Hindu mythology documented that these two plants have their origin while lord Indra killed a gaint V¾tra. The blood (Rakta) and Las¶kŒ of V¾tra have attained the form of Lohita Tµula and Babhru Tµula respectively. Sayana described ‘Tµula’ as ‘MaÛjar¶’ and one of its synonym is Phalguna. The ‘Babhru Tµula Phalguna’ is considered as the best Medhya according to Jaimini BrŒhmaÄa (1/354).
Other BrŒhmaÄa granthas and Ýrouta sutras have delineated Arjuna as the substitute for Soma.
Some consider that JaÛgiÎa mentioned in Atharva veda is T. arjuna.
Caraka delineated Arjuna in the UdardapraÜaman group (C.S.Su. 4). Brihat Trayi have indicated in for Raktapitta, Arsas, Kushtha, Prameha, MutrŒghŒta and VraÄa but not H¾droga. It is V¾nda, CakrapŒÄi and ÝoÎhala who have high-lighted the role of Arjuna in H¾droga. Sushruta mentioned Arjuna and Kakubha ighantuy (S.S.Ka. 6/3). Dalhana in this context opined that Kakubha is a shrub with aromatic root and it may be rtagala. Though DalhaÄŒ’s comments confuse us, its identity is usually made with Arjuna or a veriety of Arjuna.
In certain instances Caraka quoted the utility of flowers of Kakubha in therapeutics (C.S.Ci. 23/99 & 29/142). DhanaÛjaya is the synonym used only twice by Brihat Trayi (C.S.Ci. 4/74 & A.H.Ut. 22/82). Similarly, ParthŒ is the synonym delineated once each by Sushruta and Vagbhata(S.S.Ka 6/23 & A.H.Ut. 22/107). ‘PŒrthŒ’ is another plant identified with KapµotavaÆkŒ by not with Arjuna (A.H.Su. 15/24). SvetavŒha is the synonym only used by Vagbhataat one instance (A.H.Su. 15/19).
Raghunathji Indraji (Katobha¢¢a) is of the opinion that Sterculia urens or Terminalia glabra are the real sources of Arjuna. Rasikhal Parikh also opines that Sterculia is the correct source of Arjuna. Chunekarji informes that some Vaidyas use Lagerstromoea flos-regina as Arjuna.
Note– Dr. Madhukar Reddy (Heritage Bionatural Products, Hyderabad) informed in an personal commurication that T. arjuna is an often rejected herb in the European Union. It is considered as Cardiotoxic, ighantuyy and fish poison in EU. In this context it may be essential to rethink about the identity of Arjuna. Dr. Chopra’s report about the myocardial necrosis as the side effect of T. arjuna may be thoroughly reviewed. However, Arjuna k¦irapŒka is the best form of administration for heart diseases.
Different Varieties– If we consider Arjuna and Kakubha as two different kinds or even if we notice the common practice of using white and black varieties of Arjuna. They are identified as T. arjuna and T. alata (T. tomentosa) respectively.
Botanical Description–
T. arjuna– A large tree, 20-25 m high, trunk often ighantuy, smooth grey bark. Leaves– subopposite, hard, coriaceous, oblong or elliptic, 10-20 cm long. Flowers– yellowish-white, borne in shortly panicled-spikes. Fruits– 2.5-5 cm long, obovoid-oblong, with 5-7 equal, hard, coriaceous, thick narrow wings.
Flowers in March-June and fruits occur in September-November.
Distribution– Common on the river banks, stream; found almost throughout India.
T. alata– A large tree, 25-32 m high; bark dark, cinerous and rough. Leaves– subopposite or uppermost alternate, hard, coriaceous, oblong, ovate or elliptic, hairy beneath. Flowers– dull yellow, in erect terminal panicles. Fruit– with 5 broad wings, obovoid-oblong.
Major Chemical constituents–
T. arjuna– arachidic stearate, cerasidin, arjunic acid, tannins, arjunone, arjunetin, arjunolone, arjunglucosides I & II; arjunoside I, II & IV; arjunolic acid etc.
