Arjuna

Arjuna is a potential cardioprotective agent belonging to the Combretaceae family. It is an ayurvedic remedy that has been mentioned since vedic period in many ancient Indian medicinal texts. 

Arjuna tree is about 60-80 ft in height, and is seen along rivers, streams, and dry water bodies throughout the Indo-sub-Himalayan tracts of Uttar Pradesh, southern Bihar, Chota Nagpur, Burma, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Deccan region. It is also found in the forests of Sri Lanka and Mauritius.

Ayurvedic Actions

Arjuna with Health Benefits

Arjuna for Angina (heart-related chest pain)

Arjuna is beneficial in the management of chest pain (angina). Studies suggest that the bark of Arjuna shows a significant reduction in chest pain by lowering the level of cortisol i.e., the stress hormone. Arjuna also increases exercise tolerance, improves HDL levels and reduces blood pressure in people with stable angina.

Arjuna for Heart disease

Arjuna might be beneficial in managing heart diseases as it acts as a cardiotonic and strengthens the heart muscles. Certain constituents such as Tannins and glycosides present in Arjuna bark have an antioxidant property that protects the heart muscles and blood vessels against damage caused by free radicals. 

Arjuna also helps in the dilation of the blood vessels and dissolves the plaque to improve blood flow. Thus it is effective in managing cardiac problems such as high blood pressure, palpitations and rapid heartbeat.

Arjuna for Diarrhea

Arjuna might be beneficial in managing diarrhea. Certain constituents present in Arjuna have antimicrobial and astringent properties. It also has an antibacterial property that controls the intestinal infection caused by microorganisms. It regulates the gut motility and prevents excessive loss of water and electrolytes from the body.

Arjuna for Urinary tract infections

Arjuna has antibacterial properties and helps in the management of urinary tract infection. Arjuna also manages symptoms like increased urine frequency.

Dosage and side effects (only after consultation with an ayurvedic doctor)

• 2-3 g twice a day or as directed by the Physician.
• Arjuna may interact with blood thinners. So it is generally advisable to consult your physician if you are taking Arjuna with anticoagulant drugs.
• It is generally advisable to avoid taking Arjuna, if you are in pregnancy ,  breastfeeding.
• Arjuna may decrease the blood sugar level. So it is generally advisable to monitor your blood sugar regularly if you are taking Arjuna with anti-diabetic drugs

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4220499/
2. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India. Part 1 Volume 1.
3. Prof. Sharma P.V., Dravyaguna Vijnana vol.2, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy- Varanasi , page. no.- 195, 2006.