Terminalia arjuna: A Potential Ayurvedic Cardio Tonic

Abstract

Herbal plants have been a significant source of therapeutic agents to cure human diseases. Plants are being in use for treating various kinds of diseases across the world. Terminalia arjuna is a widely used herbal plant since ancient times. The ancient indian practitioners utilized the powdered tree bark of arjuna for the treatment of "hritshool" (angina) and other cardiovascular problems. Terminalia arjuna is regionally called as arjuna which belongs to the combretaceae family. The plant is utilized as a medicine in the various indigenous system like ayurveda, siddha and unani. Arjunic acid, arjunolic acid, arjungenin, arjunone, arjunolone and luteolin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (opcs), phytosterols are the major phytoconstituents of Terminalia arjuna that possesses many useful biological properties like anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifeedant, cardio protective, etc. Various clinical evidence of Terminalia arjuna and its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. The present review is summarizing the phytomedicinal value of Terminalia arjuna in ayurveda and the folk system of medicine.