Arjun as a dietary supplement
Arjun, derived from the bark of the Terminalia arjuna tree, is a natural dietary supplement primarily recognized for its potential cardiovascular benefits, particularly in the treatment of angina. This plant has a long-standing history in Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally utilized to address various health issues, including heart conditions, digestive issues, and skin ailments. Research indicates that Arjun may help relax blood vessels, aiding in the management of angina by improving blood flow to the heart muscle. Some studies suggest it may also contribute to better cholesterol levels, support blood sugar control, and possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Typical dosages of Arjun are around 500 milligrams taken two to three times daily, often consumed as part of a tonic known as arjunishta, which combines it with other natural ingredients. While Arjun appears to be safe with no severe adverse effects reported, comprehensive safety evaluations are lacking, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals with significant liver or kidney issues. Overall, while the evidence supporting Arjun's effectiveness is promising, further research is needed to fully establish its benefits across various health conditions.
Arjun as a dietary supplement
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used as a dietary supplement for specific health benefits.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Angina
OTHER PROPOSED USES: High cholesterol, intestinal parasites, antioxidant, blood sugar control, insulin insensitivity, digestion, anti-aging
Overview
Terminalia arjuna is a common herbal plant (known as the Arjun tree) in Central and South India. Its bark has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine (the traditional medicine of India) for the treatment of heart problems. Other uses of various parts of the Arjun tree include hemorrhage, diarrhea, irregular menstruation, skin ulcers, acne, wounds, and fractures.
Uses and Applications
Evidence suggests that Terminalia arjuna (or Arjun) may have properties that relax blood vessels. Arjun has shown promise in treating angina, a condition where blood vessels in the heart cannot carry adequate oxygen to the heart muscle. In addition, weak evidence suggests that Arjun may have antimicrobial effects, providing benefits against amoebas and other microorganisms. One study has been used to indicate that Arjun can improve cholesterol levels, but this study proves little because it was not double-blind. Arjun is also believed to have antioxidant effects and may be helpful in controlling blood sugar. Arjun is also believed to help patients with insulin sensitivity, promote digestion, and slow aging.
Scientific Evidence
A one-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of fifty-eight persons evaluated the effectiveness of Arjun for angina by comparing it with a placebo and also with the standard drug isosorbide mononitrate. The results indicated that the herb reduced anginal episodes and increased exercise capacity. It was more effective than the placebo and approximately as effective as the medication.
A subsequent three-month study compared the effectiveness of Arjun with a placebo in forty people with a recent heart attack. All participants in this study had a particular complication of a heart attack called ischaemic mitral regurgitation. The results showed that the use of the herb improved heart function and reduced angina symptoms. Also, a combination of Ayurvedic therapy containing Arjun and approximately forty other herbs has also shown some promise for angina. While scientific studies have been numerous concerning Arjun's cardiovascular benefits, increased study is needed to confirm its effectiveness in other conditions. Still, preliminary study and reviews of studies indicate Arjun's antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Dosage
A typical dosage of Terminalia arjuna is 500 milligrams two or three times daily. Arjun is often consumed in a tonic called arjunishta, combining Arjun with several other natural ingredients.
Safety Issues
The use of Arjun has not been associated with any severe adverse effects. However, comprehensive safety studies have not been performed. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
Bharani, A., et al. "Terminalia arjuna Reverses Impaired Endothelial Function in Chronic Smokers." Indian Heart Journal, vol. 56, 2004, pp. 123-128.
Binu, Sowmya. "Arjuna: This Herbal Hero Protects Your Heart Health." Netmeds, 30 Dec. 2023, www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/arjuna-this-herbal-hero-protects-your-heart-health. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.
Dwivedi, Shridhar, and Deepti Chopra. "Revisiting Terminalia Arjuna – An Ancient Cardiovascular Drug." Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, vol. 4, no. 4, 2014, pp. 224-231, doi.org/10.4103/2225-4110.139103. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.
Hatanaka, Miho, and Nancy Carteron. "Arjunarishta: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects." Healthline, 23 July 2020, www.healthline.com/nutrition/arjunarishta. Accessed 18 Aug. 2023.
Hemalatha, T., et al. "Arjunolic Acid: A Novel Phytomedicine with Multifunctional Therapeutic Applications." Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, vol. 48, 2010, pp. 238-247.
Khan, R., et al. "Antimicrobial Activity of Five Herbal Extracts Against Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Strains of Bacteria and Fungus of Clinical Origin." Molecules, vol. 14, 2009, pp. 586-597.
Vijayalakshmi, R., et al. "Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Terminalia Arjuna." Bioinformation, vol. 19, no. 2, 2023, pp. 184-189, doi.org/10.6026/97320630019184. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.