What is Arjuna? Arjuna, also called the “Arjun tree,” is a tree that is widely cultivated in India. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial are just a few of its medicinal attributes.
Heart disease risk is decreased with the aid of Arjuna. It aids in the heart’s proper operation by boosting heart muscle strength and tone. Additionally, the arjuna tree has potent anti-hypertensive properties that lower high blood pressure. Boiling Arjuna chaal in milk should be consumed 1-2 times per day for the greatest benefits in the event of heart issues.
In addition, arjuna helps manage cough, asthma, and diarrhea. Yes, here we will tell you all about the uses and health benefits of arjuna are-
Chemical Compounds in Arjuna
Category | Phytochemicals |
Triterpenoids | Arjunin, arjunic acid, arjunolic acid, arjungenin, terminic acid, ajunglucosides IV and V, arjunasides A-E, 2-alpha, 3-beta-dihydroxyurs-12,18-dien-28-oic acid 28-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl ester |
Flavonoids | Arjunolone, arjunone, baicalein, luteolin, gallic acid, ethyl gallate, quercetin, kempferol, pelargonidin, oligomeric proanthocyanidins |
Glycosides | Arjunetin, arjunoside I, arjunoside II, arjunaphthanoloside, terminoside A |
Tannins | Pyrocatechols, punicallin, punicalagin, terchebulin, terflavin C, castalagin, casuariin, casuarinin |
Minerals and trace elements | Calcium, aluminum, magnesium, silica, zinc, copper |
Table 1: Chemical constituents present in Arjuna stem (source)
Therapeutic Uses of Arjuna and Consuming Arjuna
The benefits of Arjunarishta for health
- Arjunarishta has the ability to reduce high blood pressure.
- Numerous compounds found in arjunarishta serve as antioxidants. Phytochemicals with antioxidant properties and the capacity to scavenge free radicals include flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic acids, and triterpenoids. This process of scavenging free radicals may successfully stop liver and kidney damage. (source)
Health Benefits of Arjuna
Arjunarishta Helps in Treatment of Heart Conditions
The heart’s muscles are nourished and strengthened by arujunarishta. Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, aids in heart health. Arjuna, the main ingredient in arjunarishta, is effective at reducing angina pain and may also be used to treat heart failure and coronary artery disease.
Arjunarishta May Help in Treating Diabetes
Increasing insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels are also advantages of arjunarishta. Hyperglycemia may benefit from arjunarishta. Arjunarishta may therefore be helpful for those who have diabetes.
Arjunarishta’s Benefits for Cancer
It’s possible that Arjunarishta can treat cancer. Arjuna bark, the main component of Arjunarishta, has been shown in animal experiments to be useful in reducing tumour growth. Additionally, vitis vinifera has demonstrated anticancer properties and was successful in eliminating cancer cells in in vitro experiments. To fully grasp their effectiveness in treating cancer in humans, more research is necessary.
Arjuna is used to treat Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress, and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid into the intestine from various tissues of the body and mixes it with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Taking Arjuna chaal (bark) helps to control the frequency of motion and helps to retain fluid in the body. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) property (source)
Precautions Before Using Arjuna
- Blood thinners may interact with arjuna. Therefore, it is typically advised to seek medical advice if you are taking Arjuna together with anticoagulant medications.
- If you are breastfeeding, it is typically advised to avoid taking Arjuna.
- Arjuna could lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is generally advised to periodically check your blood sugar if you are using Arjuna together with anti-diabetic medications.
- Generally speaking, it is advised to steer clear of Arjuna while pregnant. (source)
Side effects of using Arjuna
- Arjuna consumption is linked to moderate adverse effects such as nausea, headaches, gastritis, and body aches.
- Consuming the essential ingredient of Arjunarishta, the arjuna plant extract might cause hypothyroidism and hepatotoxicity. (source)