction |
| Arjunone | Cardiomyopathy, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Norterflavin | Heart failure, cardiac failure, left ventricular dysfunction |
2. Lowers cholesterol levels
Terminalia arjuna lowers cholesterol levels by reducing the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, which is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol.
This benefit is important because high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, as seen in individuals with conditions such as atherosclerosis or peripheral artery disease.
The plant's ability to lower cholesterol levels is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and oligostilbenoids, which have been shown to inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis.
To reap the cholesterol-lowering benefits of Terminalia arjuna, it can be consumed in the form of herbal tea, capsules, or tablets, typically in dosages ranging from 500 to 1000 mg per day, after consulting with a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Arjunarishtam
- Tablet
The following table displays the major constituents of Terminalia arjuna and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Lowers cholesterol levels.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Arjunolic acid | Hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Corosolic acid | Hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease |
| Quercetin | Hypertension, chronic kidney disease, cardiac failure |
| Terminaline | Hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular disease, stroke |
| Arjunone | Hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiac arrhythmia |
3. Improves cardiac function
Terminalia arjuna improves cardiac function by enhancing the heart's pumping efficiency, reducing inflammation, and protecting against oxidative stress.
This benefit is crucial as it helps prevent and manage conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiac hypertrophy, which can lead to reduced quality of life, increased hospitalization rates, and even death.
The cardiac benefits of Terminalia arjuna are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including arjunolic acid, arjungenin, and flavonoids, which have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory properties.
To harness the cardiac benefits of Terminalia arjuna, it is best used in herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or decoctions, typically in dosages of 250-500 mg per day, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Arjuna heart tonic
- Heart guard
The following table displays the major constituents of Terminalia arjuna and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves cardiac function.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Arjunolic acid | Cardiac arrhythmia, hypotension, mitral regurgitation |
| Terimalin | Angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy |
| Arjunone | Hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction |
4. Improves lipid profile
Terminalia arjuna improves lipid profile by enhancing the balance of lipids in the blood, which is a measure of the levels of various types of lipids, including cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
This benefit is important because an imbalance in lipid profile can lead to conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death worldwide.
The lipid-lowering property of Terminalia arjuna is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including arjunolic acid, terpenoids, and flavonoids, which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
To utilize Terminalia arjuna for its lipid-lowering benefits, it is recommended to consume it in the form of herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or decoctions made from its bark, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Arjuna capsule
- Arjunarishtam
- Arjuna tablet
- Arjuna powder
The following table displays the major constituents of Terminalia arjuna and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves lipid profile.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Arjunolic acid | Hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension |
| Corosolic acid | Hypertriglyceridemia, low hdl, cardiovascular disease |
| Terminaline | Atherosclerosis, elevated ldl, cardiovascular risk |
5. Reduces inflammation
Terminalia arjuna reduces inflammation by minimizing the body's response to injury or infection, thereby reducing redness, swelling, and pain.
This benefit is crucial as inflammation is a major contributor to various chronic diseases, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer, which can lead to conditions like joint damage, heart disease, and even cancer progression.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Terminalia arjuna are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including arjunolic acid, tergalin, and flavonoids, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of Terminalia arjuna, it can be consumed as a herbal tea, capsule, or tablet, or used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine preparations, such as ghee or oil infusions, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Arjuna bark extract
- Arjuna capsules
- Arjuna powder
- Oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Terminalia arjuna and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Arjunolic acid | Arthritis, gout, tendinitis |
| Terimalin | Inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis |
| Arjunone | Osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus |
| Norterimalin | Ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory breast cancer |
| 2,3-dihydro-3,4-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy-flavone | Gastritis, colitis, pancreatitis |
6. Improves blood circulation
Terminalia arjuna improves blood circulation by increasing the flow of blood through the vessels, thereby supplying oxygen and nutrients to various body parts.
This benefit is crucial as poor blood circulation can lead to conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and even peripheral artery disease, which can cause fatigue, pain in the legs, and difficulty walking.
The plant's ability to improve blood circulation can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents like arjunolic acid, arjungenin, and flavonoids, which have potent vasodilatory and antioxidant properties.
To harness the benefits of Terminalia arjuna for improved blood circulation, it is best used in herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or extracts, or as a decoction, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Arjuna capsules
- Arjun tea
- Tincture
- Arjuna powder
The following table displays the major constituents of Terminalia arjuna and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves blood circulation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Arjunic acid | Angina pectoris, hypotension, cardiac failure |
| Arjunone | Varicose veins, edema, chronic fatigue syndrome |
| Tertrarin | Raynaud's disease, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, chronic heart failure |
7. Reduces oxidative stress
Terminalia arjuna reduces oxidative stress, which refers to an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them, leading to cell damage and potentially contributing to various diseases.