T. alata– gum, arjunic & arjunolic acids, arjunetin, betulinic and ellagic acids; tannins etc.
Therapeutic Uses–
(1) Ýukrameha– Decoction of Arjuna and Candana is beneficial (S.S.Ci. 11)
(2) Pµuyameha– Decoction of Dhava and Arjuna is beneficial (H.S. 3/28/7).
(3) Kushtha– Khadira, Aragvadha and Arjuna are used for Pœna & Abhyanga (C.S.Ci. 7).
(4) H¾droga– Godhµuma and Arjuna bark processed in oil, ghee and jaggery is given orally with milk (G.N.).
Part Used– Bark
Dosage– Powder 3-6 g; decoction 50-100 ml.
Important Preparations– ArjunŒri¦ta, Arjuna ghrita, PœrthŒdyari¦¢a.
Research– (T. arjuna)
(1) In a clinical study the role of Arjuna is studied over IHD and the drug is found to be effective in correcting the T-wave changes (Chaturvedi, 1967).
(2) The cardiotonic activity of Arjuna (T. arjuna) is reported from NIA, Jaipur (Jha, 1983).
(3) An experimental study was carried out in 50 dogs by liqating coronary artery and T. arjuna decoction was administered (25 dogs in each group). At the end of the study histopathological study revealed that Arjuna significantly regenerated the cardiac tissues in the infarcted area. After carrying out coronary ighantuy in dogs treated with Arjuna it was noticed that new coronary vessels developed (Gupta, 1972).
(4) Its bark significantly decreased the elevated cholesterol and increased the HDL cholesterol. It was also noted that the prostaglandin levels which were low have been increased and high levels of catecholamines were brought down by the administration of the drug besides relief from symptoms like pain, palpitation etc (Dwivedi, 1986).
(5) Serum lipids were found to be lowered by administration of bark powder (10 mg/kg b.w.) in triton-induced hyperlipaemia. Chronic feeding of this powder (100 mg/kg b.w. p.o.) in animals simultaneously fed with cholesterol (25 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days, caused lowering in lipids and protein levels of beta-lipoproteins followed by an increase in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol compared with the cholesterol fed groups. T. arjuna altered lipolytic activities in plasma, liver, heart and adipose tissues of hyperlipaemic rats. The lipid lowering effect of this natural product was found to be mediated through inhibition of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis, increased faecal bile-acid excretion and enhanced plasma ighantu : cholesterol acyltransferase activity and stimulation of receptor mediated catabolism of low lipoprotein (Khanna et al., 1996).
(6) Diet-induced hyperlipidaemic rabbits were given 50% ethanolic extract of bark. It effectively reduced the TCL, LDL and TG levels. The extract did not show any averse effect on liver and renal function and heamatological parameters (Ram et al., 1997).
(7) T. arjuna and A. racemosus (1-4 g each/kg b.i.d./day) given for 15 days showed significant antidiabetic activity (Ind. Drugs. 1983 Aug. p. 432-435).
(8) Arjunalone a flavonoid from bark is reported for female contraception (Satyavati, 1983).
(9) The hypotensive and cardiotonic properties are reported (Hippokrates, 1982).
(10) The diuretic, hypotensive and cardiotonic properties are reported (J. Res. Edu. Ind. Med. 1988 Oct-Dec. p.31-36).
(11) Marked reduction in total cholesterol and raise in the HDL are observed (Intl. J. of Crude. Drug Res. 1990, 28 (1) : p.43-47).
(12) Bark extract (500 mg b.i.d.) given with other drugs for three months considerably improved the performance of Treadmill test and exercise ighantu in IHD patients. No side effects are noticed (Ind, Med. Gazette, 1992, 126(2) : p56-59).
(13) Arjuna bark (arjunolic acid) exhibited anti-acne activity (Int. Mat. Med. Vol. II p.278).
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