Terminalia Arjuna: Benefits, Sources, And Side Effects

Terminalia Arjuna: Benefits, Sources, And Side Effects

Highlights

  1. Terminalia arjuna is a medicinal plant that is known for its cardiovascular effects.
  2. The bark of the arjuna plant has tannins and flavonoids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  3. Consuming the Terminalia arjuna bark is good for the heart, liver, kidney, and stomach.
  4. Consuming up to 500mg of the extract per day is considered safe.
  5. Arjuna is most popular for its use in improving and maintaining heart health.
  6. Arjuna is generally considered safe to use.
  7. Pregnant women and people who are scheduled for surgery are usually advised against using arjuna.

Overview

What is arjuna?

Terminalia arjuna, also called arjuna, is a medicinal plant with cardioprotective and cardio-strengthening properties. It belongs to the family Combretaceae. Though it is native to India, it is also found in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and other Asian countries. It was first used about 3000 years ago as a heart remedy. The bark of the arjuna tree is the part that is used for medicinal purposes. This bark of the tree contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium and other compounds that include:

Quick Fact: The Terminalia arjuna bark extract is known for its cardioprotective and cardio-strengthening properties.

  1. Phenolic compounds
  2. Tannins
  3. Flavons
  4. Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins
  5. B-Sitosterol
  6. Casuarinin
  7. Lactones

How it works

Terminalia arjuna is widely popular in alternative health practises for its positive and protective effects on the cardiovascular system. The bark helps restore the antioxidants related to the heart thereby improving its function. Apart from this, the arjuna bark strengthens the heart muscles, boosts pumping which in turn improves blood circulation.

Types

  1. Terminalia arjuna
  2. Terminalia bellarica
  3. Terminalia chebula

Benefits

What are the benefits of arjuna?

  1. Fights damage by neutralizing free radicals and inflammation-
  2. Powerful antioxidant.
  3. Relieves chest pain.
  4. Protects the heart.
  5. Fights lipid disorders.
  6. Maintains healthy blood pressure.
  7. Promotes wound healing.
  8. Helps relieve problems in the stomach.

Quick Fact: The bark extract of Terminalia arjuna provides many benefits to various parts of the body; mainly the cardiovascular system.\n

How does arjuna neutralize free radicals?

Terminalia arjuna bark has flavonoids that confer upon it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming the bark helps the body fight the negative effects of free radicals, which are the primary cause for most chronic diseases.

How does arjuna protect the heart?

The arjuna plant is renowned for its positive and cardioprotective effects on the heart. The bark reduces cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose, all of which can negatively impact heart health.

Arjuna boosts exercise performance.

Research has shown that consuming the arjuna bark extract for 2 weeks can increase the maximum oxygen consumption capacity by 4.9%. This indicates aerobic endurance and cardiovascular fitness. So, the more energy you use during exercise, the more energy you are able to produce. Also, combining Terminalia bark extract with ashwagandha can improve muscle strength.

Dosage

What is the recommended dosage of arjuna?

Based on scientific research done on the arjuna plant so far, the following dosages have been recommended:\nBy Mouth\n

  1. For chest pain: 500mg of the powdered bark of the arjuna plant is recommended to be taken three times per day, along with the conventional treatment for angina for about three months.
  2. For heart failure: 500 mg of powdered arjuna bark can be taken three times per day along with the conventional treatment for heart failure for about 2 weeks.

Quick Fact: It is safe to consume up to 500mg of the arjuna bark extract per day.

AIWO Recommendation: One tablet (500 mg) everyday after a meal.

Safety and Side Effects

What are the common side effects?

Terminalia arjuna plant’s bark is generally considered safe to use. However, it is advisable not to take this without medical supervision as it might affect the heart. There are a few special precautions and warning one needs to take before consuming Terminalia arjuna plant:\n\n

  1. Pregnancy: The Terminalia arjuna plant is POSSIBLY UNSAFE during pregnancy but it is best to avoid the other Terminalia species as well.
  2. Bleeding Disorders: Terminalia arjuna is known to slow down blood clotting and so consuming it might increase bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
  3. Breast Feeding: there is no evidence to state that the Terminalia plant is safe or unsafe if you are breastfeeding. So, it is advisable to avoid its use.
  4. Diabetes: Terminalia is known to reduce blood sugar levels.
  5. Surgery: Since Terminalia interferes with the blood clotting mechanism by slowing it down and also affects blood sugar control, it is best to stop taking Terminalia about 2 weeks before surgery.

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