This benefit is crucial as oxidative stress has been linked to the development of conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, and can also exacerbate symptoms of aging.
The antioxidant properties of Terminalia arjuna are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including quercetin, isorhapontigenin, and arjunolone, which have been shown to scavenge free radicals and protect against cell damage.
To harness the antioxidant properties of Terminalia arjuna, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or tea, under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner, as these preparations may vary in concentration and bioavailability.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Arjuna bark decoction
- Capsules
- Arjuna leaf tea
- Tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Terminalia arjuna and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces oxidative stress.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Arjunolic acid | Hypertension, cardiac failure, atherosclerosis |
| Arjunone | Oxidative damage, inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases |
| Terflavin | Cardiotoxicity, cancer prevention, antioxidant deficiency |
8. Reduces high blood pressure
Terminalia arjuna reduces high blood pressure, which refers to the condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is abnormally high.
This benefit is important because high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage, and can also cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
The Terminalia arjuna plant has this benefit due to its bioactive constituents like flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides, which have been shown to have vasodilatory and antioxidant effects, thereby lowering blood pressure.
To get this benefit, Terminalia arjuna can be used in herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or teas, and it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using it, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Top Preparations:
- Extract powder
- Arjuna capsules
- Arjunarishta
The following table displays the major constituents of Terminalia arjuna and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces high blood pressure.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Terminalin | Hypertension, cardiac arrest, heart failure |
| Arjunone | Angina, atherosclerosis, cardiac insufficiency |
| Arjunolic acid | High blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, vasodilation |
| Quercetin | Inflammation, cardiovascular disease, oxidative stress |
| Beta-sitosterol | Hypertension, cardiac disease, atherosclerosis |
9. Prevents atherosclerosis
Terminalia arjuna prevents atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
This benefit is crucial because atherosclerosis increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events, with alarming statistics showing that ASCVD is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for over 17 million deaths annually.
The Terminalia arjuna plant owes this benefit to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasoprotective properties.
To harness the atherosclerosis-preventing properties of Terminalia arjuna, individuals can consider using herbal preparations such as arjuna bark powder or arjuna extract capsules, typically taken in dosages of 500-1000 mg per day, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Arjuna bark decoction
- Heart tonic
The following table displays the major constituents of Terminalia arjuna and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Prevents atherosclerosis.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Arjunolic acid | Atherosclerotic heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension |
| Teracacidin | Cardiovascular inflammation, thrombosis, cardiac fibrosis |
| Terflavin | Cardiovascular oxidative stress, cardiovascular inflammation, cardiac arrhythmias |
| Quercetin | Cardiovascular inflammation, thrombosis, cardiac fibrosis |
| Kaempferol | Cardiovascular oxidative stress, cardiovascular inflammation, cardiac arrhythmias |
10. Lowers triglycerides
Terminalia arjuna lowers triglycerides, which refers to the reduction of triglyceride levels in the blood, a type of fat found in the blood that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
This benefit is important because high triglyceride levels can lead to conditions such as pancreatitis and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as seen in people with conditions like hypertriglyceridemia and metabolic syndrome.
The plant's ability to lower triglycerides is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including arjunolic acid, arjunic acid, and flavonoids, which have been shown to inhibit the production of triglycerides in the liver and improve lipid metabolism.
To harness this benefit, Terminalia arjuna can be consumed in herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or tea, which can be prepared by boiling the bark of the plant in water and straining it to create a soothing and potentially heart-healthy drink.
Top Preparations:
- Extract oil
- Arjuna leaf infusion
- Arjuna bark tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Terminalia arjuna and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Lowers triglycerides.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Arjunolic acid | Hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis |
| Terminalin | Triglyceride buildup, cardiovascular disease, obesity |
| Quercetin | Cardiovascular disease, inflammation, atherosclerosis |
| Gallic acid | Hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease |
11. Reduces risk of myocardial infarction
Terminalia arjuna reduces risk of myocardial infarction, which refers to the prevention of a heart attack caused by blockage of blood flow to the heart.
This benefit is crucial as myocardial infarction is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and its prevention can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with heart conditions, such as angina, high blood pressure, or atherosclerosis.
The ability of Terminalia arjuna to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including arjunone, arjungenin, and flavonoids, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties.
To utilize Terminalia arjuna for this benefit, it is best to consume it as a herbal preparation, such as an extract or capsule, in moderate doses, typically 500-1000 mg per day, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Arjuna capsules
- Arjuna extract
- Arjunarishta
- Arjunarishta ()
- Arjuna powder
The following table displays the major constituents of Terminalia arjuna and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces risk of myocardial infarction.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Arjunolic acid | Myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Arjunone | Hypertension, angina pectoris, cardiac arrest |
| Terminaline | Cardiac inflammation, cardiac fibrosis, cardiac dysfunction |